Monthly Archives: November 2024

At Mosquito Joe®, we protect our customers from itchy bites and the diseases biting insects can transmit. We’re all about making the outdoors fun again for your family and pets. But while we’re battling pests on your behalf, we’re equally committed to protecting the environment. That’s why, since 2019, we’ve partnered with the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP), a forward-thinking initiative established by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Therefore, we’re thrilled to announce that Mosquito Joe has achieved Gold Status within this program, a prestigious recognition reserved for “outstanding environmental stewards.”

What is EPA’s Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program?

Pesticide Environmental Stewardship is a voluntary initiative developed by the EPA to encourage businesses to adopt more sustainable and environmentally friendly pest control practices. The program promotes developing and using innovative pest control practices to target dangerous pests while working to protect pollinators and the ecosystem. Members like Mosquito Joe are committed to creating comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans that combine habitat maintenance, pest prevention, and population reduction to minimize pesticide use while maintaining effective results.

Joining the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program was a natural fit for Mosquito Joe. Our urban entomologists — our very own bug scientists — have always been passionate about protecting our pollinators and developing effective, eco-friendly pest control solutions. Achieving Gold Member status within this program allows us to lead by example, encouraging other companies to create long-term strategies that minimize their own environmental impact.

A Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

Mosquito Joe earned the coveted Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Gold Member status through a tireless effort and continued commitment to creating sustainable pest control solutions that take into consideration the environmental impact. Partnering with manufacturer scientists and entomologists nationwide, we constantly seek out new, more effective ways to eliminate pests through environmentally sensitive solutions. We also work directly with homeowners, offering customized, actionable plans that make their property less inviting to harmful pests.

By continually monitoring pest activity and adapting our treatments based on environmental data, we minimize the broader environmental impact to the community, and your property, while targeting the pests that present the greatest threat to humans and pets. Our team remains committed to developing innovative, eco-friendly solutions that set the gold standard for environmentally responsible pest control.

What EPA PESP Gold Member Status Means for Mosquito Joe

Earning Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Gold Member status means everything to us at Mosquito Joe. It’s a source of pride and motivation to continue our work as a pioneer in environmentally sustainable pest control solutions.

“This recognition is an important milestone for us,” said David Price, Director of Technical Services. “It inspires us to keep pushing the boundaries of eco-friendly pest control and ensures that we’ll keep leading the industry in environmentally responsible practices.”

What This Means for You!

Working with a Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Gold Member means you receive more than effective pest control. It means you’re taking proactive steps to become wiser environmental stewards of your own corner of the ecosystem. This means you can take appropriate steps to protect your family and the environment by utilizing some of our highly effective eco-friendly pest control solutions, including treatments with botanical ingredients and garlic, as well as our mosquito traps.

Whether you need home pest control or commercial pest control services, you’re choosing a company that values your well-being while working to protect the planet.

Our Ongoing Commitment to the Environment

Being recognized for our Pesticide Environmental Stewardship was never our destination — it is proof that our efforts to continually lessen the environmental impact of our services is succeeding. We’ll continue to explore and develop innovative eco-friendly strategies, from expanding our pest control options to refining our Integrated Pest Management strategies. Our dedication to you and the environment is reflected in the Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and the Mosquito Joe guarantee, which holds us to the highest standards of service. As we move forward, we’ll continue to raise the bar for eco-friendly pest control, while we continue to strive for increasingly sustainable solutions.

Mosquito Joe: Setting the Gold Standard in Pest Control

When you choose Mosquito Joe, you partner with pest control experts who understand your community and the region’s unique ecosystem, the pests that plague your property, and the pollinators that are vital to the environment. You’ll receive service from local professionals who are dedicated to protecting you, your family, your pets, and your property from a wide range of pests. We understand, when it comes to pest control, each family has different challenges and needs, so we tailor our pest control service to meet your specific needs.

Enjoy a pest-free environment and peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re working with a partner that’s setting the gold standard for environmentally friendly pest control.

Ready to reclaim your outdoor spaces from biting pests? Request a free quote, and get started today!

Ouch! Did you feel that bite? Nothing can ruin a fun time outdoors like a pesky mosquito!

