Monthly Archives: July 2024

 
During winter’s gray days, we long for clear skies and sunny weather. So do mosquitoes. Like most humans they feast on, mosquitoes prefer temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. As different regions experience very different weather patterns, the question, “When is mosquito season?” has different answers in different states. Let’s dive in to see when mosquito season, or the time of peak mosquito activity, starts in your state and learn the worst states for mosquitoes — and why.

Mosquito Population by State

Mosquito populations vary by weather conditions. Alongside professional mosquito control, cold weather imposes the most significant constraint on mosquito activity. In weather colder than 50F, most mosquitoes slip into a dormant-like state known as diapause. When warmer weather returns, they wake up, eager to feast on our blood (blech!). So, states with a long, cold winter get a welcome respite from mosquito activity. States with regions that revel in mild to warm weather year-round (Parts of California, Texas, and Florida, we’re looking at you) are the worst states for mosquitoes.

Of the more than 200 types of mosquitoes in the U.S., just 12 infect humans with viruses or parasites. Let’s see where the most problematic are found and where you will likely encounter them.

Southwest & West

Mosquito Season in This Region

Mosquito season in the Southwest and West of the U.S. typically extends from mid-February to early November, peaking in the summer months. In warmer areas, such as low-elevation regions of Arizona, Nevada, and Southern California, mosquitoes remain active nearly year-round. However, mosquito populations may be less dense in dry areas with low humidity, minimal rainfall, and little development or agriculture as water sources are crucial for mosquito breeding.

Mosquito Species Found in This Region

In the Southwest, the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) is aggressive and active during the day. It carries West Nile Virus, Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue, and Yellow Fever. The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is another daytime feeder that carries Chikungunya and Dengue and is found throughout the Southwest and West.

North & Northeast

Mosquito Season in This Region

Mosquito season in the North and Northeast typically starts in late April. It runs through October or into November, peaking in July and August. Abnormal weather patterns, such as the unusually warm winter of 2023-2024, affect mosquito activity. Mosquitoes wake up hungry when the weather warms and disappear when temps drop below 50F, regardless of what the calendar says.

Mosquito Species Found in This Region

The Northern house mosquito (scientific name Culex pipiens) is typically found in stagnant water loaded with organic content throughout the North. It carries St. Louis encephalitis and canine heartworm. The Asian tiger mosquito is also found in Northeastern states.

Midwest

Mosquito Season in This Region

Mosquito season generally begins in early April, even early March in most Southern regions of the Midwest, and continues until early October. The wet springs and humid summers provide prime breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

Mosquito Species Found in This Region

Western encephalitis mosquitoes (Culex tarsalis) have a particularly painful bite and are active throughout the Midwest. They can carry St. Louis encephalitis, West Nile virus, and Western equine encephalitis. The common malaria mosquito (Anopheles quadrimaculatus) carries both malaria and canine heartworms. Though malaria transmission is rare in the U.S., a few cases occur each year. It is most active during early morning and dusk, ceding daytime feeding to the Asian tiger mosquito, also found in the Midwest.

South & Southeast

Mosquito Season in This Region

Early March to October is when mosquito season runs in the South and Southeast. However, the warmth and higher humidity along the Gulf Coast can cause mosquitoes to become active from February through November or nearly year-round in some areas.

Mosquito Species Found in This Region

The southern house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus) is found throughout the South, often making its home indoors with us. It rests in a quiet spot during the day and bites at night. In the Southeast, yellow fever, Asian tigers, and common malaria mosquitoes are active.

Proven Strategies to Combat Mosquitoes in Every State

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), deaths from mosquito-borne diseases are relatively rare in the U.S. Still, many people and pets can experience sickness, allergic reactions, and itchy bumps from mosquito bite contact. Entomologists from the CDC, academic institutions, and pest control companies like Mosquito Joe recommend the following strategies to combat mosquitoes and protect yourself and your family.

• Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes need standing water for breeding and drinking. Eliminate all sources of still water on your property, including plant catch trays, blocked gutters, and anything that holds rainwater. A female mosquito can lay up to 300 eggs in just a bottle cap of water! Inspect your property after every rain.
• Keep the yard trimmed and tidy: Mosquitoes hide in long grasses and garden debris. Keep the grass cut short, weed, and clean up leaf litter regularly.
• Use essential oils: Make your own mosquito repellent from essential oils like eucalyptus, cinnamon, and peppermint.
• Hire professional mosquito control: Peak mosquito season is when the nasty biters are most active in your area. If they get ahead of you, call in professional pest control from Mosquito Joe so you can enjoy your outdoor spaces in peace.

