McAllen Mosquito Control Services

Reducing Mosquito Populations in Your McAllen Yard

Let’s be honest—mosquitoes in South Texas are relentless. One afternoon thunderstorm drops 2 inches of rain, and three days later your backyard is swarming. They’re not just annoying; they’re a legitimate health concern with Zika, West Nile virus, and dengue all documented in the McAllen.

Colco Pest and Weed Control provides targeted mosquito control for McAllen residential and commercial properties. We reduce mosquito populations using barrier treatments and breeding site elimination. Will we eliminate every single mosquito? No. But we can make your yard comfortable enough to actually use it.

Ready to reclaim your backyard? Call 956-777-6328 to schedule treatment.

Why McAllen Has Serious Mosquito Problems

Year-Round Breeding: Mosquitoes need two things—standing water and warmth. McAllen provides both 10-11 months of the year. Even December and January often stay warm enough for mosquito activity.

Summer Thunderstorms: May through September, we get frequent afternoon storms. Poor drainage, puddles in low spots, clogged gutters—all of it becomes mosquito breeding habitat within 48 hours.

Resacas and Water Features: McAllen has numerous resacas (oxbow lakes) and retention ponds. These natural and man-made water bodies produce massive mosquito populations that spread into surrounding neighborhoods.

Vegetation and Humidity: Dense landscaping, shrubs, and trees provide resting spots for adult mosquitoes during the day. High humidity keeps them active and comfortable.

Proximity to Agricultural Areas: Irrigated farmland and citrus groves create additional mosquito habitat. Populations from agricultural areas drift into residential neighborhoods.

Standing Water Everywhere: Bird baths, plant saucers, kids’ toys, clogged gutters, tire swings, tarps, wheelbarrows—anything that holds water for 5-7 days can produce mosquitoes.

Container Breeding Species: Aedes aegypti (the mosquito that carries Zika and dengue) breeds in small containers around homes. These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters that live right where people are.

Mosquito Species in McAllen

Aedes aegypti (Yellow Fever Mosquito): Small, black with white markings. Aggressive daytime biter. Breeds in containers around homes. Vectors for Zika, dengue, and chikungunya. Bites ankles and legs preferentially.

Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger Mosquito): Similar to aegypti but with white stripe down the back. Also a daytime biter and container breeder. Vectors for Zika and dengue.

Culex species (Southern House Mosquito): Most common mosquito in McAllen. Active at dusk and dawn. Breeds in standing water—ditches, retention ponds, neglected pools. Primary vector for West Nile virus.

Psorophora species (Floodwater Mosquitoes): Large, aggressive mosquitoes that emerge after heavy rains. Their bite is painful. They’re strong fliers and can travel miles from breeding sites.

Our Mosquito Control Approach

Step 1: Property Inspection We walk your property looking for mosquito breeding sites and adult mosquito resting areas. We identify standing water sources, dense vegetation, and conditions attracting mosquitoes.

Step 2: Source Reduction Recommendations We tell you what’s breeding mosquitoes on your property—clogged gutters, low spots holding water, neglected plant saucers, etc. Eliminating breeding sites is the most effective long-term control.

Step 3: Barrier Treatment Application We apply residual insecticide to vegetation, under eaves, on fences, and other areas where adult mosquitoes rest during the day. When mosquitoes land on treated surfaces, they pick up product and die. This dramatically reduces adult mosquito populations in your yard.

Step 4: Larvicide Treatment (If Applicable) For standing water that can’t be eliminated (koi ponds, decorative fountains, rain barrels), we apply larvicide products that kill mosquito larvae before they become biting adults.

Step 5: Ongoing Maintenance Mosquito treatments last 3-4 weeks in South Texas conditions. For season-long control, we return monthly during mosquito season (April through October).

What to Expect from Treatment

Immediate Results: You’ll notice significantly fewer mosquitoes in your yard within 24 hours of treatment.

Duration: Treatments remain effective for 3-4 weeks under normal conditions. Heavy rain can reduce effectiveness.

