Flying Insect Treatment in the Coachella Valley

The most common flying insects that Coachella Valley residents can encounter in their homes or around their properties are mosquitoes, flies, bees, and wasps.

Most of us are familiar with mosquitoes and their distinctive whining buzz sound. Mosquitoes have have a single pair of narrow wings and long, thin legs. They range in size from 3mm – 9 mm. Some mosquitoes can transmit serious illness such as West Nile virus, malaria, and Zika virus. Mosquitoes breed rapidly in as little as 1/4 inch of standing water.

Clothes moths approximately 1/2 of an inch in length with their wings spread, and 1/4 of an inch in length with their wings folded. Moths feed on clothes, fabric, and stored food. They especially like to feed on soiled fabric and clothes. Clothes moth larvae are small white caterpillars with brown heads.

Whether you have an infestation of fruit flies or houseflies, they can spread bacteria and contamination thanks to their diet of garbage and decaying organic matter, and the way they eat by injecting their food with saliva to liquify it. Flies can carry serious diseases, including cholera, dysentery, salmonella, E. coli, tuberculosis, and typhoid.

Bees rarely sting unless provoked, with the exception of the more aggressive Africanized honey bees. Along with Africanized honey bees, the most common types of Coachella Valley bees are the bumblebee, the carpenter bee, and the European honey bee. Bees are usually hairy, with bodies that are either entirely black, or black or brown with orange and yellow stripes. 

Wasps can be aggressive and repetitive stingers. Wasps are brightly colored, and usually have smooth and shiny skin and a narrow waist. They’re very protective of their nests, and often make an appearance at picnics if food or drinks are left uncovered for too long.

Flying insects are a nuisance in your home – and sometimes a health risk. In particular, some mosquitoes and flies transmit serious illnesses, and meal moth larvae can infest your food.