Apr 27, 2022 | Mosquito
Spring is back, meaning the pesky pests that are mosquitoes are back too! If you haven’t thought about mosquito prevention, then now is the perfect time to begin. Mosquitoes are a major nuisance and they can also pose health risks to humans, dogs, cats, and horses by transmitting diseases. Placing preventative measures throughout your yard to reduce their activity will help avoid the risk of spreading diseases. Keep reading to discover more about mosquitoes.
What Does a Mosquito Look Like?
Mosquitoes are very small, about 1/8” – 3/8” long. They have six legs and long mouthparts called a proboscis. Their coloring varies from grey to black with some having white, green, or blue markings. They are typically difficult to spot as they fly because of their small size. They are most active from dawn to dusk.
Do Mosquitoes Only Feed on Blood?
It’s a well-known fact that mosquitoes do feed on blood. Only female mosquitoes bite and feed on humans so they can lay fertile eggs. Most mosquito species breed continuously, so a female will typically search for a blood meal every two days to lay another batch of eggs. However, both male and female mosquitoes feed on nectar from flowers for their main source of energy.
Are Mosquitoes Dangerous?
Yes. Many people are bitten by mosquitoes with no side effects, except the typical itchy welt. However, mosquitoes can be the cause of many diseases. If they feed off a diseased host, some can spread pathogens that can infect other hosts it later bites.
Mosquitoes are known to spread West Nile Virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and dengue fever in the US. Around the world they are known to spread yellow fever, malaria, and chikungunya. These illnesses do not come with specific treatments and people have varied reactions to each virus, sometimes with fatal results.
How to Prevent Mosquitoes?
Mosquito prevention begins with eliminating all sources of standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water to allow larvae to develop. This can be as easy as changing out your birdbath water daily, keeping gutters clear of debris to prevent clogging, and checking AC drip pans for standing water.
A small fan at outdoor gatherings can also help reduce mosquitoes. The most important way to repel mosquitoes is by wearing effective insect repellent sprays or protective clothing while outside.
Taking these steps can help to prevent high mosquito activity; though, it might be best to call your local pest control company to help with future infestations. A trained service professional can provide you with a customized prevention and treatment plan to help eliminate these pests throughout your property.
Apr 8, 2022 | Mosquito
As the weather warms, mosquitoes are quick to ruin your outdoor fun. The climate in the southeastern United States is ideal for mosquitoes to thrive. In this area of the country, there is a long, warm rainy season, copious amounts of rain, and high humidity, all leading to ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed. Mosquitoes prefer to lay eggs in standing or slow moving water. They also seek shelter and protection from tall grass, shrubbery, and low hanging branches.
Depending on where you live in the southeast, mosquito season typically runs from March to October. Mosquito eggs will hatch when temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This is when mosquito season officially begins. When it comes to mosquitoes, prevention is key. It is important to have a plan in place before the season starts. There are several things you can do to prevent mosquitoes from taking over your property. Here are a few mosquito prevention tips you can use this season.
- Limit standing water on your property.
- Keep your yard clear of toys, tools, and gardening equipment.
- Clear out any debris like old tires, flower pots, etc.
- Clean gutters to prevent pooling water or consider installing gutter guards.
- Fill in any depressions or holes on your property that can hold water.
- Keep pools, ponds, and bird baths clean every few days.
- Seal any cracks and holes in the house.
- Patch or repair tears or holes in screens.
- Mow your lawn regularly.
Professional Mosquito Treatments
If mosquitoes are a big problem in your area, you may want to consider professional mosquito control treatments. It is best to spray these treatments when mosquitoes are active and humans and pets aren’t. This means it is usually best to spray in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler and the sun is not at its peak.
With mosquito treatments, a professional will come and inspect your property to identify any resting and breeding areas to help eliminate these pests. It is recommended that treatments be applied monthly during peak mosquito season. Green mosquito control is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional mosquito treatments. Green mosquito control utilizes products derived from flowers and bacteria rather than harsh chemicals. These products are only applied to areas where they are needed, limiting exposure to plants and other animals. Mosquito treatments work to reduce both adult populations and mosquito larvae.