Not 100% Elimination: We treat your property, but mosquitoes can fly in from neighbors’ yards, nearby retention ponds, or undeveloped areas. Treatment makes your yard much more comfortable but won’t eliminate every mosquito.

Best Combined with Source Reduction: Treatment works best when you also eliminate breeding sites. If you’ve got standing water producing hundreds of mosquitoes daily, treatment effectiveness is limited.

DIY Mosquito Prevention

These steps reduce mosquito breeding on your property:

Eliminate Standing Water:

• Empty plant saucers weekly
• Dump water from kids’ toys, buckets, and containers
• Clean clogged gutters
• Fill low spots in yard that hold water
• Change pet water bowls every 2-3 days
• Remove old tires or drill drain holes in tire swings
• Cover rain barrels with fine mesh
• Maintain pool properly (chlorinated water doesn’t breed mosquitoes)

Reduce Adult Habitat:

• Trim overgrown vegetation
• Keep grass mowed
• Trim shrubs away from house
• Remove yard debris and leaf piles

Use Fans on Patios: Mosquitoes are weak fliers. A strong fan makes it difficult for them to fly and bite. This is surprisingly effective for outdoor seating areas.

Screen Maintenance: Repair torn window screens and keep doors closed. Mosquitoes will come inside if given the chance.

What Doesn’t Work Well

Bug Zappers: Kill tons of insects, but most aren’t mosquitoes. Studies show zappers kill beneficial insects and have minimal impact on mosquito populations.

Citronella Candles: Provide minor protection in immediate area (2-3 feet), but don’t reduce mosquito populations. Better than nothing for small outdoor gatherings.

Ultrasonic Devices: Don’t work. Multiple studies show these have zero effect on mosquitoes.

Mosquito Misting Systems: Expensive to install and require regular refills. They work, but professional barrier treatments are more cost-effective for most homeowners.

Bug Spray Alone: Personal repellent protects you but doesn’t reduce mosquito populations in your yard.

Special Event Treatment

Having an outdoor wedding, graduation party, or event? We offer one-time mosquito treatments 24-48 hours before your event. This knocks down mosquito populations so your guests can actually enjoy being outside.

Call us at least a week in advance to schedule: 956-777-6328

Commercial Mosquito Control

We provide mosquito control for:

• Restaurants with outdoor seating
• Hotels and resorts
• Golf courses
• Parks and recreational facilities
• Apartment complexes
• HOA common areas
• Event venues
• Schools and daycares

Commercial properties need consistent mosquito control to keep customers and residents comfortable. We customize programs based on property size, mosquito pressure, and budget.

Health Risks from Mosquitoes in the McAllen

West Nile Virus: Documented in Hidalgo County regularly. Most infections are mild, but severe cases can cause neurological problems. No vaccine available.

Zika Virus: Local transmission has occurred in South Texas. Particularly dangerous for pregnant women due to birth defect risks.

Dengue Fever: Cases have been documented in the McAllen, including McAllen. Causes severe flu-like symptoms.

Chikungunya: Present in the region. Causes joint pain that can last for months.

Not trying to scare you, but these aren’t theoretical risks. They’re real diseases transmitted by mosquitoes in our area.

Treatment Schedule Recommendations

April-October: Monthly treatments during peak mosquito season Year-Round Option: Some customers maintain treatment November-March due to mild winters One-Time Treatments: Available for special events or testing our service

Most residential customers do monthly treatments May through September. That covers the worst mosquito months.

Rio Grande Valley Areas We Serve

• All Rio Grande Valleyneighborhoods
• Mission
• Edinburg
• Pharr
• Palmview
• Sharyland
• And surrounding Rio Grande Valley communities

Get Mosquito Control Started

Call Colco at 956-777-6328 to schedule your first mosquito treatment. We’ll inspect your property, identify breeding sites, and provide a barrier treatment that makes your yard usable again.

Stop hiding inside from mosquitoes—let’s get your outdoor space back.