Green Mosquito Control: An Eco-Friendly Alternative

Green Mosquito Control: An Eco-Friendly Alternative

Mosquito season is right around the corner! Heat and humidity during these months combine to provide an ideal environment for mosquitoes to thrive. The season usually starts in the spring and peaks over the summer. Besides leaving behind itchy, red welts, these nuisance pests are dangerous to humans by vectoring serious diseases like Zika virus, West Nile virus, and chikungunya. Fortunately, there are several green pest control options you can utilize as an eco-friendly alternative to control mosquitoes. Here are 3 steps you can take for green mosquito control.

Identify Nesting and Resting Sites

The first step to controlling mosquitoes is identifying and eliminating what attracts them in the first place. Mosquitoes will come around in search of two things: nesting sites and resting sites.

Where do mosquitoes breed? Every species of mosquito lays its eggs in water. While the type of water source may vary between species, it only takes a minute amount of water for mosquitoes to hatch and develop. Get rid of any potential breeding sites by:

  • Cleaning up debris around your home. Moisture can accumulate under piles of leaves, boards, mulch, rocks, and other outdoor items.
  • Walking around your yard and identify any items that can hold water – pots, cans, bird baths, lids, toys, and planters. Empty them or store them upside down when not in use.
  • Inspecting your gutters for clogs and keep them cleaned out. Watch out for sagging gutters or low spots where the water can accumulate.
  • Repairing any poor drainage sites in your yard as these can lead to standing water. Consider leveling your yard or installing a french drain.

Once mature, adult mosquitoes will often rest in shady areas that are protected from the wind. Some common resting sites include trees, shrubs, potted plants, patios, and front entryways.

Protect Yourself From Bites

Any time you can protect yourself from mosquito bites you should. Prevent mosquito bites by:

  • Blowing them away. Any breeze above 1 mph will make it difficult for mosquitoes to fly. If you have to spend time outdoors, consider using fans, whether battery powered, plug in or ceiling. Try to keep the air flow from the fans pointed at the lower half of your body as mosquitoes tend to fly closer to the ground to avoid said wind.
  • Avoiding peak mosquito hours. Mosquitoes tend to feed at dawn and dusk as the wind typically dissipates around these times. Try to stay indoors during these times, especially during the warmer months.
  • Applying insect repellent before going outdoors. When applying repellent, spray it onto your hands and rub it onto your skin rather than spraying it directly onto the skin. Repellents with DEET block the mosquitoes’ CO2 receptors, making them especially effective.
  • If you are opposed to DEET, there are other natural mosquito repellents you can use instead.
    • Picaridin is CDC approved and the most broadly used repellent outside the United States.
    • IR 3535 is CDC approved and also repels deer ticks.
    • 2-undecanone is CDC approved and is found naturally in cloves.
    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus is CDC approved and has been proven in studies to repel as well as DEET.
    • Avon Skin so Soft was shown in a 2015 study to repel mosquitoes for up to 2 hours.
    • Permethrin fabric spray can be used on clothes, shoes, tents, and netting.
    • Essential oils containing eucalyptus, rosemary, cloves, basil, and peppermint have also been shown to repel mosquitoes and are even used in many commercial products.
  • Covering up when outdoors. Wear tightly woven, light colored clothing. The synthetic fibers in athletic wear are especially good at repelling mosquitoes. Dark colors stand out to mosquitoes, while lighter colors are less attractive.
  • Considering the use of plants that repel mosquitoes around your home such as citronella, lavender, lemongrass, marigolds, and basil.

Applying Green Mosquito Treatments

Yards and climates vary across the region so the effectiveness and longevity of mosquito treatments will vary from home to home. Regardless of where you live or what kind of home you have, a green mosquito control program can be effective at helping control mosquito populations. Green mosquito control utilizes eco-friendly products that are just as effective as traditional products.

A complete green reduction program includes monthly mosquito treatments during mosquito season. Green treatments use products that are derived from flowers and botanicals and area only applied to the areas where they are needed instead of over the entire yard. They are effective at reducing both adult and larvae populations.

The green mosquito reduction program includes an inspection to identify resting and nesting sites; larvacide and adulticides to target all aspects of the population; source reduction and elimination by removing any areas of standing water; and a service guarantee where they will come back between treatments if needed, usually at no cost.

If you have a problem with mosquitoes or any other pests, contact a professional pest control company who can provide you with a thorough inspection and the most up to date traditional pest control and green treatment options available for you.