If you have a problem with mosquitoes, contact your local pest control company for a free quote.
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Mar 19, 2022 | In2Care, Mosquito
The South is known for being hot and humid during the warmer months, creating the ideal environment for mosquitoes. With Spring approaching, the season for mosquitoes is upon us, and these small, annoying insects can pose a serious health threat to humans. There is an innovative option for a no-spray mosquito solution to stop the mosquito problem at the source for the season.
In2Care mosquito control is a perfect solution to help prevent and eliminate mosquitoes throughout your property. This trap is unique as it lures in mosquitoes with a special green treatment inside the trap. Once mosquitoes enter the trap, the treatment transfers to the mosquitoes’ legs, spreading to the other breeding sites, such as difference sources of water. The spread of the treatment helps to eliminate adult mosquitoes while also preventing the larva mosquitoes from developing further.
There are many benefits behind In2Care:
- It does not harm beneficial insects, like bees
- It’s a no-spray, discreet way to reduce mosquitoes around your home or business
- The system eliminates all mosquito life stages – from larva to adult
- The traps are strategically placed around your home, so it is always working
This alternative green mosquito control method is placed in a shaded, vegetated area where mosquitoes are likely to breed, and it lures mosquitoes with the treatment inside the trap.
Instead of constantly battling mosquitoes this Spring and Summer, consider a new way with the In2Care Mosquito System to get rid of mosquitoes and take back your yard!
If you’re interested in the In2Care System or would like more information, reach out to your local pest control provider who partners with In2Care to receive a treatment fit for your property!
Request a Free Estimate Now
Sep 8, 2021 | Mosquito
It can be tough to eliminate all the mosquitoes around your property, but it is possible to prevent an infestation of these pests. While mosquitoes are a major nuisance, they can also pose health risks to humans, dogs, cats, and horses by transmitting diseases. It’s important to place preventative measures throughout your yard to reduce both their activity and their risk of spreading diseases.
Mosquitoes are looking for standing water to breed in. The first step to preventing mosquitoes is getting rid of any standing water throughout your yard.
- Keep your gutters clear of debris to prevent clogging.
- Empty birdbaths daily and refill them with new water.
- Check your AC drip pans for standing water.
- Turnover and remove water from anything that can collect, including pots, tarps, toys, old tires, and pet bowls.
Mosquitoes prefer to hide in tall grass and damp woodpiles. Keeping your yard well maintained and clear of clutter can also help prevent mosquitoes from your property.
- Cover or fill hollow tree stumps that can fill with water.
- Make sure to cover wood piles or store them in containers with lids.
- Keep your grass mowed short and frequently trim shrubbery and tree limbs.
- Keep your pool maintained or cover when you’re not using it for long periods of time.
Taking these steps can help to prevent high mosquito activity; though, at times it might be best to call your local pest control company to help with future infestations. A trained service professional can provide you with a customized prevention and treatment plan to help eliminate these pests throughout your property.
Jul 23, 2021 | Going Green, Mosquito
Mosquito season peaks in the summer months when the heat, humidity, and summer rain showers combine to create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Besides those itchy red welts mosquito bites leave behind, they are also known to be vectors for serious diseases like Zika virus and West Nile virus. While traditional mosquito control programs are quite effective at eliminating mosquitoes, there are also green mosquito control options available, as well.
Green mosquito control is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional treatments that utilize plants, flowers and other natural ingredients to provide products that are safe for you, your family, and your pets. Green mosquito products are only applied where they are needed rather than over the entire yard so other beneficial pests aren’t eliminated along with the mosquitoes.
The first step in a green mosquito treatment system is an inspection of your entire yard to identify both nesting sites and resting places that mosquitoes are using. Once these areas have been identified, targeted applications of both larvicide and adulticide are used to help control all populations of mosquitoes. Once this is done, source reduction and elimination is performed by removing any areas of standing water on your property that can be used as a breeding ground. One benefit to mosquito treatments is a service guarantee that ensures a technician will come out between treatments for any issues that arise.
