Category Archives: Tips and Fun Facts

Remember when playing with bugs was fun? A DIY bug habitat can provide free entertainment for the kids along with a little entomology education. A homemade bug cage is also a fantastic way to keep insects to feed pet lizards or frogs.

Whatever your goal, you can make a bug environment with a few supplies that you might already have at home.

If insects are more of a problem at your house than a fun observational opportunity for the kids, then give us a call at 1-855-275-2563
or request a pest removal quote online.

Related Topic: Where Do Mosquitoes Live?

DIY Bug Cage Craft

To begin creating the homemade bug habitat, gather the following supplies:

• Large, empty, clean plastic jar with a screw-on lid, such as economy-sized peanut butter or nut jar
• Safety razor knife with a good handle
• Hot glue gun
• Fiberglass window screen material from the hardware store
• Pencil
• Scissors

To make the bug cage, take the following steps (adult supervision is recommended to use the knife and hot glue gun):

1. Use the safety razor knife to cut a circular shape out of the jar lid. Use leverage and move the knife in a circular motion to cut the opening all the way to the lid’s edge.
2. Use the safety razor knife to cut another circular or rectangular opening on the side of the jar. Depending on the thickness of the plastic, you may also use scissors for this cut.
3. Take a section of the window screen and use scissors to cut a piece the size of the lid opening.
4. Use the hot glue gun to apply glue beads around the inside of the lid next to the opening.
5. Place the window screen circle inside the lid, using the pencil to press the screen into the glue to adhere.
6. Cut out another section of the window screen material to fit the opening on the side of the jar.
7. Use the glue gun to apply beads of glue to the outside edge of the plastic cutout.
8. Place the window screen section over the glue to cover the side opening. Use the pencil to adhere the screen to the glue.
9. After the glue has dried, use scissors to trim away any excess window screen material.

Now your homemade bug cage is ready to use and features plenty of ventilation for insects to breathe.

These environments are ideal for crickets, millipedes, stick insects, mealworms, praying mantis, and caterpillars. Of course, some bugs, like mosquitoes and ticks, are better off dealt with by professionals!

There’s No Need for Homemade Bug Cages with Mosquito Joe

While a DIY bug cage can be a safe and secure way to bring invited insects into the home, no homeowner wants a mosquito or tick problem on their property.

For help dealing with unwanted pests, call your local Mosquito Joe for safe and effective barrier spray treatment. Our pest control professionals provide year-round protection to keep you and your family safe. Give us a call at 1-855-275-2563 or schedule an appointment online today.

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting, eventful time and studies show there are numerous science-based benefits to having a dog. New dog owners should be aware that getting a puppy doesn’t only involve buying food, toys, and taking them to the vet. Similar to baby-proofing your home, dog owners need to take similar action to prepare their homes for a new puppy.

It is important to anticipate any potential home hazards for your puppy. The information below is meant to provide new dog owners with several considerations that will help protect your puppy and your home.

1. Remove Hanging Objects

Puppies are curious little creatures. Everything is new to them, and they want to explore anything within reach, so it is crucial to look for any hanging objects and remove them to protect your puppy from any potential harm. If it’s something you don’t want to remove entirely, you can hang them up out of the animal’s reach. Some examples of hanging objects to remove or hang higher include:

• Electrical wires extend from household appliances and electronics.
• Table clothes.
• Bedding.
• Curtains.
• Tapestries.
• Clothing.
• Hanging plants.

Take a moment and monitor how high your puppy can reach and how high they can jump to ensure that the item you are hanging is at an appropriate height. Reassess the height objects are hung at as the puppy begins to grow.

2. Keep Objects Off the Floor

Life gets crazy and your house can get cluttered as a result, but it is important to pick up after yourself and keep objects off the floor — especially smaller items. This should not just include the floor, it is important to store all potentially hazardous items in areas where your puppy can’t get to them. All objects can be choking hazards and the unfortunate reality is that puppies (and even full-grown dogs) love to eat things that are left out. This can include things such as:

• Footwear.
• Articles of clothing.
• Coins.
• Baby toys.
• Shoes.
• Human food.