In addition to being itchy, mosquito bites can sometimes cause swelling, unsightly bumps, and even allergic reactions! Instead of letting these little critters ruin your day, learn how to treat mosquito bites and eliminate the itch.

Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch?

Female mosquitoes thrive on the proteins and iron found in blood, making your arm or leg a delicious snack! However, they need to inject their saliva into the bite to keep your blood from clotting and ruining the flow of their meal.

It’s that saliva that causes those itchy issues. Your body recognizes that it doesn’t belong to you and signals your immune system to do something about it. The chemicals sent to get rid of the foreign substance (in this case, the mosquito saliva) cause swelling and itching. It’s a great sign that your immune system is working, but it’s not such a fun feeling to deal with when you’re trying to enjoy your time outside!

Top Home Remedies For Mosquito Bite Relief

So, let’s talk about what to put on mosquito bites. Luckily for you, there are several remedies available to help you alleviate mosquito bites and the itchiness they cause. Some of the top home remedies include:

• Aloe vera: This eco-friendly solution is known for its soothing properties. When you apply it directly to the bite, it can help with swelling and itching.
• Baking soda paste: Baking soda has a pH of 9, making this substance alkaline. It can neutralize the skin’s pH to relieve itching and irritation.
• Honey: A natural antiseptic, honey also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling.
• Tea tree oil: Also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, this essential oil can help reduce swelling and itching while working hard to protect against infection. However, this oil is very potent, so be sure to dilute it with coconut, avocado, or another oil before applying it directly to your skin.
• Oatmeal baths: Oatmeal is another anti-irritant. Taking an oatmeal bath has been known to help multiple skin conditions, including widespread irritation and a situation where you have multiple mosquito bites.

Knowing how to treat mosquito bites will go a long way in protecting yourself and your family when it comes to these itchy invaders!

Over-The-Counter Treatments For Mosquito Bites

Your neighborhood pharmacy is another great place to find out what to put on mosquito bites. Here, you’ll find many popular over-the-counter options for mosquito bite relief.

As you browse through the medicines on the shelf, pay attention to the following:

• Hydrocortisone Cream: This corticosteroid cream can help reduce your mosquito bites’ inflammation, irritation, redness, and swelling.
• Antihistamine Cream: When a mosquito bites you, your body releases something called histamines to fight against the infection. An antihistamine cream will counteract those chemicals, offering relief against itching, swelling, and redness.
• Calamine Lotion: The zinc oxide and ferric oxide in calamine lotion will soothe your mosquito bite and relieve that annoying itching.
• Oral antihistamines: If the cream isn’t enough, you can also take an oral antihistamine to relieve the itchiness of your bites.

These over-the-counter mosquito bite treatments will help relieve the itchiness, calm the redness, and soothe your skin.

When To See A Doctor For Mosquito Bites

As wonderful as these at-home remedies and over-the-counter treatments are, sometimes you might need a professional opinion. Mosquito bites can trigger an allergic reaction, also known as Skeeter Syndrome, in some people. Skeeter Syndrome can cause severe swelling and redness, like hives or other allergic reactions.

Mosquitoes also carry other dangerous diseases, such as Malaria, West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and Chikungunya. All of these diseases require medical treatment. If you notice symptoms like fever, headaches, body aches, diarrhea, nausea, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical treatment.

Protect Your Family From Professional Mosquito Control

Learning how to treat mosquito bites is one thing, but discovering how to rid the inside of your home and your property of the pesky critters is another! Prevent mosquito bites before they happen with the help of your local Mosquito Joe®!

Our Mosquito Joe services are designed to help you rid your property of unwanted pests. Our traditional services and eco-friendly solutions offer something for everyone.

Plus, you can rest assured that we’ll get the job done right because all of our services are backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise® and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee. Our experts can give you the mosquito bite relief you’ve been looking for by riding your property off the itchy little biters for good!

Instead of fighting against mosquitoes after they bite you, attack them first! Request a free estimate from your local Mosquito Joe today!

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mosquito Joe location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

Spending time outdoors can be a great experience, but mosquitoes can quickly spoil the fun. The chance of running into these pests increases as temperatures rise, which can turn a relaxing afternoon into a frustrating experience with constant biting and buzzing. Figuring out how to keep mosquitoes away while sitting outside can be a challenge, but Mosquito Joe® is here to help.