Be Mosquito-Savvy — Know When and How to Fight Back!

Now that you know when mosquito season is due to start in your area, it’s time to gear up for the battle ahead. In addition to your efforts to combat mosquitoes, learn what Mosquito Joe can bring to the fight.

• Barrier Sprays: Our service professional treats your property with a water-based insecticide, seeking all the places mosquitoes hide to eliminate them. Then, we establish a barrier around your property, preventing outside biters from entering your property for up to 21 days. Your follow-up treatments are automatically scheduled, and you don’t have to be home when we visit.
• Eco-Friendly Pest Control: We also offer natural, plant-based treatments to rid your property of mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. These treatments use pest-repelling essential oils like rosemary, lemongrass, and peppermint and are effective for 14 to 21 days.
• Mosquito Misting Systems: If you need extra protection because you live near a source of standing water or have a family member allergic to mosquitoes, a misting system is an excellent choice. It is a self-contained pesticide dispenser we install on your property. The device emits a fine mist throughout your property at pre-programmed times.
• Mosquito Traps: When spraying is not an option, our specialized mosquito traps protect your family and property from the biters. These traps attract female mosquitoes preparing to lay their eggs. Each insect that visits the trap gets coated with toxins, which the female mosquitoes spread to other mosquitoes and their eggs.

Mosquito Joe is your trusted partner in effective mosquito control. Everything we do is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and the Mosquito Joe® Satisfaction Guarantee. We know that no job is done until it’s done right. Request a free quote today.

Let’s make your outdoor spaces fun again!

 
There is no quicker way to ruin a customer’s experience (or tank a 5-star rating) than a pest problem. Don’t risk a cloud of gnats hanging over the fairway, a few biting mosquitoes dining on guests on the patio, or a single rat that scurries into view. Commercial pest control service is as essential for retail spaces, as it is for country clubs, multi-unit residential properties and any other commercial property. But there is a lot that you and your staff can do to roll up the welcome mat for pests. These strategies should be a part of any business pest control plan.

Common Pests in Commercial Settings

Like the rest of us, pests go where they can meet their basic needs for food, water, and shelter. The pests common in commercial settings vary by the type of business you run. Food service companies attract pests that eat what we do, like rats, cockroaches, flies, and ants. Golf courses attract those that feed on the grounds and the golfers, like gnats, aphids, turfgrass ants, and mosquitoes. Mosquito Joe® commercial pest control strategies target the critters attracted to your premises.

Why Does Commercial Pest Control Matter?

You know commercial pest control is essential to protecting your property, resources, clientele, and customer base. Different pests can cause significant damage if they enter your premises unchecked (rodents, we’re looking at you). You invest too much money in your business supplies to have them chewed on and destroyed. Silverfish, cockroaches, and rodents damage paper products, while carpenter ants, bedbugs, and fleas damage and infest furniture. Moths and carpet beetles damage textiles and clothing, and rodents chew through electrical wiring. Mosquito Joe’s commercial pest control targets critters on your property so we can keep them out of your buildings and supplies.

Business pest control protects against more than property damage. The critters that eat up your supplies are unsanitary, risking health code violations and worse. Invest in pest control for businesses to protect your staff and customers from pest-borne diseases and allergens.

Pest Control Solutions for Every Industry

Every industry has its own commercial pest control challenges. Mosquito Joe provides tailored solutions for each, but proper facility hygiene is also critical.

Pet & Child Care Facilities

Protecting children and pets from fleas, ticks, and ants is essential. Regularly clean and disinfect floors and all surfaces. Keep play areas clean and treat pets for fleas and ticks.

Restaurants & Food Service Businesses

Rodents, roaches, flies, and ants are attracted to the same food we are. Strict sanitation procedures are essential, including storing food in sealed containers, regularly disposing of garbage, and maintaining clean drains.

Retail Stores & Warehouses

Rodents, moths, beetles, and roaches can find their way in through tiny cracks and crevices. To help keep them out, trim vegetation regularly, manage standing water to prevent mosquito breeding, and properly contain trash and food waste.

Event Venues & Hospitality

To prevent mosquitoes, flies, ants, and roaches from crashing the festivities, ensure proper waste management, use outdoor lighting that doesn’t attract insects, and keep food and dining areas clean.

Offices & Corporate Buildings

Ants, rodents, and cockroaches are not on the payroll. So, maintain cleanliness in kitchen and dining areas, manage waste efficiently, and minimize clutter where pests can hide.

