Meet the Entomology Expert Behind the Science and Research at Mosquito Joe

Many of us take enjoying a playful evening with the kids, BBQing with family and friends, or just spending a quiet evening relaxing in the backyard for granted. Until uninvited guests show up to spoil our good time. Nothing throws ice water on outdoor fun faster than mosquitoes, flies, and ticks. Even an annoying relative is more welcome than those buzzing, biting pests who show up and crash the party. However, if you’re among the many thousands who use Mosquito Joe to keep mosquitoes, flies, and ticks from ruining your outdoor activities, you’ve been enjoying the great outdoors without missing a beat.  

But have you ever really thought about why Mosquito Joe is so effective at keeping bugs away from your family fun? What’s the science and research that makes Mosquito Joe work so well? To learn more about how Mosquito Joe continues to make the outdoors fun for so many people we spoke with David Price, Entomologist, and the man behind the science and research at Mosquito Joe.  

In this first of a series of articles, we interviewed David to learn more about how climate change, the global economy, and other factors are impacting insect populations, migration patterns, habitat, and disease transmission. Also, how research is influencing various treatment options that are designed to control mosquitoes, flies, and ticks in order to reduce the transmission of potentially harmful diseases. 

Related Topic: Do Mosquito Repellant Plants Really Work? 

A Lifetime Studying Bugs 

For those who don’t know, an Entomologist is someone who studies insects and arthropods (an invertebrate animal having an exoskeleton, a segmented body, and paired jointed appendages). And although it’s not everybody’s cup of tea, David developed an interest in bugs at a very early age. This fascination only grew as David got older. After graduation from Purdue University as a Structural/Urban Entomologist —someone who studies insects found in structures and insects of medical importance found within urban environments that potentially carry/transmit various diseases (mosquitoes, ticks, flies, rodents that host insects)David spent the last 35 years working in the pest control industry.    

Today, David helps Mosquito Joe test new treatment products, tracks the number of applications applied throughout various regions, develops operational strategies, trains field personnel, and participates in the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (a program focused on integrated pest management). The PESP considers insect biology, behavior in their environment and looks at available products and how best to apply them with the least risk to people, pests, and the environment.   

 Related Topic: How Can I Make My Backyard Fun for Kids? 

 The Impact of Climate Change 

You don’t have to look too hard to find information about how our changing climate is affecting the world around us. Changes in weather patterns, intensity, and rising sea levels have been well documented. A lesser-known effect of climate change is the impact on insect migration patterns and habitats. Since temperature and moisture (relative humidity) are two of the biggest factors related to insect breeding and expanding populations, even a slightly warmer climate means big changes for insect populations.  

Recent studies have discovered insects once confined to specific southern regions establishing seasonal habitats much further north. For example, ticks have now migrated as far north as Maine. And with them an increased potential for transmission of Lyme disease to people and pets. Insect samples have also identified new, invasive species of disease-carrying mosquitoes in states like Florida, Texas, and Louisiana. So, what are David and the team at Mosquito Joe doing to address some of these migratory and habitat changes? Find out in our next article: Battling Bugs: How Science and Research Are Influencing Pest Control.     

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Meet a Joe: Samantha Allen-Brown

 

*Occasionally we like to provide a blog post that will help you get to know Joe. From our technicians to our Corporate staff to our hardworking franchisees – we think our company is full of people you ought to know!*

A native North Carolinian, Samantha Allen-Brown joined the Mosquito Joe marketing team in January 2018. During her tenure, Samantha has quickly become the marketing software guru. She also has a passion for helping our franchisees propel their businesses to new heights using local and personalized marketing strategies. When she’s not at work, Samantha loves dancing, shopping for good deals and going out to eat!

Here are some fun facts about Samantha:

What led you to work for Mosquito Joe?

After working in state government for a couple of years, I was looking for something that gave me more freedom to be creative. The company structure and overall mission of Mosquito Joe really resonated with me. I saw it as a place where I could grow professionally and have fun in the process.

What is your favorite part about your position at Mosquito Joe?

I love that I get to help franchisees explore their area and find creative ways for them to engage with their community. There are so many different ways to do local marketing and it’s been very interesting finding out the nuances of each area.

What are the biggest strengths professionally that you bring to the Mosquito Joe team?

