Those who love making the most of their outdoor space probably don’t have much affection for mosquitos, ticks, and fleas. Notorious pests, these insects can bite pets and humans, impact our enjoyment of the great outdoors, and leaving itchy souvenirs behind when you head back inside. Further, some of these pests carry and transmit diseases that can seriously impact health.
It’s a question many have asked then… What benefits (if any) do these little insects with big bites offer the world? Do they have any positive impact on the ecosystem? Do they have any helpful purpose in relation to the world around them?
What Is the Purpose of Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes provide a service to plants and to some citizens of the animal kingdom. Mosquitoes are pollinators, meaning they transfer pollen from one flower to another, fertilizing them so they can form seeds and reproduce. While not as prolific pollinators as bees and butterflies, there are some plant species, namely some wild orchids, that rely heavily on mosquitoes for pollination. In the larval stage, mosquitoes also excrete nutrients in the water that encourage plant growth.
Along with pollinating flowers, mosquitoes serve the animal kingdom by being a nutritious entree for birds, bats, frogs, lizards, fish, and other animals. While you may resent mosquitoes feeding on you, these animals are happy to feast on mosquitoes!
What Is the Purpose of Ticks?
Mosquitoes aren’t the only backyard pest that serve as a food source for some animals. Many small animals and birds love to dine on ticks. As a matter of fact, some people have taken to keeping domestic birds such as chickens and turkeys to help keep the backyard tick population under control. Ticks are nourished by larger host mammals, then transfer nourishment to lesser organisms – giving them a solid place in the food chain.
Ticks don’t pollinate flowers, help plant seeds, or get rid of other garden pests like some other insects do. And as they enjoy latching onto other animals and feeding on their blood, they can become infected with disease-causing pathogens and pass them on to their hosts.
…but they do have another unique function, and that is helping scientists monitor the health of ecosystems. Scientists will measure the tick population to check in on the greater ecosystem.
- Lots of ticks? This indicates that the smaller mammal populations (squirrels, rabbits, and rodents) may also be thriving.
- Tick population low? This can point to an uptick in predators of small mammals. For instance, fewer ticks may mean the snake population is getting out of hand.
The tick’s role in spreading disease may also be considered part of its purpose. Ticks can transmit illnesses to their hosts, often causing older or weaker animals to die. The death of older animals can create space for healthier, younger animals to thrive.
What Is the Purpose of Fleas?
Fleas, like mosquitoes and ticks, transfer diseases. But beyond feeding on the sick and weak, thus helping control mammal populations, fleas have little known ecosystem benefits.
That said, they are important in the developmental cycle of tapeworms, acting as intermediate hosts until these parasites are accidentally consumed by an ultimate host. And, some garden helpers such as ladybugs love to feast on fleas. It’s not uncommon for one mature ladybug to eat fifty fleas a day! Spiders, frogs, lizards, and snakes will also snack on them.
Count On Us for Pest Removal Services
Do these insects serve a function in the world? Sure – but while they may have their place in the ecosystem, that doesn’t mean you want them invading your yard space.
The bites of each of these pests can cause pain, inflammation, and skin irritation, and the diseases they carry can move them from the realm of mere annoyance to outright hazard. Remember when fleas wiped out a quarter of the population of Europe? While modern sanitation and medical treatment advances have given us an edge over plague in the last seven centuries, many mosquito, tick, and flea spread diseases are still quite serious and debilitating. There’s a reason we seem to love to hate them!
If you’re fed up with being fed on, try a strong, all-natural approach to pest control this summer. We at Mosquito Solutions Inc bring the technical knowledge, tools, experience, and products that make all the difference right to your backyard, providing long lasting treatment for infestations of these tough little pests. Our eco-friendly treatments start working within thirty minutes of application and provide powerful results you’ll be noticing within hours.
Call Today
As we move into the warmer seasons, reclaim your yard. Give us a call at 631-528-2029 today to learn what we can do or to get your appointment on the books – you can also reach out online. We’re certified pesticide applicators with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. And as a family-owned, family-focused business that’s fully licensed and insured, you can trust that we have your best interests at heart.
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