Parks & Recreation Facilities

When mosquitoes, ticks, ants, or rodents come into play, no one has any fun. To help keep them out, trim vegetation regularly, manage standing water to prevent mosquito breeding, and properly contain trash and food waste.

Healthcare Facilities & Medical Offices

Caring for sick people involves resources that attract ants, flies, rodents, and cockroaches. Adhere to strict sanitation and waste disposal protocols, seal entry points, and regularly inspect and clean ventilation systems.

The most effective commercial pest control plan incorporates your efforts to limit pests’ access to your premise’s resources. Our service professionals will provide you with a detailed and customized plan to follow.

Benefits of a Proactive Pest Control Plan

At Mosquito Joe, our science-based commercial pest control program is designed by our team of Urban Entomologists. We’re experts in bugs, rodents, and other creepy crawlies, so you don’t have to be. Our pest control service professionals know where to look when to treat, and what to use to evict pests from your business. We don’t just treat the pests that are currently bugging your customers. We target every stage of the pests’ life cycle.

We also provide a custom plan for making your property more resistant to invasive critters and provide follow-up treatments to provide lasting protection and repel nearby colonies from exploring the same resources that attracted the initial pests.

Don’t Let Pests Become Your Business Partner! Call Mosquito Joe!

Mosquito Joe is your partner in effective commercial pest control. Bring in the customers, and we’ll take care of your pests! Like you, we are all about customer satisfaction, and we are certain you’ll be pleased with our service. The Neighborly Done Right Promise® and our own Mosquito Joe Guarantee back all that we do. We get the job done right the first time and work around your schedule so we don’t inconvenience your guests. Request a free quote today!

Join us in celebrating National Honey Bee Day on the third Saturday in August! Like World Honey Bee Day, every May 20th, it is an opportunity to raise awareness of the vital work done by honey bees and beekeepers. The debt we owe to the fuzzy little buzzers is about far more than the honey they make. According to the USDA, honey bees pollinate $15 billion (with a bee!) worth of crops every year. This includes over 130 types of fruits, veggies, and nuts. Without the honey bees, many of these crops would completely fail, while others would yield pitifully small harvests.

We rely on the honey bee and other pollinators for one-third of the world’s food supply. Yet pesticides, habitat loss, and invasive species pose deadly threats to all pollinators, specifically bees. These pollinators are so important to us all that Mosquito Joe® is committed to eco-friendly pest control and our Pollinator Protection Management Program.

In celebration of National Honey Bee Day, let’s plan to scatter native wildflower seeds, enjoy some locally sourced honey, share a dinner made from farmer’s market produce, maybe raise a glass of mead, post your praise of honeybees with #NationalHoneyBeeDay, and learn how to help honey bees by growing a pollinator-friendly garden.

Threats to Bee Populations: Why We Need to Save the Bees

Multiple environmental factors threaten honey bee health and their very existence. The indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum insecticides, loss of habitat, limited food sources in quantity and diversity, parasites, and disease burden the busy buzzers to the point of colony collapse. The pressures honey bees, other bees, and pollinators face are severe and growing. That’s why we need to #SaveTheBees.

We can all do our part and opt for ways to help honey bees:

• Use natural pesticide treatments from professionals dedicated to eco-friendly pest control
• Curtail the use of home pesticides and herbicides
• Plant a pollinator-friendly garden (even a single container of mixed flowering plants can help)
• Plant a flowering tree
• Never spray unwanted honey bees on your property — call your local beekeeper
• Support local beekeepers — buy locally sourced honey
• Help educate children about honey bees and the importance of pollinators
• Donate to save the honey bees programs and organizations

Let’s celebrate National Honey Bee Day by planting a pollinator-friendly garden. Your fruits and veggies will love it!

How to Create a Bee-Friendly Garden: A Haven for Pollinators

Creating a pollinator-friendly garden turns National Honey Bee Day into year-round support that benefits your garden and the bigger ecosystem. Whether planting an acre or a single container on a balcony, your efforts can make a real difference.

Grow a variety of flowering plants that attract bees.

Many flowering plants (though not all) attract honey bees. Plant a diverse selection of native wildflowers, trees, shrubs, herbs, vegetables, and fruits. Select long-blooming varieties and those with staggered bloom times to provide an ongoing source of nutrition bees need.

This table is just a starting place for choosing plants for your pollinator-friendly garden.

Allow your plants to flower.

