Category Archives: Health/Disease

Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the United States. There are over 30,000 cases of the tick-borne illness reported each year. Among those are celebrities we frequently see on TV or on magazine covers; others are sports icons and some are Grammy award winners.

Justin Bieber 

Pop sensation, Justin Bieber, announced his battle with Lyme disease in January 2020. “It’s been a rough couple years but getting the right treatment that will help treat this so far incurable disease and I will be back and better than ever,” Bieber said. The singer plans to use his voice to create content on YouTube about the chronic illness.

Members of the Hadid Family

Yolanda Hadid, of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills fame, has been vocal about her battle with Lyme disease. Yolanda has published a book chronicling her experience living with the illness entitled “Believe Me: My Battle with the Invisible Disability of Lyme Disease.” Recently, the former model admitted after nearly a year of remission, her symptoms have returned. At the Global Lyme Alliance, Yolanda said she realizes “the higher purpose of [her] journey is to continue to bring awareness to this awful disease until the change is made.” Her children, Bella and Anwar Hadid, also have the chronic illness.

Shania Twain

The country singer opened up about her struggle with Lyme disease in July 2018, stating she suffered from dysphonia which affected her vocal cords. The disease kept her from touring and even singing. “I never thought I would sing again,” Twain said. Thanks to physical therapy and vocal training, Twain has released a new album and resumed touring.

Alec Baldwin

Nearly 18 years ago, the actor was bitten by an infected tick. The result was numerous bouts of severe Lyme disease symptoms. Because of his struggle, Baldwin is vigilant in checking his children for ticks after they’ve been outdoors. “I want my kids to grow up riding horses and bikes and enjoying themselves every day and not have to spend every day with us going over them with a magnifying glass to make sure they don’t have any ticks on their body or their dogs, but that is part of the lifestyle of where I live,” he said.

Avril Lavigne

In a letter to fans, Lavigne revealed she had been fighting Lyme disease. The singer started The Avril Lavigne Foundation in 2010 to support causes such as Race to Erase MS, Special Olympics, and UNICEF, in addition to Lyme disease. In October 2018, Lavigne joined the Board of Directors for the Global Lyme Alliance. Her most recent album, “Head Above Water,” addresses her battle with the chronic disease. “This is me and my fight. This album tells my story,” Lavigne said.

Kris Kristofferson

Kristofferson’s doctors originally told him his deteriorating memory was due to Alzheimer’s disease. After many years of strenuous testing, it was clear the singer had been misdiagnosed; after a positive test for Lyme disease, his symptoms were correctly identified. With the proper treatment, Kristofferson’s condition improved. A friend said of the iconic artist, “Kris is as sharp as he’s been in the past 20 years because of his treatments.”

Tom Seaver

In 1991, the former New York Mets pitcher was diagnosed with Lyme disease. At the time, “Tom Terrific” lived in Greenwich, CT and spent the majority of his time outdoors, which is how he contracted the illness. The Baseball Hall of Fame member described the disease’s symptoms as “the worst case of the flu every day.”

Prevention is the Best Medicine

The symptoms of those suffering from Lyme disease are different but the cause of the illness is the same: infected ticks. These celebrities give visibility to Lyme disease and advocate for treatment and a cure.

While it’s important to be mindful of ticks when camping and hiking, they can also be found in parks, walking trails, and even our own backyards. Tick prevention can start at home by eliminating places where ticks like to hide. Keep your yard mowed and trees trimmed. If you are in an area where ticks are active, make sure to wear long sleeves and pants and apply a tick repellent with DEET or Permethrin.

Mosquito Joe knows what a pest ticks can be, that’s why we offer tick control as one of our signature services. We target bushes and shrubbery, which helps keep ticks out of your yard and creates a barrier around your property, protecting you against the risk of tick-borne illnesses. Call us today at  or request a free quote on our website.

To learn more about Lyme Disease or other illnesses that are caused by outdoor pests, visit our learning center.