 

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How Much Does A Mosquito Treatment Cost?

How Much Does A Mosquito Treatment Cost?

The peak of mosquito season is from April to October. During this time, mosquitoes invade, leaving behind itchy bites and aggravation. They are also capable of spreading serious diseases such as Zika and West Nile virus. While many of us take precautions by using mosquito repellent and wearing long sleeved clothing, sometimes these prevention techniques just aren’t enough. A mosquito treatment is often needed to help control mosquito populations.

There are two options to mosquito treatments – green and traditional. Green mosquito treatments utilize products derived from flowers and bacteria that are only applied to the areas where they are needed, minimizing their impact on surrounding areas. These treatments also work on adult and larvae.

A traditional mosquito treatment consists of 5 steps:

  • A property inspection to help identify any potential mosquito breeding sites.
  • A service guarantee where a technician will come back in between scheduled visits to address any problems at no additional charge.
  • Mosquito source reduction where areas of standing water and other potential breeding sites are eliminated.
  • Larvicide treatments to target these potential breeding areas.
  • Adulticide treatments to target adult resting areas.

How much does a mosquito treatment cost? Treatments typically last between 21 and 30 days and should be applied as often. Most treatments are billed per 1/4 acre or per 1/2 acre. Generally only the perimeter of the yard is treated, concentrating on areas of foliage and woods. The average cost of a mosquito treatment is between $350 and $500 per season for a 1/4 to 1/2 acre property. This cost can range anywhere from $325 up to $1900 depending on the size of the property and the frequency of treatments. Mosquito treatments are performed on a monthly basis with an average of $70 to $100 cost per visit. Some companies will offer a discount on this rate if you sign up for recurring treatments.

While there are DIY mosquito treatments available, a professional pest control company has the experience, training, and equipment to get rid of mosquitoes and keep them away. Most will utilize an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that combines a variety of treatment and control methods to eliminate mosquitoes with minimal impact to the surrounding environment.

 

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Mosquito Season: When Will It End?

Mosquito Season: When Will It End?

In some places, especially the southern United States, mosquito season can seem like it lasts forever – or at least for the majority of the year; and in some cases it actually does. Mosquitoes are most often associated with the hot summer months but the season actually begins earlier than that and can run through fall. Besides being annoying, mosquitoes can also pose serious health hazards to both humans and animals. Mosquitoes are known to transmit serious diseases like West Nile virus, Zika virus, chikungunya, and eastern equine encephalitis.

Because mosquito activity is primarily driven by temperature, mosquito seasons vary from region to region. Some species of mosquitoes hibernate during the winter and emerge when the weather warms up. Other species die off when cold weather arrives and their offspring hatch from previously laid eggs in the spring. Regardless of the species, most mosquito activity begins when temperatures consistently reach above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. As temperatures increase, so does mosquito activity, making peak mosquito season in the hot summer months. As the weather begins to cool down, so does mosquito activity. Those mosquito species that hibernate over winter will begin looking for their winter dwellings in hollow logs, abandoned animal burrows, and other places. Those mosquito species that don’t hibernate will begin dying off as temperatures drop below 50 degrees. Because of this, those places with warmer climates will have mosquito season begin earlier and last longer than those with cooler climates.

There are some do-it-yourself pest control steps that you can take to help minimize mosquitoes on and around your property. Try to implement these before mosquito season starts when temperatures are still below the 50 degree mark. Waiting until mosquito season means the breeding population will already be established and will be much harder to control.

  • Eliminate Standing Water. Walk your property and remove any objects that can collect water. Standing water serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. They only require a small amount of water to lay eggs so be sure to check flower pots, bird feeders, toys, old tires, buckets, wheelbarrows, etc.
  • Clean Gutters. Clogged gutters can create standing water which provides ample breeding ground for mosquitoes. Make sure gutters remain free of debris and clogs. Consider installing gutter guards to help eliminate clogs.
  • Fill in Hollow Areas. When checking your property, take note of any low lying areas like ditches that can collect standing water after rain or watering. Fill them in with dirt as necessary. Also make sure to check for any hollow logs and stumps which can not only hold standing water but also provide overwintering mosquitoes a place to hibernate during the cold weather.
  • Check For Leaks and Cracks. Inspect foundations and exterior walls for cracks and make sure to promptly repair them. Even the smallest cracks can provide mosquitoes with an entryway into your home. Check for any leaks, as well, as mosquitoes can breed in the standing water.
  • Repair/Replace Screens. Check screens to make sure they are intact and in good repair. This includes screens on windows, doors, and screened porches and patios. Size 16-18 mesh is recommended for pest control.
  • Cover Up. Some objects that can hold or collect standing water can’t be removed from your yard like wading pools and boats. When these items aren’t in use make sure they stay covered. Also make sure to check the covers after rain to make sure they aren’t collecting water, as well.
  • Maintain the Pool. Mosquitoes will typically stay away from well maintained pools. However, if a pool goes unused for a period of time they will be attracted to the stagnant water. Make sure to keep your pool maintained or covered if not in use for an extended period.