Instead of cutting down basil, Swiss chard, or kale after harvesting, let them flower to support honey bees and other pollinators. Leave some radishes, lettuce, carrots, and onions on the ground. Their flowers are excellent for bees.

Learn to love the weeds.

Dandelions, clover, milkweed, and goldenrod are bee magnets. Allowing these weeds to flower is the easiest way to make for a more pollinator-friendly garden.

Avoid using pesticides and herbicides.

Spraying poisons all over your yard is a significant threat to all pollinators, including honey bees. Instead, pull weeds by hand and use eco-friendly pest control when possible. When pest problems get out of control, hiring the pros at Mosquito Joe for eco-friendly pest control gets rid of the problem without hurting the bees.

Mosquito Joe’s Eco-Friendly Pest Control: Supporting Pollinators and a Healthy Environment

Most people know about Mosquito Joe’s award-winning and comprehensive pest control services. But you may not know of our commitment to eco-friendly pest control practices. We fully appreciate the critical role pollinators play in every ecosystem in the communities we serve.

As proud members of the EPA’s Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP), we provide low-risk outdoor pest control to protect you and your family from nasty biters and away from your property. We aim to empower you to enjoy your outdoor spaces free from biting and stinging pests while preserving local pollinators.

You can count on being pleased with our eco-friendly pest control services. The Neighborly Done Right Promise® and Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee backs everything we do, ensuring your satisfaction. Just contact your locally owned and operated Mosquito Joe to request a free quote.

We’ll take care of the rest.

Bee the Change: Take Action to Protect Our Pollinators

How will you celebrate National Honey Bee Day? Will you share the buzz on social media for the day? Every bit helps! Did you know that the average honey bee produces just 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey in its entire life? That’s just 0.8 grams. Yet bee hives in the U.S. typically produce from 10 to 200 pounds of honey every year!

Like the honey bees, when we each do something small, our combined efforts make a significant difference. If you’ve never tasted locally sourced honey, try it for the occasion. If you already know how great it is, commit to only buying local honey moving forward, supporting local beekeepers and their hives. If you have a yard or balcony, plant a pollinator garden.

Every one of us can make a difference. Maybe you’ll even choose to become a beekeeper. What a bee-youtiful way to celebrate National Honey Bee Day.

 
Rodents are clever, curious, dextrous, and skilled at causing property damage. They are also playful, charming, dirty, and riddled with diseases, parasites, fleas, and yuck. These fascinating creatures are fun to study, but not when they are on your property. It’s just a matter of time before they move indoors with you! Understanding rodent behavior informs successful rodent prevention practices and helps you to identify signs of a rodent infestation.

Rodent Identification

Why should you care about rodent identification? The pest control services teams at Mosquito Joe® are experts on the many critters they control, and it’s critical for effective rodent control. Did you know that black rats love peanut butter, but brown rats prefer smelly cheese? Knowing your quarry lets you choose the right bait.

Mice

Mice are small rodents with a body length ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 inches and a scaly, furr-less tail measuring 2.75 to 4 inches. They may be brown, gray, or white, have large ears, and weigh up to one ounce.

Rats

Adult rats reach a body length of 9 to 11 inches, with a smooth, bare tail of 7 to 9 inches. They can be white, gray, brown, or black, with small ears, and weigh up to 1.4 pounds.

Another way rodent identification is important when setting traps is that mice are more inquisitive than rats and happy to explore new things in their environment. Rats are more cautious and more likely to outwit traps.

Signs of a Rodent Infestation

Of course, seeing the beady eyes staring at you and the long, naked tail when a rodent scurries away is the clearest sign you have a rodent problem. Hopefully, you’ll notice other signs of a rodent infestation outdoors first:

Droppings

Rodent droppings look like small grains of rice in a black or brown color. You may smell a stale ammonia odor. You’re most likely to spot mice and rat droppings near their burrows or along the pathways they use to find food or water.

Gnaw Marks

Gnaw marks on fence posts, outdoor furniture, plants, extension cords, and trellises are a clear sign of a rodent infestation.

Fun fact: Rats’ teeth grow constantly throughout their lives. They must continue gnawing and chewing constantly to keep the teeth from growing into their brains! They are such accomplished gnawers that rats can chew through glass, soft metals, cinderblock, and improperly cured concrete.

Nests

Different rodents build different types of nests from soft materials like leaves, discarded weeds, shredded fabric, twine, cardboard, twigs, and soil. You may notice droppings around the round opening to the nest.