Why Do Mosquitoes Bite?

Mosquitoes bite for blood. Female mosquitoes require a protein found in blood to develop their eggs. In their search for blood, mosquitoes will be attracted to exhaled carbon dioxide that signals them from a distance, as well as to body heat, sweat, and body odor. Certain blood types are also more attractive for ankle biters.

Effective Ways To Keep Mosquitoes Away

Discover solutions for how to keep mosquitoes away while sitting outside:

Removal of Standing Water

Stagnant water serves as the primary breeding ground for mosquitoes. Common sources of standing water are bird baths, flower pots, or clogged gutters. Controlling standing water on your property is a great way to keep mosquitoes from multiplying in your yard.

Mosquito Repellents

Mosquito repellents help mask the human scents that attract mosquitoes. These repellents often contain DEET, picaridin, or oils such as lemon eucalyptus.

Citronella Candles and Torches

Candles and torches containing citronella oil can be used as odors to hide human scents and deter mosquitoes from biting.

Electronic Bug Zappers

The bright light of electric bug zappers will attract mosquitoes and electrocute them. This could be a chemical-free and convenient solution to keep your outdoor experience pest-free.

Mosquito-Repelling Plants

Some plants repel mosquitoes, such as citronella grass, basil, lavender, or lemon balm. These plants can be planted around seating areas, windows, and any outdoor space where you spend time to create a natural barrier. Like other repellents, these plants can mask attractive smells.

Fans

Since mosquitoes are such weak fliers, keeping a fan on your patio can help keep these pests away from you. This is another chemical-free option to keep mosquitoes away.

Automated Defense Systems

An automated defense system can be set up to spray a fine mist of insecticides and mosquito repellents. They utilize spray nozzles around the perimeter of your outdoor space and are often automated to apply treatment during peak mosquito activity times.

How To Choose The Best Mosquito Repellents For Outdoor Use

Mosquito repellents come in different applications, each with their own potential advantages and disadvantages, including:

• Spray: Mosquito repellents may come in spray form to offer adequate coverage and hassle-free application. However, you risk inhalation, skin irritation, and greasy residue. Spray is often preferable for outdoor activities that require long-lasting protection.
• Lotion: Mosquito repellents are also available in lotions for easy application and absorption. However, lotion may take longer to apply and could require frequent reapplication with sweat and water exposure. This is often ideal for short-term outdoor time.
• Wearable items: Mosquito-repellent bracelets, stickers, clips, and other accessories are hands-free but may offer limited overage and effectiveness. This can be helpful for short-term outdoor time, especially for those with skin sensitivities.
• Candles and incense: Other options that use scent to repel mosquitoes include citronella candles, torches, and incense sticks. They’re simple and can smell great but may have reduced effectiveness and are for outdoor use only. This can be great for sitting out on your patio or enjoying a campfire.

How To Treat Mosquito Bites Quickly

Mosquito bites can quite literally be a pain. But luckily, there are remedies for what to put on mosquito bites to alleviate irritation and discomfort:

• An ice pack or cold compress to the area to help with pain, swelling, and itching.
• Aloe vera gel has calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
• A paste made from baking soda and water can help balance the skin’s pH and reduce irritation.
• Honey shares antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Lavender essential oils for mosquito bite relief (also has a great smell!).
• Tea tree oil acts as a natural antihistamine and disinfectant.
• Over-the-counter bite creams like hydrocortisone and antihistamine creams.
• Calamine lotion for a cooling, soothing effect.

Be sure to consult with your doctor regarding any adverse reactions and seek care for signs of an infection. Mosquito bite infections are possible and may require antibiotics.

Professional Mosquito Control Solutions

Professional mosquito control services offer long-term prevention by using specialized equipment and treatments that target mosquitoes in all life stages. With The Neighborly Done Right Promise® and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee, you can rest assured that the job will be done right. Our Mosquito Joe services will offer you a variety of options to help tailor mosquito control for you and your environment. Regular visits and treatments ensure ongoing mosquito control, providing long-term protection and reducing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Reach out today and schedule a free estimate!

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mosquito Joe location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.