I’m a complete and utter nerd. I absolutely love reading and researching. This has helped me get familiar with the areas our franchisees service so that I can provide them with a high level of support.

What’s your favorite Mosquito Joe tagline and why?

My favorite tagline is: “If you’re wearing bug spray, you’re overdressed.” I’m very particular about my clothes, so the last thing I want to do after getting cute is apply bug spray.

If they made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you and why?

Marsai Martin for sure. She’s cute, but she has a lot of sass and intelligence. Her character on Black-ish reminds me so much of myself when I was a kid.

If you could plan your ultimate vacation, where would you go?

I would take a tour of all the Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) countries. There’s so much diversity! I’d be able dance and eat my way through four out of seven continents!

How do you like to spend your time outdoors?

Running back into the house. If I have to be outside, it’s typically for a barbecue or some kind of family gathering. The company (and food) helps keep my mind off the bugs!

How attracted are mosquitoes to you?

I think I’m a pretty good catch, but for some reason mosquitoes don’t seem to think so.

If you were shipwrecked, what three items would you want to land on shore with you? 

I would carry an iPod, a knife, and a bag of Sour Gummisavers.

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Meet a Joe: Jacqui Sienkiewicz

*Occasionally we like to provide a blog post that will help you get to know Joe. From our technicians to our Corporate staff to our hardworking franchisees – we think our company is full of people you ought to know!*

This week we’d like to introduce you to a member of the Corporate staff, Jacqui Sienkiewicz. A Hampton Roads native, Jacqui just joined our team this month as a Search Engine Marketing Specialist. She graduated from Longwood University (Go Lancers!) with an English Degree, and has  worked in digital marketing for the past five years with a focus on SEO & PPC campaigns. She will be working with our Mosquito Joe franchise owners across the country to maintain their websites and overall digital presence. 

Here are some fun facts about Jacqui, so you can get to know her like we have!

What led you to work for Mosquito Joe?

I was looking for a position where I could truly contribute to the company and make a difference. I also wanted to find a great team environment. When I interviewed with MoJo, I knew I had found a job with both. Plus, everyone here is genuinely nice – bonus!

What is your favorite part about your position at Mosquito Joe?

I get to be analytical with data but also creative in the way that the data is presented and in how the work is performed.

What are the biggest strengths professionally that you bring to the Mosquito Joe team?

I always want to keep learning and growing professionally. I love finding out about all aspects of how Mosquito Joe works and then determining the way I can best contribute to future success.

What’s your favorite Mosquito Joe tagline and why?

“Should You Decide Not To Call Us, Save This Card For Swatting” …it’s funny AND useful!

If they made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you and why?

Tom Hanks in a wig. Tom Hanks is down to earth and charming. Plus, he can play anyone.

If you could plan your ultimate vacation, where would you go?

Tokyo! The art, the fashion, the technology – I think it would be like visiting another planet.

How do you like to spend your time outdoors?

I know it’s hard to tell, but I actually spend a ton of time at the beach during the summer (SPF 100, y’all). I also enjoy riding my bike on the Elizabeth River Trail and exploring local parks.

How attracted are mosquitoes to you?

As Lloyd Christmas, from Dumb & Dumber, would say …”they like me ahh-lawt”

If you were shipwrecked, what three items would you want to land on shore with you?

Sunscreen, husband, iPhone. (Yes, in that order). Sunscreen because I’d die two days in without it. Husband because someone has to entertain me. iPhone because something has to entertain me when my husband needs a nap.

If you could invite three people to a party, dead or alive, who would they be and why?

Oprah because I love everything about her. Edgar Allan Poe because I studied him a lot throughout college, and my Mama, because someone has to back up the fact that I just met Oprah & EAP!

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Meet a Joe: Amanda Liddell

*Occasionally we like to provide a blog post that will help you get to know Joe. From our technicians to our Corporate staff to our hardworking franchisees – we think our company is full of people you ought to know!*

This week we’d like to introduce you to a member of the Corporate staff, Amanda Liddell. Amanda joined Mosquito Joe after graduating from Old Dominion University in December of 2016 with two business degrees; one in marketing and another in business analytics. Continually working throughout her college career in digital marketing, Amanda gained experience in analytics, social media, marketing materials, and client relationships. As the Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Specialist, Amanda works with the digital team on all Mosquito Joe franchisee websites, search engine optimization, pay per click campaigns, digital advertising, and more! Her work is vital to the day-to-day support of our franchise owners nationwide, making sure they are well represented across the world wide web. Some of her other hobbies include Marvel, DIY projects, and travel.

