Eliminating or Reducing Mosquito Breeding Sites

Mosquitoes are well-known to spread diseases such as West Nile Virus, malaria and dengue fever. And this year, West Nile Virus has been a serious concern.

Pools of stagnant water, in storm drains, old tires, children's wading pools and birdbaths, left behind by springtime rain are a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water sources such as

Eliminate or reduce mosquito breeding sites by replacing all standing water at least once a week. This includes bird baths, ponds and unfiltered pools. Remove unneeded vegetation or trash from around any standing water sources that cannot be changed, dumped or removed. Introduce mosquito-eating fish such as gambusia, green sunfish, bluegills and minnows to standing water. Screen windows, doors and other openings with mesh. Avoid going outdoors when and where mosquitoes are most active: during dusk or dawn. Use insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin whenever or wherever mosquitoes are likely to bite.

If you're concerned about mosquitoes at your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.


Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net
Reference: www.pestworld.org

The Buzz On Mosquitoes

One of the best known summer pests, mosquitoes breed in stagnant water or soft soil and can develop from egg to adult in 10 to 14 days.

Female mosquitoes suck our blood. Male mosquitoes feed on plant nectars. They can develop from egg to adult in 10 to 14 days. They are most active from dusk to dawn and will fly up to 14 miles for a blood meal.

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water sources such as storm drains, old tires, children's wading pools and birdbaths, and are well-known to spread diseases such as West Nile Virus, malaria and dengue fever.

If you're concerned about mosquitoes around your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control 1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net

Summer Insect Health Risks - Mosquitoes

Here is the next blog post excerpt from an article by Dr. Jorge Parada for the National Pest Management Association on summer insect health risks.

Like Dr. Parada, I do wonder: Is there an upside to mosquitoes?

A mosquito bite typically results in a pink bump that itches. As tempting as it may be, don’t scratch it! Scratching only agitates the venom and increases your itching. In addition, over-scratching might cause breaks in the skin that can serve as a port of entry for bacterial superinfections.

Although less common, some people can be more sensitive to mosquito bites and have more severe reactions, such as welts or hives. All bites should be washed with soap and cold water. Benadryl and over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone cream may be indicated for intense itching and the larger reactions. If there are signs and symptoms of infection you may need to see your doctor for antibiotics.

While mosquito bites are no fun, those itchy lesions, thankfully and rarely lead to severe reactions. Unfortunately, mosquitoes can leave more than a local reaction. Sometimes they may transmit infections like malaria, dengue, or West Nile Virus (WNV). Luckily, in the United States we rarely encounter malaria or dengue, but WNV has become widespread. The good news is that in most cases WNV is a mild and self-limited infection. Symptoms may be so light as to go unnoticed, or present as a “summer flu,” with mild body and headaches and low-grade fever. In rare and extreme cases WNV is a potentially life threatening infection. Symptoms include higher fever, head and body aches, confusion and worsening weakness and such symptoms should prompt you to seek medical attention.

Mosquitoes bite most intensely around dawn and dusk. So if you must be outside during those times, it’s best to be inside a screened-in porch or dressed in clothing that leaves very little exposed skin. Your best protection is an insect repellant.

If you're concerned mosquitoes around your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net  

Reference: www.pestworld.org

West Nile Virus Reminder

With the increased prevalence of West Nile Virus, mosquitoes continue to be, not only a summer nuisance pest but also, a major health threat.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), mosquito-borne infections have appeared across the United States in recent years, which makes avoiding mosquito nesting/breeding sites and eliminating standing water in or around the home even more important to the protection of public health.

In addition, to the potential for West Nile Virus, mosquitoes can also cause itchy, unsightly marks as well as severe allergic reactions in human beings.

If you're concerned about mosquito breeding sites around your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
Serving Central Massachusetts
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Protect Yourself Against Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are a real and can be a serious health threat.
Mosquitoes transmit at least three human diseases that have been found in the United States. All of them are potentially fatal. These diseases include West Nile Virus, Malaria and Dengue Fever.

What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile Virus was first detected in the U.S. in 1999, it can lead to serious complications of the liver or nervous system, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), meningitis or paralysis. It is the most widely known disease, likely due to its rapid spread throughout the nation. West Nile Virus has spread across the country from Pennsylvania to Washington state since 1999. Forty-one states and Washington D.C. now have confirmed cases of West Nile.

Do we get Malaria in the United States?
Malaria was thought to have been eradicated in the U.S. but was detected in mosquitoes in Fairfax County, VA in 2002. From 1973 to 1983, travelers introduced 2,575 cases of malaria into the United States.

Are Americans at risk for Dengue Fever?
A small but important risk for dengue fever exists in the United States. Travelers introduce up to 100 to 200 cases into the U.S. each year.

What do you use to treat for mosquitoes?
Many homeowners erroneously believe that all pest management professionals do is spray chemicals to treat their homes. This is simply not true anymore. Many pest management professionals today use an Integrated Pest Management or IPM approach. IPM controls pests by getting rid of the three things they need to survive: food, shelter and water. And consumer education is a vital part of any IPM program. This approach consists of inspection, identification of the pests, employment of two or more control measures, and evaluation of effectiveness through follow-up inspections.

If you're concerned about mosquitoes around your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
Serving Central Massachusetts
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org