Removing all choking hazards is a great way to minimize the chance of your puppy choking. But when there is a will, there is a way, and a puppy will find a way. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the Heimlich maneuver for dogs so that you can take immediate action when your puppy is choking. Note that the processes change depending on the size of your dog.

3. Hide and Safely Store All Harmful Substances

Several things are commonly found in homes that are toxic and harmful to dogs. You should store the following “dog poisons” in an area that is inaccessible to your dog:

Over-the-counter and prescription medications: Human medication is poisonous to pets and it can cause serious health issues and even death.

Human food: Feeding your puppy some scraps to avoid doing dishes or because they gave you puppy eyes may seem like a great idea, but there are several human foods to avoid feeding your pet that is toxic — like:

• Chocolate.
• Avocado.
• Citrus.
• Grapes.
• Dairy.
• Nuts.

Chemicals: Digesting chemicals is bad for humans and dogs alike. Be sure to store all cleaning supplies, pesticides, rodenticides, insecticides, and any other chemicals in a spot where your puppy won’t come in contact with them.

If you believe that your dog has gotten into a harmful substance, you should contact Animal Poison Control immediately or take your dog to your local veterinarian.

4. Puppy Proof Your Plants

Plants are a great way to add character or improve air quality, but several plants are poisonous to dogs. Whether they are located inside or outside, it is important to avoid or protect your puppy from the following plants:

• Sago palm.
• Tomato.
• Aloe vera.
• Ivy.
• Amaryllis.
• Gladiola.
• Holly.
• Daffodil.
• Baby’s breath.
• Milkweed.
• Azalea/Rhododendron.
• Tulip.

The best way to keep your puppy away from harmful plants is to avoid them entirely. There are tons of alternatives to the plants above to satisfy your green thumb. If you decide to have a toxic plant, store them in areas that your puppy cannot access. Consider different ways to puppy-proof your pets like hanging your plants from the ceiling or keeping them in a secured greenhouse.

5. Protect Your Pets from Pests

Pests can be obnoxious for humans and dogs alike, but the important thing to be aware of is how they carry disease and spread bacteria/parasites. Some dogs may have allergies to pests that can create additional discomfort. There are a few pests that dog owners should watch out for, some include:

• Fleas.
• Ticks.
• Mosquitoes.
• Spiders.
• Stinging insects.
• Ants.

There are several ways to protect your animal from pests — some examples include:

Consider topicals and collars: There are several different topicals and collars out there to help protect your animal from pests. Do your research and find what works best for you and your puppy.

Take advantage of pest control: Having a pest control professional is one of the best methods for getting rid of harmful pests. Below are some pest control services to consider:

• General outdoor pest control.
• Specific pest control like tick control or flea control, depending on the time of year and your location.
• Utilize traps and deterrents: There are numerous different pest traps to take advantage of. There are specialized lights, hanging traps, floor traps, sprays, and even candles.
• Keep your dog clean: Regularly groom your puppy to help ward off pests. This should include baths and brushing. This is also a good opportunity to check for any pests in your dog’s hair or on their skin.
• Keep your house clean: Pests love messy areas. It creates the perfect home for nesting and breeding. Be sure to keep the inside and outside of your home clean.

6. Make Sure Your Fence is Secure

Most dogs love the outdoors and if you have a fenced-in backyard, your pet can spend time outside without your supervision. That said, you should always make sure that your fence is secured so that your puppy cannot escape.

Walk around the perimeter of your fence and look for any loose fence posts, holes in fencing, or areas large enough for your puppy to escape and fix the issue accordingly.

Dogs love to dig. If your dog is a digger, you will want to watch for any holes that are near the fence line where your puppy could escape.

If you are worried that your puppy is going to escape, the best solution is to supervise them when they’re outside.

7. Buy a Puppy Camera/Monitor

You can’t always take your dog with you everywhere you go and sometimes you may have to leave them at home without you. If you want to keep an eye on your dog while you have gone, you may want to consider a puppy camera or monitor. There are numerous options to choose from all with varying capabilities (e.g. treat capabilities, voice capabilities, alerts, etc.).

Do your research to determine which puppy camera/monitor is best for you and your puppy. The American Kennel Club recommends the following pet cams and monitors.