Each year Mosquito Joe recognizes the importance of Mosquito Control Awareness Week through our Beat the Bloodsuckers campaign. Our goal is to raise awareness in the communities in which we operate about the importance of mosquito control and the amazing work of non-profits like blood banks and Nothing But Nets. Although this week falls during one of our busiest months of the year, it does not stop our passionate franchisees from giving back in their communities. This year, National Mosquito Control Awareness Week(MCAW), recognized by the American Mosquito Control Association, fell on June 24^th – June 30^th, and it was a memorable week for Mosquito Joe.

Mosquitoes date back to over 100 million years, which means they’re not going anywhere anytime soon so it’s important to protect your families and furry friends. Not only are they nuisances who ruin your outdoor fun, but they can transmit dangerous diseases such as Zika, West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The diseases mosquitoes carry make them one of the deadliest creatures on earth, responsible for over 1 million deaths every year. Luckily, here in the U.S. we’re able to combat these pesky bugs with a professional mosquito control service like Mosquito Joe. Our franchisees are dedicated to spreading awareness about mosquitoes and the illnesses they cause as well as working to fight off mosquito populations in their local areas. MCAW brings professional mosquito control to light and we’re thankful for this opportunity to give back.

Beat The Bloodsuckers

This is Mosquito Joe’s sixth year participating in our Beat the Bloodsuckers campaign. Franchisees had the opportunity to partner with a local blood bank in their area or with our philanthropic partner, Nothing But Nets. Mosquito Joe locations across the country joined with local blood banks donating 10% of new customer sales from that week to their blood bank of choice. This year we were able to donate over $7,000 and partner with 26 blood banks!

For the second year in a row, Mosquito Joe partnered with Nothing But Nets, a global grassroots campaign that was established in 2006. Since then, they’ve raised over $65 million to help deliver 12 million bed nets to families in need, along with other crucial malaria interventions like diagnostic treatments and training of healthcare workers. A mosquito net sent to someone in need is just $10; for every new Mosquito Joe customer signed during MCAW, a net was sent! This year our company raised over $24,000, sending 2,413 life-saving nets during Mosquito Control Awareness Week to those in need!

The Buzz!

Our amazing franchisees were out there rocking it in their local communities to spread awareness around the importance of mosquito control. Mosquito Joe locations were featured 131 times across the U.S. and secured 14 TV segments in just one week. We’re excited so many franchisees were able to further educate their communities on mosquito control, and how important it really is to keep our families and furry friends itch-free! Check out a few highlights below:

• Mosquito Joe of Lafayette-Lake Charles: Southern storms have nothing on this company called ‘Mosquito Joe’
• Mosquito Joe of Springfield: Save your blood for donations instead of giving it to mosquitoes
• Mosquito Joe of Baton Rouge: Officials offer tips during national Mosquito Control Awareness Week
• Mosquito Joe of Spartanburg: Mosquito Joe Celebrates Sixth Annual Beat the Bloodsuckers Campaign

We’re very proud of our franchisees and so happy we were able to give back to these non-profit organizations by supporting the amazing work that they do through our 2018 Beat the Bloodsuckers campaign. Mosquito Joe continues to partner with Nothing But Nets through our ongoing MoJo Bites Back campaign. To support us in our mission, consider donating to our MoJo Bites Back campaign as we raise funds for malaria and bring awareness to malaria-stricken areas. It will only cost you $10 to send a net; make a difference for a family in need today

Thanks to our participating franchisees, each blood bank that we partnered with, Nothing But Nets, and our AMAZING customers that helped make this year’s Beat the Bloodsuckers campaign the huge success that it was.

With October being National Pet Wellness Month, let’s take the opportunity to absorb some helpful tips on keeping our beloved pets healthy and happy this season (and year-round, too!). The simple preventatives below can help you know what to look for as a pet-owner and make sure your pets are around for years to come.

Wellness exams and vaccines

Are you taking your pet for a wellness exam at least once a year? Regular checkups are essential to a healthy, happy pet. Pets are genetically wired to hide illness and disease, so let your veterinarian detect and prevent things such as ear infections, dental disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. Making sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date is not only good for their overall health, but also yours. Ask your veterinarian about the vaccines your pet needs to prevent contagious diseases and illnesses. A vet visit can be scary, so be sure to hold their paw during the shots!