Here are some fun facts about Amanda, so you can get to know her like we have. Welcome, Amanda!

What led you to work for Mosquito Joe?

When interviewing with the company, I instantly felt a connection with the employees and was comfortable around them. During my time with Kevin, the CEO, I could hear in his voice how excited he was for the company’s future. He didn’t just explain where he wanted to be in 5 years, he explained his vision and just how he was going to make it happen. With help from his associates, Kevin has created a specific atmosphere that is rare to find. He challenges you to be innovative and work hard, but also to have fun while doing it. It is reasons like this that made me choose Mosquito Joe.

What is your favorite part about your position at Mosquito Joe?

My favorite part of my position is the optimization of franchisee websites. The management team has so many great ideas, I’m excited to implement those ideas to see the positive effects they will have down the road.

What is your favorite Mosquito Joe tagline and why?

My favorite tagline is “Itching for a solution?” As someone who is personally allergic to mosquitoes, I am always looking for new ways to stop the itching! Once mosquito season hits, I usually find myself inside just so I don’t have to deal with them. Now that I know about this solution, I can’t wait to get back in my pool and enjoy the weather.

How do you like to spend your time outdoors?

Since we live near the beach, I love to catch some rays of sunshine whenever I can! Whether its laying out on the beach, biking across the city, or going for a hike.

How attracted are mosquitoes to you?

If there was a scale of 1-10…. I would have to say 15. When it is mosquito season, it seems like I can’t walk outside without getting bit!

If you were shipwrecked, what three items would you want to land on shore with you?

My record collection, hand crank generator, and a tropical plant that produces fruit. People always joke about private islands… being stranded wouldn’t be ideal but who wouldn’t love to be surrounded by music, fruit and the big blue ocean!

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Meet a Joe: Sharon Lerche

*Occasionally we like to provide a blog post that will help you get to know Joe. From our technicians to our Corporate staff to our hardworking franchisees – we think our company is full of people you ought to know!*

This week we’d like to introduce you to a member of the Corporate staff, Sharon Lerche. Sharon joined Mosquito Joe after a long career with Taco Bell, 29 years to be exact! She moved from a Restaurant General Manager to a Training Project Manager in charge of making sure training was happening properly in the 25 Taco Bells in her area and training new managers. Mixing her passion for service with extensive experience makes the role a perfect fit.

As the Operations Administrative Assistant, she not only dedicates her experience to the overall organization and efficiency of the operations team at Mosquito Joe, but also to the day-to-day success of our franchisees across the country. We are so excited to have Sharon in the MoJo family!

Here are some fun facts about Sharon, so you can get to know her like we have! Welcome, Sharon!

What do you love most about your job?

I love that my job requires me to work with everyone at some point. Every day I do something different with new challenges, which I am excited to conquer.

What are the biggest strengths professionally that you bring to the Mosquito Joe team?

I am the biggest cheerleader around (maybe because I always wanted to be one in a former life). I always try to stay positive and find solutions. I am also extremely organized and efficient. Once I learn the job, I can get a lot accomplished in a short period of time.

What is your favorite Mosquito Joe tagline and why?

“If you decide not to call Mosquito Joe, save this card for swatting.” This shows that we do not take ourselves too seriously and the company is about fun.

How do you like to spend your time outdoors?

Every February we go skiing in West Virginia, I love to lay in the sun next to a swimming pool for when I get too hot. I love to work in my flower beds: planting, weeding, watching stuff grow.

If you could plan your ultimate vacation, where would you go?

I have had several “ultimate vacations.” I have traveled to Alaska and seen whales swim right by my room. I rode in a helicopter over Hawaiian volcanoes and danced at a luau. I rode in a gondola in Venice, visited Mary’s last home in Ephesus, Turkey,and bought roasted lamb on the street in Athens, Greece. My next adventure will be a river cruise starting in New Orleans and ending in Memphis this September. The only thing that would make all these trips even better would be if my kids and grandkids could have come as well.

How attracted are mosquitoes to you?

Mosquitoes absolutely LOVE me. I must have some awesome CO2.

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