Even with these proactive steps, mosquitoes can still be difficult to control. Consider investing in a professional mosquito control program that can reduce mosquitoes, help prevent mosquito bites, and limit your risk of mosquito-borne disease. A mosquito control program from a licensed pest control company can provide you with treatments throughout mosquito season.

 

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How Long Does a Mosquito Treatment Last?

How Long Does a Mosquito Treatment Last?

Mosquitoes are one of the most common pests active during the spring and summer months. While most consider them a nuisance with their incessant buzzing and itchy bites, mosquitoes can also be dangerous to both humans and pets, transmitting serious diseases like Zika and West Nile to humans and heartworms and encephalitis to pets. Peak season for mosquitoes is from April to October. What methods for mosquito control are out there? How long do they last? Find out the answers to these questions and more below.

When is Mosquito Season?

Mosquitoes will begin to lay eggs or previously laid eggs will begin to hatch when the temperature outside consistently reaches 50 degrees in the evenings. Peak mosquito season typically runs from April through October.

What is Included in a Mosquito Treatment?

There are several benefits included in a mosquito treatment. Green mosquito treatments use products derived from flowers and bacteria and are applied only to areas needed, reducing adult mosquito populations as well as mosquito larvae. A typical mosquito treatment program may include a property inspection to identify potential mosquito breeding and resting areas in and around your home and yard; a service guarantee to come back in between scheduled visits if needed at no charge; mosquito source reduction by eliminating areas of standing water such as clogged gutters, containers, bird baths, etc; larvicide mosquito treatments to target those potential breeding sites; and adulticide mosquito treatments to target adult mosquito resting areas like shrubs, ivy, weeds, small trees, shaded areas.

How Long Does a Mosquito Treatment Last?

Several factors affect the longevity of a mosquito treatment including weather, environment, application technique and the mosquito population levels around your home. A typical mosquito treatment lasts about 30 days. After this time, the material begins to degrade making your mosquito protection less effective. It is recommended that mosquito treatments should be applied monthly for the duration of mosquito season.

What Size Area is Treated?

In general, if your property is less than 1 acre the mosquito treatment will be applied to the entire yard. If your property is greater than 1 acre, technicians will usually start with a treatment area of about 1 acre and progress as needed. The treatment will specifically be applied to the perimeter of the yard in areas of foliage, woods, and shaded damp areas. These are the areas where mosquitoes prefer to rest during the day. This creates the largest impact while using the least amount of product.

What Can You Do To Prevent Mosquito Bites?

Mosquito bites are itchy and sometimes painful; they can also be dangerous as they can transmit serious diseases to both humans and animals. There are several steps you can take to prevent mosquito bites. Use insect repellent any time you will be outside. This repellent should include one of the following ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. Cover up with long sleeves and pants. Tuck pants into your shoes if possible. Treat boots, pants, socks, and even tents with permethrin. Use air conditioning or window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home. Make sure screens are in good repair with no holes or tears. Cover cribs, strollers, and carriers with mosquito netting. Once a week empty, scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out any items that can hold standing water such as buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flower pots, and trashcans.

How Can You Treat Mosquito Bites?

Mosquito bites are not only painful, they can cause severe reactions if you have a mosquito allergy. There are several things you can do to treat mosquito bites. First and foremost, don’t scratch the bite. Scratching may temporarily relieve the itching but it also continues to irritate and inflame the skin and can lead to infection. Wash the bite with cool water and soap instead. Try calamine lotion or Caladryl on the bites; there are also several new products containing cortisone or other antihistamines such as AfterBite that can help relieve itching. Use a cold compress or ice pack on the bite to help reduce inflammation. Try an oral antihistamine like Benadryl to help with itching. These take longer to work but can also provide longer relief.