School and home project supplies

School is in session and it’s easy to avoid putting the supplies into the appropriate storage after use. School glues, permanent markers, and pencils can all cause upset stomachs for curious pets. Heavy-duty glues can cause serious blockage in the digestive tract and may even lead to pricey surgeries. Dogs in particular like the flavor of glue. To avoid a mess on the carpet and unwanted vet bills, make sure your family is cleaning up after those fun projects.

Look out for mushrooms

Although appetizing in warm fall meals, mushrooms can be toxic to our pets. Fall is the prime season for mushrooms, and pets cannot determine the difference between a toxic and non-toxic mushroom. If a dog consumes a mushroom and you are unsure of its toxicity, take them to the vet right away. They can experience some pretty awful side effects and will need to be treated immediately to avoid potential liver and kidney failure.

Check for fleas and ticks

Deer ticks are responsible for spreading Lyme disease, and the number of adult deer ticks is higher in the fall than it is during any other season. Fleas also transmit diseases and cause a painful itch for you and your pets. During the wellness exam, check with your veterinarian for flea and tick preventatives, and be sure to contact your local Mosquito Joe for an extra layer of protection for you and your pets from those pesky insects.

Nutrition and exercise

I’m sure your pet would LOVE to share that last slice of pizza with you, but you should reconsider. Providing your pet with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise is important for their quality of life. Consider adding pumpkin, apples, and carrots to your pet’s diet – these are tasty treats that are abundant during autumn months and they come packed with lots of nutrients! This time of year provides the perfect weather for a long walk or a game of fetch, but don’t forget to provide them with calories to account for the energy they’re expending. Your pet will love spending time with you and enjoy activities in the crisp, fresh air!

Although it’s officially fall, outdoor pests will remain active until temperatures consistently stay below 50 degrees.  Getting a Mosquito Joe spray now will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space longer while adding another layer of defense against ticks and fleas for your pets. Contact your local Mosquito Joe for more information, and let us help you make outside fun again!

Feeling creative this fall? Check out these adorable DIY Pet Costume Ideas for Halloween!

With mosquito borne illness on the rise and locally transmitted cases of Zika making headlines daily, people are naturally concerned about local vector control. In the fight against mosquitoes and the diseases they carry, local governments are feeling the pressure to formulate plans to keep their residents protected, especially in areas where Zika has been detected. For this reason, as the need to reduce the mosquito population and the spread of vector borne illness intensifies, aerial spraying is something that could be making headlines in your area.

What is Aerial Spraying?

Aerial spraying is the use of airplanes to treat large areas with insecticides as safely, quickly, and efficiently as possible. These products (which may vary by area) rapidly reduce both young and adult mosquitoes and can help to reduce the number of mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus and other mosquito borne illnesses.

A typical aerial-spraying program involves loading a solution of the insecticide and mineral oil in tanks. Nozzles create droplets that can get past the crowns of trees to hit the mosquitoes and areas where they live. Planes fly 100 to 300 feet above the ground.

Benefits of Aerial Spraying

• Aerial spraying does not pose a health risk to humans, pets or wildlife when done correctly. During aerial spraying, a small amount of insecticide is sprayed over an area, usually about 1 ounce per acre or about the size of a football field.
• Products that are being used are EPA registered. The EPA registration tells you that the product has demonstrated that it should not cause adverse effects on your health or the environment when used according to label instructions.
• While it is only part of the solution for controlling mosquitoes, aerial spraying is a method that can quickly reduce the number of mosquitoes in a large area.