In addition to a scheduled mosquito treatment, homeowners can also take steps to prevent mosquitoes around their homes.
- Mow your lawn regularly.
- Cut away tall weeds around your property.
- Remove any containers with standing water.
- Make sure your property drains properly to avoid flooding and standing water.
If you have a problem with mosquitoes or any other pests, contact your local pest control company for a free analysis.
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Jul 13, 2021 | Going Green, Mosquito
Mosquitoes thrive off heat and humidity! With summer officially here, mosquito season is in full swing, making your chances of getting bit by one of these pests very high. Mosquitoes are small and annoying and their bites can pose a serious health threat to both humans and animals. Every homeowner wants to protect their family and pets from these pests and what better way to do so with a green alternative via the In2Care Mosquito Trap!
How In2Care Works
In2Care is a perfect solution to help prevent and eliminate mosquitoes throughout your home and property. This trap is unique as it lures in mosquitoes with a special green treatment inside the trap. Once mosquitoes enter the trap, the treatment transfers to the mosquito’s legs, where it is then spread to other breeding sites, like standing water or flower saucers. The spread of the treatment eliminates adult mosquitoes but also prevents the larva mosquitoes from developing further.
The In2Care Benefits
This trap is perfect for every residential home looking for a new, alternative green mosquito control method. Instead of spraying product around your yard, the trap is placed in a shaded, vegetated area where mosquitoes are likely to breed. The green treatment used to eliminate mosquitoes does not target beneficial pests and remains environmentally and pet friendly. In2Care provides your property:
- A no spray, discrete system.
- Elimination of all mosquito life stages – from larva to adult.
- Strategic placement around the home so the trap is always working.
Instead of constantly battling mosquitoes this summer, consider a new way in In2Care to rid mosquitoes and take back your yard!
If you’re interested in the In2Care System or would like more information, call 866-480-0947.
Jun 9, 2021 | Mosquito
Mosquitoes are one of the top nuisance pests during the summertime. These pests are notorious for biting and leaving us with itchy red bumps on our skin. But why do mosquitoes bite us? And how can we prevent them from ruining our summer fun outside?
Female mosquitoes are looking for protein to survive. This protein is found in blood, which helps mosquitoes feed their developing eggs. There are several ways that these pests search for a host, including body odor, body temperature, and even the carbon dioxide that we exhale. Humans can also be a major part of attracting these pests to them without even knowing they are doing so. Factors such as wearing perfume, wearing clothes exposing skin, and even wearing dark-colored clothes can attract mosquitoes and bring a risk of mosquito bites.
Knowing the steps, you can take to reduce the chance of getting bitten by mosquitoes is the first step in protecting yourself and your family.
- Avoid mosquito peak hours! Mosquito activity rises during dawn and dusk, try to stay indoors during these times, especially during these warmer months.
- Cover up when you’re outdoors. Avoid wearing darker-colored clothing as these colors attract and stand out to mosquitoes. Instead, wear light-colored clothing and clothing made from synthetic fibers.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET. Repellents containing DEET have proven to be highly effective at repelling mosquitoes. Make sure you apply the repellent onto your hands and rub it into your skin rather than just spraying it.
If you’ve noticed an increase in mosquito activity around your property, consider contacting your local mosquito control company. They’ll provide you with a thorough inspection and treatment options, fit for your property!
May 14, 2021 | Mosquito
Your backyard is a great place to hang out, especially during warmer weather. One pest that can really ruin your good time is a mosquito. Besides being a nuisance, mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases to not only humans but also dogs, cats, and horses. Peak mosquito season runs from April to October. Help keep your family and pets safe with these mosquito prevention tips for warmer weather.
Get Rid Of Standing Water
Mosquitoes breed in standing water and only need a thimbleful to start the process. Eliminating potential breeding sites (also known as source reduction) will help keep mosquitoes out of your yard. Identify any low areas that are prone to flooding or pooling water and fill them in with dirt or remulch them. Empty birdbaths daily and refill them. Keep gutters clear of debris. Turn over and remove water from anything that can collect it including pots, tarps, toys, furniture, old tires, pet bowls, etc. Fix any leaky faucets, sprinklers, and hoses that can cause water to pool up. Check AC drip pans for standing water. Keep pools maintained and cover or fill hollow tree stumps.