8. Take Advantage of Crates or Dog Gates

Similar to the options mentioned above, when you leave, other ways to keep your puppy from getting into things they shouldn’t are crates or dog gates. With a crate, you can have peace of mind knowing that your dog can’t get into anything dangerous. Dog gates can be used to block off specific areas or to confine your dog to a specific area of the house. However, be aware that a puppy can jump over a gate, so make sure you have one high enough to prevent them from jumping over it. Both are great options — especially if you don’t allow your pets to sleep with you.

Crates and gates are also helpful when you are trying to get some cleaning done, you are working on a home project, or when you have guests over. Avoid using a crate as a method of punishment. This can confuse your puppy into thinking they are in trouble when you put them in the crate at night or when you leave.

Remember playing outside for hours on end when you were growing up? Adventure was found in your own backyard under rustling leaves. Today, some kids are missing all that fun. They’ve traded blue skies for blue screens, and they don’t even know they’re getting the raw end of the deal. 

Too much screen time—whether on smartphones, game consoles, or computers—is linked to sleep disturbances, obesity, and a host of other issues. And a 2018 study by the National Institutes of Health found that two or more screen-time hours correlated with lower language scores! 

Fortunately, coaxing your bleary-eyed child into the great outdoors may not be as hard as you think. Create a backyard nature playground, and watch them head for the back door! 

1. Choose a Location

Select a playground location that is both safe and convenient, away from traffic, deep water, and other hazards. If swings will be included, allow plenty of clearance between fences and other obstacles. To make supervision easy, find an area that is clearly visible from a convenient vantage point. Choose a shady spot so that direct sunlight won’t overheat play surfaces, but steer clear of thick weeds and shrubs or heavily wooded areas, where ticks might be lurking. 

Look for existing natural features within your yard that appeal to your inner child. Is there a tree with gnarly roots or an old stump to climb and balance on? What about a small hill, a thicket of trees, or large rocks? Grown-up eyes might not see the magic in these objects initially, but kids are innately drawn to simple nature-based settings and materials. Don’t forget to include wide-open space for running, too.

2. Find Intriguing Materials, Starting with These Backyard Playground Ideas 

Wondering how to build a natural playground without breaking the bank? Don’t worry—kids’ backyard playgrounds don’t have to cost a fortune. Peruse your storage shed and attic for materials that are languishing. Look for fun items at yard sales and thrift stores. Use your imagination. For example, you can transform old tires into swings or string them together to make a bridge or climbing feature.  

Here are more natural playground ideas that are simple and inexpensive: 

• Repurpose an old canoe, rowboat, or under-the-bed storage box as a sandbox. Add oars, and it’ll double as a play prop. You may also consider raising the container on a stand and adding tools like measuring cups, scoops, sifters, pots and pans, wooden spoons, and a balancing scale to inspire exploration. Bury items like small rocks, fake jewels, coins, or rubber fishing worms, and let the treasure hunt begin. 
• Line up a few landscape timbers to use as balance beams. Make sure the ground and other surfaces near the beams are soft. 
• Fill shallow plastic bins with water. These are a favorite, but always supervise young children during water play! Toy boats, turkey basters, sponges, funnels, clean squirt-top containers, and plastic cups for pouring will keep kids busy. Add a splash of dish soap occasionally, and let your kids wash the toys!  
• Build an obstacle course or a fort with miscellaneous items. You may choose to use bricks, logs, tires, sturdy boards, tarps, and rope. Interesting “sets” like this boost children’s creativity and logical thinking skills. 

• Hang wind socks, chimes, garden flags, and wind spinners. Easily found at dollar or discount stores, these items create a whimsical atmosphere that inspires imagination. You can also create your own wind spinners using old CDs: glue pairs of disks together with the shiny sides facing outward, and string them together with fishing line or string.  
• Make a fun “garden” with artificial flowers and plants. Section off a small plot of dirt or a raised garden bed. Let the kids “plant” and rearrange flowers and other items to design their own unique landscapes. Kick up the creativity by adding small garden statues, fairy houses, and plastic toys (dinosaurs, farm animals, action figures, etc.). 
• Turn a fence or a sheet of plywood into a chalkboard. Use chalkboard paint or any dark-colored outdoor paint to cover a section of wooden fencing or an old sheet of plywood. Provide your budding artists with colorful sidewalk chalk, and they can draw and share messages on the board.  
• Make a tennis ball maze with plastic gutters and drainpipes. This is like a marble track but bigger! Attach straight pipes and elbow pieces to a wall or other vertical, flat surface, to create a track for a tennis ball to roll down. Arrange gutters and pipes at different angles so your kids can drop balls in from various points. If you have older kids, challenge them to build their own mazes with Velcro®-backed pieces.