Challenges of Aerial Spraying

• Weather conditions. There has to be ideal weather conditions for the planes and the product to be applied accurately. This can sometimes cause delays in treatment or directly impact its effectiveness.
• Mass, less targeted approach. Unlike Mosquito Joe mosquito control treatments that are directly tailored to each individual property, aerial spraying is a mass approach to mosquito elimination with no room for customization. It’s a one size fits all solution.
• The risk to beneficial insects. While the product can’t differentiate between insects that do important work and the ones that can make life difficult for us, there are ways that aerial spraying can be done to minimize the risk to beneficial insects. For example, spraying should be done during the time honeybees are inside their hives (dawn and dusk) to avoid adverse effects to the bee population.
• Communication and timing. The general public has no control over when aerial spraying is done, and as with any situation when there is a need to get information to a large amount of people, it is hard for local agencies to get the word out about plans for spraying. Most agencies will mention it in the news and place it in the newspaper, but unfortunately that word doesn’t reach everyone. If the communication doesn’t reach you, you might not be able to prepare. While most people don’t need to do anything to prepare, for some, like beekeepers, that information could be vital.

 Alternative Options to Aerial Spraying

Regardless of whether or not aerial spraying is part of your city’s plans, there are plenty of actions you can take to help protect your family from mosquito bites:

• Reduce standing water. Reducing sources of standing water in and around your yard can help eliminate breeding areas for mosquitoes.
• Cover yourself. Mosquitoes feed at dawn and dusk, so if you’re going to be outdoors make sure you are in long sleeves and pants to avoid bites.
• Professional mosquito control. Services like Mosquito Joe’s barrier spray treatments can keep your yard itch free, on your terms. These treatments are applied on a regular basis (every 2-3 weeks) and tailored to your yard, offering ongoing protection for your outdoor space.

Aerial spraying is one example of how municipalities are joining the fight against mosquito-borne illness by reducing the mosquito population. We encourage you to stay educated on what’s going on in your community and ensure you have an adequate defense plan of your own for mosquito control around your home.

More information on Zika or other mosquito-borne illnesses can be found Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. For more information on professional mosquito control options or to get a quote for a service plan for your home, check out MosquitoJoe.com.

Whether we want to think about it or not, winter is on its way.  Although many of our southern Mosquito Joe franchises in states like Texas and Florida will keep battling the bloodsuckers for weeks to come, the rest of us will soon be spending a lot more time indoors.  We already told you about mosquito control in the winter, but when the mosquitoes stop buzzing, other winter pests aren’t far behind – and we want you to be prepared for those as well.

Some bugs and rodents are still very active in the winter, using your home as shelter from the elements.  They can carry potentially dangerous diseases such as salmonella and rabies while also doing damage to walls, wiring, and storage spaces.  Before the cold and snow make house work unbearable, use these tips from the National Pest Management Association to check for and protect yourself against some of a home’s most unwelcome visitors.

Rodents and Raccoons

Rodents can find their way inside your home through holes as small as a dime.  Once inside, they may chew through drywall, electrical wiring, and food containers, causing serious damage and headaches for homeowners.

1. Seal small holes in the wall with caulk and steel wool and larger holes with steel mesh.
2. Keep storage containers and clutter off the floor as rodents use these areas to nest.
3. Eliminate sources of moisture inside and outside the home that may be attractive nesting areas, e.g. puddles, pipes, and duct work.
4. Keep trash cans in a sealed area if possible or use animal-proof lids to prevent tampering.

Ants and Cockroaches

Bugs like these are normally attracted to dark, damp spaces, especially those with human food.  To decrease your chances of a winter infestation, try the following:

1. Clean food preparation and eating areas regularly, wiping up all crumbs and food residue.
2. Keep food in airtight containers.
3. Empty garbage regularly, storing garbage cans away from exterior walls.
4. Store firewood away from exterior walls and up off the ground.

No one wants to spend the holidays repairing damaged wiring or drywall.  Taking precautions now and keeping an eye out for warning signs such as droppings or scurrying sounds, can save you money and plenty of headaches down the road.  And if you’re lucky enough to still be feeling the summertime heat, your mosquito season may be far from over.  Don’t let a little chill fool you into thinking mosquitoes are done for the year.  Check out our blog article on the importance of the last spray of the season, and contact your local Mosquito Joe for more information.