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Mosquitoes In The South

Mosquitoes In The South

The South is known for many things like warm weather, sweet tea, and southern hospitality. Unfortunately, the south is also known for another thing – mosquitoes! Mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid climates like we have here in the southern United States. As the weather warms, mosquito season begins and peaks in the mid-summer months. Mosquitoes can breed in less than 1 inch of water so the South offers them a multitude of habitats to expand their populations.

Mosquito bites cause irritation and itching of the skin. Besides this nuisance, mosquitoes can also transmit diseases that can threaten the health of both humans and animals. Here are some of the most common diseases that can be spread by mosquitoes:

MALARIA

  • Spread by Anopheles species of mosquito
  • About 1700 cases per year in the US
  • Most cases are from travelers returning from malaria infected countries
  • Serious disease, sometimes fatal
  • Symptoms include high fevers, chills, sweats, headache, body aches, nausea and vomiting
  • Curable if diagnosed and treated promptly
  • The potential for the disease to re-emerge in the US is present especially in the South

DENGUE

  • Spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito
  • Rarely occurs in the US but rampant in Puerto Rico and Latin America
  • Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint pain, muscle and bone pain, rash, and mild bleeding (especially of the nose and gums)
  • No vaccine to prevent in the US but there are vaccines registered for use in other countries
  • No specific treatment; treat symptomatically with pain relievers, fever reducers, rest, and fluids

CHIKUNGUNYA

  • Spread by the Aedes species of mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus)
  • Very similar to dengue and Zika
  • Symptoms include fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash
  • Rarely fatal but extremely debilitating
  • No vaccine to prevent
  • Treatment is symptomatic with rest, fluids, fever reducers, and pain relievers

WEST NILE VIRUS

  • West Nile Virus has been detected in over 30 species of mosquitoes
  • Cases have been reported in all of the continental US
  • Most people (8/10) do not have any symptoms at all
  • 1/5 people have a high fever
  • 1/150 people develop encephalitis which can be fatal
  • No vaccine to prevent
  • Treatment is symptomatic with fever reducers and pain relievers

ZIKA

  • Spread by the Aedes species of mosquito
  • Also spread by sexual contact and from pregnant mothers to their fetus
  • Cases have been reported in all of the continental United States
  • Symptoms include fever, rash, headache, joint pain, red eyes, and muscle pain
  • Zika can also cause birth defects when passed to babies from their mothers during pregnancy
  • No vaccine to prevent
  • Treatment is symptomatic with rest, fluids, pain relievers, and fever reducers

PREVENTION:

Now that you know some of the diseases you can contract from mosquitoes what can you do to prevent them? Avoiding mosquito bites is the #1 way to prevent all of the diseases mentioned above. Check out these tips to avoid mosquito bites and help keep them away from yourself and your home.

  1. Eliminate standing water around your home, especially in old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys, and any other containers that can hold water.
  2. Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, and rain barrels at least once a week.
  3. Empty and change water in outdoor pet bowls daily.
  4. Check gutters for clogs which can cause water to pool. Clean them regularly, especially during the summer season. Consider installing gutter guards to help prevent clogs.
  5. Drain and fill any temporary pools of water around your home with dirt. Try to get your yard as level as possible.
  6. Keep swimming pool water treated appropriately and circulating.
  7. Make sure window and door screens are in good repair. Cover any gaps in walls, doors, and windows to keep mosquitoes from getting into your home.
  8. Keep doors and windows closed and stay indoors as much as possible, especially during the summer months.
  9. Keep your grass cut short and rake up any fallen leaves. Mosquitoes like to rest on grass during the day so keeping it short will eliminate this. Leaves can hold enough water for mosquitoes to breed so keep them raked up, as well.
  10. Replace your outdoor lights with yellow “bug lights.” These don’t eliminate mosquitoes but they do attract less of them than regular lights do.
  11. If you have to go outside, wear long sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. Tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks to protect as much skin as possible.
  12. If you have to be outside in areas where there are a large number of mosquitoes, use head nets, long sleeves, and long pants.
  13. Use EPA-registered mosquito repellents but  be sure to follow precautions and instructions carefully.
  14. Avoid using scented bath products if possible. While the connection is unknown, studies have shown that mosquitoes seem to be attracted to fragrances found in shampoo, perfume, cologne, and lotion.

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