West Michigan Bug Control: Mosquitoes, Fleas and Ticks

Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks are often found near water and trees because these environments provide ideal conditions for their survival, reproduction, and feeding. Here’s a breakdown of why each of these environments is attractive to these insects:

1. Mosquitoes

• Water Sources: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near water because the larvae are aquatic. Still or slow-moving water, such as ponds, marshes, swamps, and containers of standing water, provides a perfect habitat for the immature stages of mosquitoes to develop.
• Shade and Humidity: Trees and vegetation provide shade, which helps maintain the moisture and humidity levels that mosquitoes need. They also provide resting places for adult mosquitoes during the day, as these insects are generally more active at dawn and dusk.

2. Fleas

• Animal Hosts: Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. They are often found in areas where their hosts are present. Many wild animals, such as rodents, can be found near water sources or in wooded areas, providing a steady food source for fleas.
• Humidity and Temperature: Fleas thrive in warm and humid environments, which can often be found near bodies of water and shaded, vegetated areas. These conditions are also conducive to the development of flea eggs and larvae, which are sensitive to desiccation.

3. Ticks

• Moisture and Shelter: Ticks require a certain level of humidity to survive and are commonly found in grassy, bushy, or wooded areas. They seek out moisture-rich environments to prevent desiccation.
• Hosts: Like fleas, ticks are ectoparasites that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. Areas near water and trees often attract these animals, providing ticks with ample opportunities to find hosts.
• Questing Behavior: Ticks often use a behavior called “questing,” where they climb onto vegetation and wait with outstretched legs to latch onto a passing host. Trees and other vegetation provide the necessary platforms for this behavior.