3. Design Around the Materials You Found

Once you’ve gathered materials, it’s time to organize and set up. Ask your children for their ideas, and encourage them to help with the design. To accommodate a variety of interests and moods, try creating zones or stations for different types of play—from creative to active to calming.  

Consider your children’s ages and abilities, and think about skills you would like them to further develop. Items like climbers, swings, and slides promote balance and gross (large muscle) motor skills. Water tables and sandboxes provide sensory input and help develop fine motor skills. Tunnels, forts, and lookout towers stimulate creative and social play.  

4. Make Landing Surfaces Soft 

No matter how skilled your aspiring gymnasts are, occasional tumbles are inevitable. Be sure that swings and climbing or balancing items are placed over soft ground surfaces like loose sand, wood or rubber mulch, or other spongy materials. Remove large rocks, sticks, or other hard objects in potential fall zones, and teach children to keep those spaces clear of toys and other items. 

5. Establish Rules 

Neighborhood kids seem to be blessed with a sixth sense that draws them to anything new and exciting. If you build it … they will come. Set ground rules about always checking in with a household adult before playing in your yard. Always provide age-appropriate supervision. 

Engage your children in helping establish safety rules. For example, ask your kids to create colorful posters that highlight expectations. Laminate the posters to protect them from rain, and hang them in easy-to-see places.

6. Make It Safer with DIY Maintenance and Home Services

Regularly inspect the play area, structures, and equipment for damage and hazards. Seal or paint wood surfaces to protect them from weather damage. To reduce the risk of ticks—which can transmit Lyme Disease and other illnesses—keep the grass mowed and move woodpiles away from play spaces. Be sure to drain standing water regularly to reduce the mosquito population. 

When it comes to your children—and their friends—fun and safety should go together. Consider scheduling regular tick, flea, and mosquito barrier spray treatments from our Mosquito Joe® experts. We even offer all-natural pest control options. Simply book online or call us at 1-855-275-2563 to get started. 

The Benefits of Natural Playgrounds  

Natural backyard playgrounds foster creativity, critical thinking skills, and independence—three essential skills for a successful life. According to Stanford Health, kids who play outside often are happier and healthier. Simple activities like digging in the dirt can reduce stress levels and strengthen their immune systems! Building a reliable, intriguing backyard playground that offers ample opportunities for unstructured outdoor play is one of the best gifts you can give your child. Time to grab your kids and get started! 

 
Camping in your backyard can be a delightful activity – as long as everything goes right. However, if you end up with late-night surprises, sunburns, and bugs, there’s a good chance that the family won’t want to do it again. That is why it is so important to plan carefully to make your next backyard camping outing a great experience for everyone.  

In this article, we have laid out a few things that should go into planning backyard camping. By preparing yourself for every eventuality, you can make sure everyone has fun and that it will be an outing to remember. 

Check the Weather Forecast  

No matter what time of year it is, the weather can change quickly. Make sure you know what the weather forecast is so you can plan for the right time to set up your backyard camping outing. If you don’t check the weather in advance you could wind up soaked, which is not a great way to spend your first backyard camping trip. Checking the weather forecast in advance will also keep all your camping gear safe and in good condition for the next time you use it. 

Turn Off Automatic Sprinklers  

If you have automatic sprinklers, make sure you turn them off before setting up your tent on the lawn. Automatic sprinklers are one of those things that people tend to get used to and forget to turn off when they should. The last thing you want is to wake up soaking wet because you didn’t turn off the sprinkler cycle.  

Consider Your Pets 

If you have a dog, most likely the dog will want to sleep outside with you and the family. This can be fun for the kids and the dog alike, and can really bring out a sense of togetherness. A cat, on the other hand, will probably want to stay inside for the night. Make sure the cat has everything it needs for the evening before bedding down so you don’t wake up to midnight meows at the back door.  

