With the spring in full bloom, we will start to see an uptick in mosquito populations this May and June. Don’t wait until you get bit to start your summer maintenance efforts to keep pesky mosquitoes away! By starting now, you can have a pain-free summer in your yard, without the mosquitoes!
Dangers of High Mosquito Populations
The biggest problem with mosquitoes is that they are more than just pesky. In fact, viruses and parasites spread by mosquito bites kill over 725,000 people every year. Luckily, North America is spared of most of these cases, but over 1,000 Americans each year still experience serious illness or death due to a mosquito bite.
Just one bite from an infected mosquito can spread; Chikungunya, Dengue fever, Zika virus, West Nile virus, Encephalitis, and Malaria. To make matters worse, Americans are not as familiar with the type of mosquito (Aedes Aegypti – commonly known as the Yellow Fever Mosquito) spreading throughout the US carrying these diseases.
“It’s different than the nuisance mosquitoes that most of us are familiar with in that instead of dusk and dawn—remember that messaging—they’re day biters,” said Florida Department of Health Secretary Celeste Philip, speaking last week to the Senate Budget committee. “Instead of being out and about in nature, they like to be in urban areas, close to people, inside homes, oftentimes.”
The Most Common Mosquito Habitats
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), all mosquitoes love stagnant water. This is because they require water to lay their eggs – whether it be directly into the water, or into moist soils.
Common Habitats Are:
- Containers/Flower Pots filled with water
- Tree holes that collect water
- Floodplains
- Ponds
- Marshes/Swamps
- Bird Baths
Mosquitoes’ Favorite Weather Conditions
Mosquitoes thrive in hot humid conditions, which is why they are known as the most annoying summer pest. In terms of temperatures, mosquitoes thrive at temperatures around 80 degrees F and cannot function below 50 degrees F.
If you are looking for a day-by-day prediction, check out this Mosquito Forecast for DC!
How to Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Yard
Now that you know whether or not your yard is a hotspot for mosquitoes, let’s talk about what you can do about it!
Strong Mosquito Chemical Sprays Hurt More Than They Help
With all these risks associated with mosquito bites, homeowners are feeling the need to turn to strong chemical mosquito yard sprays, lotions, and bug sprays. But these strong chemicals come with their own risks as well.
Like any type of application to repel pests, mosquito sprays can be more harmful than beneficial if not applied properly. Other well-known companies will spray your yard indiscriminately with an overload of chemicals. A repeat client of ours even had her children’s toys unnecessarily sprayed by a big mosquito company once. Chemical sprays by inexperienced and unlicensed individuals, the case at most big mosquito companies, can impose adverse health risks on your family and pets. With both sides having their own risks, many families are left without a good option, until now.
Safe Shield: The Mosquito Yard Spray Solution
Safe Shield All Natural Mosquito Program, RTEC’s natural mosquito spray for yards offers the best of both worlds. Our 100% natural blend of natural oils kills mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks on contact as well as acting as a repellent. Other natural solutions offered by mosquito companies and online sellers only act as repellents making them less effective.
Safe Shield is certified “all natural” by the EPA and is safe for children, pets, wildlife, and pollinators. With our mosquito yard spray, you can protect your family from mosquito-borne diseases, such as the West Nile Virus and the Zika Virus, without worrying about them coming into contact with dangerous chemical residue.
Our technicians are also trained in Integrated Pest Management solutions. This means they will only spray where mosquitoes live, feed, and breed; instead of blanket spraying your whole yard. And although the solution is non-toxic, we will still ensure not to spray sensitive areas such as children’s toys, vegetable gardens, etc.
Can You DIY Mosquito Prevention?
DIY tips, cannot fully rid your yard of mosquitoes but the tips below can strengthen the effects of your Safe Shield All-Natural Mosquito Program.
- Keep doors & windows closed so that mosquitoes can’t enter your home.
- If you utilize screen doors/window screens, periodically check them for small rips and tears which mosquitoes could enter through.
- Do not allow any water to stand near your house. Mosquitoes breed and multiply in stagnant water. Make sure to pour out kiddie pools, buckets, or children’s toys that collect rainwater.
- Change water in bird baths and scrub them twice a week.
- If you have outside pets, empty their water bowls daily.
- Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters create a perfect environment for breeding.
Team Up with Your Neighbors for a More Effective Solution
Despite taking all precautions on your property, the key to getting the most out of your mosquito program is to talk to your neighbors about investing in one too. Unfortunately, mosquitoes don’t respect property boundaries. Although your personal program will help fend off mosquitoes no matter what; if your neighbor’s yard is a great breeding ground for mosquitoes your program will not be as effective as it could be. Combat this by sharing our DIY tips with your neighbors and urging them to invest in their own Safe Shield yard spray.
Consult with an RTEC Arborist Today
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