Rodent Prevention Strategies

Rodents are extraordinarily adept at making a living in proximity to human activity. They come onto our property and then into our homes seeking food, water, and shelter. Effective rodent control measures deny the critters the habitat they crave, so they go elsewhere. It is critical to remove rodents from your outdoor property before they move inside. Once they come indoors, the health risks to your family are far higher, and you’ll battle the fleas they carry as well as the rodents themselves.

Seal It Up: Don’t Let Rodents Find a Way Inside

Scrutinize your fences and walls from top to bottom, sealing any chinks or holes with caulk. Mice can squeeze through holes the size of a pencil, while full-grown rats can use holes the size of a quarter. Repair torn screens and replace bent window frames to help keep them outside.

Food Lockdown: Avoid Feeding Rodents Accidentally

Human garbage, rotting fruit and veggies, spilled birdseed, and scattered pet food offer rodents a smorgasbord. No wonder they won’t leave! Seal your trash cans, empty them frequently, and keep them clean. Store all food in air-tight containers, and promptly wipe up spills. Temporarily suspend feeding the birds, clean up spilled seed, and store feed securely. Never feed pets outdoors.

Going Dry: Don’t Provide Water For Rodents

Repair all leaky faucets and sprinklers. Get rid of all potential sources of standing water, and clean out the gutters and downspouts to remove any handy watering holes.

Yard Cleanup: Take Away Rodent Shelter

Harvest fruits and veggies promptly, discarding any that fall or rot. Mow your grass short, trim back shrubs, vines, and trees, keeping all foliage away from the house — mice and rats use limbs and vines to reach your roof. Use large, chunky mulch rather than finely shredded materials rodents love for their bedding. Clean up clutter that provides shelter or hiding places.

Dealing With A Rodent Infestation

Our tips above are more effective at rodent prevention than removal. Once you see the signs of a rodent infestation on your property, you’ll need to take more direct action to keep them from moving indoors.

DIY Tactics

There are several ways you can combat a rodent infestation yourself. Snap traps designed with a spring-loaded bar to catch rodents are highly effective. They also require frequent handling to remove the dead rodent (ewww) and reset. Use gloves and tongs. Remember that the rodent’s body and fluids contain many diseases, parasites, and fleas.

Essential oils, such as peppermint, lemon, citronella, or eucalyptus, can make an effective rodent repellent. Add two teaspoons of the oil to a cup of water, shake well, and spray where you see signs of rodent activity.

When to Call a Pro To Combat Rodents

If your signs of rodent infestation have become billboards, or your DIY rodent prevention is just not enough, call in rodent control professionals. If a family member’s health is compromised, getting rid of the rodents quickly and efficiently is critical.

What Exterminators Do Get Rid of Rodents

Professional rodent exterminators use various methods to rid your property of rodents. At Mosquito Joe, our service professionals use bait to lure rodents to humane traps so we can remove them from your property. We do not enter your home, and we use no toxic chemicals or poisons that could harm other wildlife or leave dead or dying rodents on your property. Finally, we treat your property with rodent repellent at strategic points to prevent local populations from moving back in.

Know the Risks and Exercise Caution When Dealing With Rodents

Make no mistake — signs of a rodent infestation are a serious health hazard.

Disease Risks

Hantavirus causes a severe and sometimes fatal respiratory disease. The most common way humans contract this virus is by breathing in dust contaminated with a rodent’s saliva, urine, feces, or nesting materials (sorry, but this is important). The virus can be transmitted through contact or through the air. Activities like sweeping or vacuuming up rodent bedding can aerosolize particles from their disturbed waste, making cleanup of rodent infestations hazardous. Even dead rodents are dangerous because of the diseases they carry.

Secure Trapping

Place the traps in the runways the rodents use and bait them with peanut butter. Then, hope that innocent wildlife or pets don’t find the traps first with tragic results. But hoping is not enough. It is best to place the snap trap inside a closed box with a small opening for the rodent to access. Keep children and pets well away from the traps. Wear gloves and use tongs when handling dead rodents. Place them in a plastic bag and tie it tightly. Discard in the trash and wash your hands well!

Repellent Caution

We understand how attractive some DIY solutions are. But when it comes to pest control, DIY can be a terrible idea. If the repellant doesn’t work, relying on it lets the infestation grow. Remember that some essential oils and other ingredients can be harmful to pets and wildlife.

If you see signs of a rodent infestation on your property, call the experts at Mosquito Joe to get rid of the critters. You can count on being pleased with our services because the Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee back everything we do. Request a free quote today!