Related Topic: How to Keep the Fun in Outdoor Activities for Your Grandkids 

Sunscreen  

If you’re going to be spending the afternoon out in the yard doing fun activities like frisbee or badminton, make sure that everyone wears sunscreen. A painful and itchy sunburn will put a damper on any camping outing and lessen the likelihood that the kids will want to do it again. Plus, sunscreen is essential for staying safe and healthy out in the sun.  

Bug-Free Campsite  

Before setting up your backyard campsite, take a look around and remove any standing water or leaf debris. Damp or wet areas can become a haven for mosquitoes and other pests, which can be a real downer when it comes to a fun camping experience. It’s a good idea to keep some insect repellent on hand just in case and avoid wearing dark colors. Mosquitoes are less attracted to whites and khakis since they have a harder time seeing them.  

Get a Mosquito Barrier Spray 

One of the best ways to keep your backyard camping trip free of mosquitoes and other pests is to get barrier spray treatments. The professional technicians at Mosquito Joe can treat the perimeter of your home with a safe, long-lasting aerosol that will help keep your backyard camping outing comfortable and fun.  

Related Topic: Meet the Entomology Expert Behind the Science and Research at Mosquito Joe 

Summer is a time for outdoor activities and relaxation, but the fun can be quickly spoiled by mosquitoes. These insects are not only a nuisance but are also capable of transmitting some nasty diseases. To minimize their presence,  you need to be aware of what attracts them to your property. While there are several factors that contribute to the mosquito population on your property, we’re going to take a closer look at the primary one — water.

So, why are mosquitoes attracted to water? In this article, we’ll explain the reasons and discuss the type of water that is most attractive to mosquitoes.  We’ll also share some tips from our bug experts that will help prevent mosquitoes from ruining all of your outdoor fun.

What Type of Water Attracts Mosquitoes?

Why do mosquitoes like water? There are several reasons for this attraction between mosquitoes and water. First, female mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, which serves as their nursery. Standing water provides a suitable habitat for the larvae to develop into adult mosquitoes. Still or stagnant water is preferred for this development period. It is the ideal breeding ground, as it provides a sheltered space that includes ample nutrients for larvae to develop.

Mosquitoes are also attracted to moisture in the air, and water sources provide a humid environment that is essential for their survival. The puddles left behind after heavy rainfall are very attractive to mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes are not just attracted to puddles, however. Anywhere that water collects can be a potential attractant for mosquitoes. For example, this can include ornamental ponds, birdbaths, rain barrels, empty flower pots, and clogged gutters. Mosquitoes can reproduce in as little as a few ounces of water, so even a bottle cap can be attractive to mosquitoes.

Why Do Mosquitoes Like Water?

Mosquitoes are attracted to water because it plays a vital role in their life cycle. Female mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs. Mosquito larvae require water for sustenance and to grow to become adult mosquitoes. This is the primary reason that mosquitoes are attracted to water. Mosquitoes find humid environments favorable for breeding, growth, and survival, making them a magnet for these persistent pests.

Other Conditions That Attract Mosquitoes

Are mosquitoes only attracted to water? While water is a crucial factor in the survival of mosquitoes, they are also attracted to warmth and humidity. Mosquitoes are generally not an issue during the cooler months of the year. However, there are some species of mosquito that can survive harsh weather. You can learn more about What Temperature Kills Mosquitoes from our experts.

While there is a relationship between standing water and mosquitoes, they are also attracted to humans and animals due to the carbon dioxide we exhale into the atmosphere. They are also attracted to odors such as lactic acid, ammonia, and other compounds emitted by our bodies. You may be a more likely target if you are exercising or working outdoors and sweating. Wearing dark clothing or strong cologne or perfume will also make you a target.

Mosquitoes can also be attracted to overgrown vegetation and greenery, as this provides a resting place for adult male mosquitoes.

Tips to Prevent Mosquitoes Around Your Home

It’s important to put preventative measures in place to keep mosquitoes at bay and enjoy the summer outdoors. Let’s review some ways to keep mosquitoes away from you, your family, and your pets.