Clean The Gutters
Clogged gutters can lead to standing water, attracting mosquitoes who are looking for a place to lay eggs. Keep your gutters clear of debris or consider installing gutter guards to help prevent clogs. This can also help prevent other pests, as well.
Don’t Forget Your Water Features
For larger water features that can’t be eliminated, treat them with larvacide that will eliminate any mosquito larvae that is present. Use it in any areas of standing water such as ponds, water features, and swimming pools.
Keep Your Yard Maintained
Mosquitoes love to hide in tall grass, shrubbery, and damp woodpiles. Keep your grass mowed short and your landscaping well maintained. Keep wood piles covered or store wood in containers with lids.
Crank Up The Fans
Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide and body heat. If you have to spend any time outdoors, consider using outdoor fans to help dissipate and redirect the carbon dioxide and body heat you emit. This helps make you less attractive to mosquitoes in the area.
Landscape With Mosquito-Repelling Plants
Some common flowers and plants actually make great natural mosquito repellent. Planting these flowers around your home will help keep mosquitoes at bay. Marigold is one of the most common mosquito-repelling plants. Others include lavender, rosemary, basil, catnip, lemon balm, peppermint, and pennyroyal. Citronella grass is also a good option as it is extremely easy to maintain and can be used to fill in large areas.
Attract Bats
Yes, you read that correctly! Bats eat thousands of mosquitoes each day. While this may not be an ideal solution if you live in a neighborhood or in close proximity to your neighbors, it is a great alternative for those with larger properties. You can build a bat house to attract them to your yard and watch the mosquitoes disappear.
Consider Professional Service
Fighting mosquitoes can seem like a never-ending battle despite your best efforts. There are traditional and green mosquito control options available today. Most professional mosquito elimination services will include treatments that target both adult and larvae, as well as source reduction and elimination techniques. These services are typically monthly during peak mosquito season. If you have a problem with mosquitoes, contact a professional pest control company for a free estimate.
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Apr 14, 2021 | DIY Mosquito Control, Mosquito
Humid, hot environments can be a major indication that mosquitoes are out and looking for a blood meal. Mosquito bites can be painful, creating an itchy, red welt on the skin. Depending on the person, mosquito bites could cause an allergic reaction too. While it’s inevitable to run into mosquitoes during these months, there are still ways to eliminate the chance of getting bitten.
When the weather is warm, humid, but perfect for being outside, it’s less likely that covering up is first thing you’ll think of doing. But, covering up is the most effective and easiest way to prevent mosquitoes from biting you. If you know you’ll be outside for some time, consider wearing long sleeves and pants as much as possible to cover your exposed skin. When preparing to spend time outdoors, consider wearing light-colored clothes. It’s known that mosquitoes are more attracted to darker colors, so wearing lightly colored clothing can help reduce the chance of being bitten.
If wearing long shirts and pants isn’t an option, another alternative is using insect repellant. Insect repellants are great to use when the weather is particularly hot and humid. It’s suggested that the best type of repellent to use is those that contain DEET. DEET has proven to be highly effective at repelling mosquitoes and other biting insects. It can help protect from mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika Virus, West Nile, and Encephalitis.
Whatever activities or plans you have while outside if the weather is hot, your body temperature will elevate. Staying cool and avoiding high body temperatures is impossible in the humid heat but it’s still important to try and keep cool as much as you can, since mosquitoes are highly attracted to elevated body temperatures. If you’ll be outside for a while in the heat, consider using portable fans, cold rags on your neck or forehead, and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Or consider planning your day around peak mosquito time which is in the late afternoon and evening.
It’s inevitable to run into mosquitoes in the spring and summertime and sometimes prevention isn’t enough. If you’ve gotten bitten one too many times, consider calling your local pest control company where they can provide you with an inspection and offer an effective mosquito treatment plan.