Reduce Standing Water

Mosquitoes, gnats, and other insects are attracted to stagnant water. Standing water that has had a chance to grow bacteria and fungus is an ideal habitat and breeding ground for these pests. What’s more, insect eggs are commonly found in standing water, which makes getting rid of it a great way to reduce the number of bugs in your yard.

Regularly inspect your property for standing water and eliminate it. Remove water from flower pots, and ensure proper drainage of containers. Be sure to cover water storage containers with lids or mesh to keep mosquitoes from accessing them.

Clean Your Gutters

There are places where mosquitoes are attracted to water that you may not immediately see or think about. For instance, standing water can collect in your gutters, turning them into insect nests. They can also fill with debris like twigs, leaves, and dirt, which breed bacteria and create food for some pests. To prevent a bug infestation after heavy rain, clean out your gutters at least once a year. Doing so regularly — and before the rainy season starts — can help prevent insects from thriving and breeding in your yard.

Keep Your Trash Cans Dry

When trash cans get wet, they hold standing water and turn into sources of food for insects. Moisture encourages bacteria and mold growth, which supports the survival of many pests. To prevent your trash cans from turning into insect breeding grounds, keep your cans covered or in a protected area when it rains.
 
 

Keep Your Lawn and Shrubs Short

Overgrown vegetation creates debris that is attractive to pests. Keep your bushes, lawn, and the surrounding vegetation pruned and cut back year-round so you won’t end up with more pests after it rains. Keeping your yard tidy reduces the number of places for pests to hide.
 
 

Drill Holes in Tire Swings

Water can easily collect at the bottom of a tire swing and become stagnant. Mosquitoes love these areas and will settle in there after heavy rain. To keep the mosquitoes away, drill some holes in the bottom of your tire swing to promote better drainage.
 
 
 
 

Maintain Pools and Water Features

If you have a hot tub, swimming pool, fountain, or ornamental pond, it is important to keep it maintained and properly treated. This will prevent mosquito breeding. Be sure to check these water features every few weeks, especially during the spring and summer and after heavy rain. Heavy rains can dilute and limit the effectiveness of any treatment that has been added to help prevent insects from using the water as a breeding ground. Checking them regularly during the spring and summer months will help ensure they remain free of insects.

Use Screens and Nets

Installing window and door screens can help you enjoy the weather while preventing pests from entering your home. Make use of mosquito nets around outdoor seating or lounging areas. Take your nets camping with you too.
 
 
 

Shield Your Body

Wear appropriate clothing in places where mosquitoes may be. They are attracted to dark-colored clothing, so opt for light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs. This reduces the amount of skin that is exposed and makes it more difficult for mosquitoes to bite you. Don’t forget to use mosquito repellent that is EPA-approved and contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

What About Mosquito Repellent Plants?

While they might seem appealing, most mosquito repellent plants don’t actually work well at defending against mosquitoes. Many plants that are said to deter mosquitoes with their scent don’t release enough of it to be truly effective. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t be pleasant to have in your yard or garden. In addition, if you have mosquito repellant plants and feel inspired, you can make your own mosquito repellent at home.

Don’t Let Mosquitoes Ruin Your Outdoor Fun

One of the easiest things you can do to prevent an insect infestation in your yard is to have an expert — like a Mosquito Joe® professional — apply a barrier spray to your shrubs and vegetation. Mosquito Joe will treat your yard with an effective treatment that eliminates mosquitoes and reduces the number of pests in your yard for up to 21 days. With a little help, you can keep your outdoor space protected all year long. Request a free quote today!

FAQs About What Attracts Mosquitoes

Do Birdbaths Attract Mosquitoes?

Yes, mosquitoes are attracted to water in birdbaths. Standing water is their favorite habitat, so that delightful birdbath has the potential to attract and host many of them. If you enjoy watching birds take a bath and don’t want to put your birdbath away during the summer, be sure to check it frequently for mosquito larvae and other insects.

Do Mosquitoes Like Pool Water?

Mosquitoes are attracted to water that they can lay eggs in. The chemicals in pools are not healthy for them. So, if your pool is properly and regularly maintained, it is less likely that mosquitoes will spend time in it. However, pool water that is not well-maintained or becomes stagnant, is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects.