When is DIY a Horrible Idea?

 

When you are in the pest control industry, sometimes you find yourself searching for odd things on the internet. My browser history is full of things like “How much blood can a mosquito consume in one meal?” or “How many times do a mosquito’s wings beat per second?” This week as I was doing some online research, I came across an article about DIY pest control sprays that included things such as vinegar, active yeast, and detergent.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of DIY projects for the house. The aforementioned products are harmless, but this did bring up a great question. Should pest control be something that gets added to your “things to do” list around the house? Is do-it-yourself mosquito control or really any DIY pest control a good idea? The short answer is — No! It’s definitely something you should leave to the professionals. There are a few reasons why. Let’s take a closer look.

Risks of Using Unproven Chemicals and Sprays

When you schedule a professional barrier spray application, you are assured of several things. First, the chemicals used are legal in your state. Second, they will be applied in a way that most effectively addresses the specific pests you are dealing with. Did you know that there are over 3,000 species of mosquitoes and some are better targeted by certain chemicals than others? No single pesticide or DIY pest control formula is effective against all mosquitoes. A local pest control expert will know the specific species you’re battling and how best to control them. Third, you can trust that a pro will apply the correct amount of treatment to kill pests effectively without harming the local environment.

Remember, effective pest control makes use of substances that can be toxic to pests. Therefore, it must be done carefully, with experience, knowledge and skill, to ensure that only the targeted pests are affected. All too often, when DIY pest control fails to deliver relief from pests, people get desperate and seek out illegal sources for potentially harmful do-it-yourself extermination. It’s important to note that these compounds are regulated to protect you, your family, your pets, and the environment. Working outside of such parameters could easily do serious damage.

Lack of Knowledge of Pests’ Biology and Behavior

Effective pest control is about far more than just dumping a bunch of treatment on your property. The proper treatment must be chosen to address your environment and to meet your needs for the specific pests you’re battling. Furthermore, the timing, location, and method of application are critical to success. For example, did you know that the pupal stage of fleas is impervious to the same chemicals that kill adults and eggs? Or that mosquitoes can go dormant in winter? Spraying do-it-yourself mosquito spray at the wrong time or in the wrong place can threaten your property and pets without ever affecting your intended target.

Pest control professionals recognize insect habitats and the telltale signs of nests and eggs, so they can concentrate their efforts where they will produce the best results. Some pest control solutions are designed to exploit the insects’ natural behavior. Effectively applying them requires both training and experience. Too many do-it-yourself mosquito sprays spread toxics with little rhyme or reason, and limited results. This can also harm beneficial insects and the environment.

Incomplete Coverage and Unreliable Results

DIY pest control can not only be ineffective, but it can also actually worsen your pest problems. Most likely your property has predator bugs that kill and eat the biting pests you want to eliminate. You could end up killing the predators, allowing the fast-breeding pests to survive, which can lead to a population boom. A pest-control professional will know what to apply, where, and how much to effectively eliminate pests without eliminating all the beneficial predators, too.

DIY home pest control can also present a problem when it comes to resistance – similar to the overuse of antibiotics. Insects, just like bacteria, are fast to reproduce with exceptional adaptation and survival mechanisms. This means they can eventually develop a resistance to the compounds used to control them. Just as the overuse of antibiotics can lead to highly resistant infections, indiscriminate use of do-it-yourself extermination can cause local pests to become more resistant to your DIY pest control methods.

Why Professional Pest Control Is the Best Choice

Mosquito Joe® pest control service professionals undergo extensive training to identify and target specific pests in your community with the most effective methods available. We do so swiftly and efficiently without the wasteful use of ineffective substances. Unlike DIY pest control efforts, our work is supervised by certified entomologists – real bug nerds. This ensures we always use the best pest control practices and have the most up-to-date information to alleviate your pest problem.

Professional pest control offers the following benefits compared to DIY pest control:

  • It’s cost-effective based on better long-term results.
  • It’s efficient at eliminating problem pests.
  • It targets the specific pest in your area, based on your unique conditions.
  • It’s environmentally conscious.

The Advantages of Working with Mosquito Joe

Our professional pest control services are available in locations across the country. We study the specific pests that inhabit areas where you live so we can tailor our pest control efforts to the problems you face.

Unlike DIY pest control efforts, all our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and our Mosquito Joe® Satisfaction Guarantee. So, you can count on us to do the job right the first time. Request a quote online today! We’re not only studying bugs; we’re also making the outdoors fun again!

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Customer Reviews of 2019

At Mosquito Joe, we pride ourselves on being able to make outside fun again. For us, that means ridding properties of outdoor pests so families and furry friends aren’t itching and scratching. Our barrier treatments allow families and friends to gather in their backyard to enjoy a cookout without being the main course. They also give parents peace of mind knowing their children can play without getting bitten by mosquitoes, ticks or fleas. Whether our customers are mosquito magnets or under attack by ticks, Mosquito Joe technicians provide customized treatments in order to transform their backyards into a bite-free oasis.

Don’t believe us? Let these customers speak for themselves! 

Playtime is Back

  • “I absolutely love Mosquito Joe! We have used them for the past five years, we haven’t had one bite that’s pretty amazing. My kids play outside all day long, I don’t have to worry. I would recommend them to anyone that loves a bite-free lawn. Thanks guys!”
  • “My daughter loves playing outside and around our Koi pond, but she would get eaten up by mosquitoes after being out there for 2 minutes. Thanks to Mosquito Joe, we can go out and play and relax, even around our pond, without getting attacked by mosquitoes! Thank you Mosquito Joe!”
  • “I am VERY pleased with the services! We played basketball for over an hour without one single bite! Before MoJo, we would have not lasted 10 minutes without at least a dozen bites. We have been outside daily now and cannot extend my gratitude enough. My kids are extremely excited to see him pull up for treatment! Tell the technicians not to be surprised if my children ask “Joe” for his autograph.”

Bye-bye Mosquito Bites

  • “I’m very pleased with this service. I have never been bitten by a mosquito in my yard the entire time I have used Mosquito Joe! That is amazing for this mosquito magnet.”
  • “I have always been a target for mosquitoes. I like to be outside and work in the yard. I had to use insect repellent every time I went out. After I called Mosquito Joe, it has been such a relief. I get to sit and enjoy all my hard work. You won’t regret giving them a call.”
  • “It was great to be able to enjoy our deck this past summer. Anytime I get a mosquito bite, my bite swells up to a quarter size and itches for days. Thanks!”
  • “I love that I can be outside, on my property, without worries from biting insects. I have autoimmune problems and bites turn into infections that potentially send me to the hospital. But now, I am able to sit outside and read or work on the flowers and shrubbery with no worries. It is great to be able to do these things again. I am so appreciative.”
  • “This service really works! I’ve been a mosquito magnet for years. I’ve been working in the garden and not one bite since they started spraying. It is so nice to be able to eat outside again. Best money spent. Thank you!”

Pet Parents Love MoJo! 

  • “I will always use these services. The staff was always friendly and flexible. They always accommodated my schedule and were mindful that I had a pet. Also, we could really tell a difference in the reduction of mosquitoes. It made our summer so much better!”
  • “We loved being able to enjoy our pool area without bites. I especially loved the extra care that was taken in covering up my dog’s bowls when I forgot to. That shows the care and attention given to clients and we really appreciate it! We will see you again in spring!”
  • “Service is great and your product does everything as promised! Techs are so trustworthy and responsible, my dog loves when you visit!”

Outside is Fun Again for these Outdoor Enthusiasts

  • “This is money well spent! We live in the woods and with Mosquito Joe taking care of my property, we had no mosquitoes this season and could enjoy the yard and pool all season long. The staff is extremely friendly and professional and always go the extra mile to ensure I was happy and my yard was taken care of. Could not be happier!”
  • “When we moved into our house right by the Bay we could not be outside in the evening. Once our yard started being treated by Mosquito Joe we have enjoyed the outside, not to mention beautiful views of the bay at sunset!”
  • “I cannot say enough about Mosquito Joe and how they make my yard habitable! I can garden, enjoy campfires, landscaping and lounging in the great outdoors only because of Mosquito Joe. Also, the technicians are so polite, respectful and personable. They always have a smile. Thanks, Mosquito Joe!”

To Grandma’s MoJo Protected House We Go! 

  • “Love having my yard sprayed. For the last 3 years we have had our yard sprayed. Before spraying I could only spend 10-15 minutes outside before getting bit by mosquitoes. Now we spend hours in our yard with the grandkids or just sitting on our back porch enjoying the evening.”
  • “So nice to be able to enjoy being outside with my grandson and not get bitten by mosquitoes. Thank you Mosquito Joe!”
  • “The Mosquito Joe crew bent over backwards to make sure my yard was ready for our 10 grandkids to spend the week with us. The owner himself came out to make sure everything was right. I call that SERVICE!”

Planning the Perfect Event? Mosquito Joe Makes it Itch-free!

  • “I used Mosquito Joe for our backyard wedding….it worked perfectly! We are surrounded by woods and our backyard area is usually infested with mosquitoes at night. We had mosquito spray out for people, just in case, but nobody needed it! I would definitely use again!”
  • “Great service. I use their service at my house. I also had them spray for a special event at another venue. People were amazed that we had zero mosquitoes as compared to previous years.”
  • “We contacted Mosquito Joe just 2 days before a big family event because the mosquitoes were fierce. They came the very next morning and saved the evening for us. I appreciate the extra effort provided by this small, local operation, the friendliness, and effectiveness. Highly recommended.”

If you want to be itch-free like these satisfied customers, it’s time to add some MoJo to your backyard! For more information or to request a free quote, give us a call today at 855-ASK-A-JOE. With no contracts and the MoJo Satisfaction Guarantee, our work isn’t done until you’re happy. Visit us online to find your local outdoor pest control expert. With Mosquito Joe, outside is fun again! 

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Don’t let a tick make you sick | Lyme Disease Awareness Month

With the April showers behind us and May flowers starting to bloom, warm weather is finally here! With warmer weather brings more outdoor activities, as well as the possibility of a tick bite. May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month and Mosquito Joe is joining the fight to protect families and furry friends from this tick-borne illness.

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease was first detected in 1976 in Lyme, Connecticut and most commonly occurs in the Northeast, upper Midwest and mid-Atlantic regions. It is estimated that about 300,000 people are diagnosed each year.  Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted.

Signs and Symptoms

Early symptoms of Lyme disease usually begin from 3 to 30 days after being bitten by an infected tick. The most common early stage symptom is a rash where the tick was attached. This rash starts as a small red area that spreads outward to look like a bullseye. One may also experience flu-like symptoms, such as headache, fever, sore and aching muscles and joints, stiff neck, fatigue and swollen glands.

If you experience any of the following symptoms and have had a tick bite, it is important to seek medical attention. Untreated Lyme disease can produce a wide range of symptoms, depending on the stage of infection. Some of these symptoms may include fever, facial paralysis and arthritis.

Treatment

If you develop any of the above symptoms within several weeks of removing a tick, it’s important that you see your healthcare provider. When Lyme disease is diagnosed in the early stages, people usually recover rapidly and completely. In order to be treated, you will be given antibiotics by your healthcare provider, which most commonly are doxycycline, amoxicillin or cefuroxime axetil.

However, you can get Lyme disease again if you are bitten by another infected tick, so it is important to protect yourself from tick bites.

mosquito joe lyme disease

Preventing Tick Bites

Although it’s not possible to completely protect yourself from getting a tick bite, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances. Tick activity is higher during the warmer months, but ticks can be out anytime the temperature is about 45 degrees Fahrenheit. With the help from Mosquito Joe, you can get ahead of any tick problems you might have this season, while also implementing the following habits:

  • Keep grass short and underbrush thinned at your home.
  • Move wood piles away from the home.
  • Wear light-colored clothes to help you spot ticks easily.
  • Check your body for ticks and shower within two hours of being outdoors.
  • Move swing sets, sandboxes and other play areas to avoid tick bites.
  • Keep pets out of thickly wooded areas where tick activity is high and talk to your veterinarian about tick control options.
  • Let Mosquito Joe be your second line of deference for these intruders by getting a barrier spray that rids your yards for mosquitoes, fleas and ticks.

When you come in from the outdoors, always do a thorough check on yourself, your family and your pets. When doing a tick check, remember that ticks liked places that are warm, so make sure you check the back of your armpits, scalp, back of the neck and behind the ears.

But what if I do get a tick bite?

If you do find a tick on you or your family, there’s no need to panic! The key is to remove the tick as soon as possible. There are several tick removal devices on the market, but fine-tipped tweezers also work great. Follow the below steps on removing a tick:

  1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
  2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this does happen, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. If you are unable to do so, leave it alone and let the skin heal.
  3. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
  4. Never crush a tick with your fingers. Dispose of a live tick by putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet.removal of tick

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/removing_a_tick.html

Don’t be ticked off this summer

Let Mosquito Joe be another line of defense against tick-borne illnesses by applying a barrier treatment to your property. A trained and certified technician will treat your yard with an effective solution that eliminates mosquitoes, ticks and fleas for 21 days. As an alternative to our longer-lasting synthetic treatment, our all-natural solution repels mosquitoes immediately. This less-adhesive yet effective option requires treatment on a 14-day cycle.

If you’re still not sure if Mosquito Joe is right for you, give your local MoJo a call or request a free quote online. We are dedicated to making outside fun again for you and your family and our job is not done until you are happy!

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A Day in the Life of a Mosquito Joe Technician

A day in the work life of a pest control technician is a busy one. Mosquito Joe services residential customers as well as commercial properties, but through it all, a technician’s main focus is providing high-quality customer service.

Equipped with the latest and greatest equipment and ongoing support from office staff, our technicians set out to service customers from sun up to sun down, around 5-6 days a week. They are trained mosquito control experts who are truly dedicated to making outside fun again for your family and furry friends.

Morning Cup of Joe

Our technicians arrive to the office around 6am to ensure an early start to their jam-packed day of making outside fun again for customers in their community. Attention to detail is of primary concern in the mosquito control industry, so the first thing Mosquito Joe technicians do before they head out to transform an ordinary yard into an itch-free yard, is check their vehicle to make sure it is fully stocked and the chemicals and tools in their transits are secure.

In efforts to maximize efficiency and time management, technicians follow a tightly gridded area associated with zip codes. Our office managers prepare these “routes” for each transit and conduct a quick huddle to run through the details of the day. Each transit will have 2 technicians, a designated driver and a fully charged tablet and GPS.

“From the office team to the techs that come out to spray, customer service and customer satisfaction combined with GREAT RESULTS and always going the extra mile for clients makes Mosquito Joe of South Miami one of the best companies my wife and I have ever experienced. The spraying reminders, billing process and inquiries are handled with professionalism and expertise, we have referred a few of our friends and neighbors to the service and everyone agrees with us: It’s the best investment in making the outside fun again!”

-Jorge A

Mosquito Joe Transit Arrives

Our technicians will check to see if the customer is home and whether or not the yard is accessible, with all pets indoors. Although we don’t require you to be home when our technicians arrive, we do recommend slight initial interaction for your first spray in order to appropriately assess your yard and identify any problem areas you may or may not be aware of. We pride ourselves off of impeccable customer service and would love to meet you, guide you through the process, answer questions and address any problem areas with you. Next, we’ll canvas the property looking for active larvae populations and potential breeding grounds, and recommend ways to eliminate standing water in your yard.

“Friendly and professional staff. I have used Mosquito Joe for three years and have been able to enjoy my backyard again.”

-K.N.

Busy during the work week? No problem! We’ll leave behind a post-service door hanger at the end of service for you to review upon your return.

What’s the Science Behind an Itch-Free Yard?

Our trained technician will treat your yard with an effective barrier spray that eliminates biters for 21 days. Using a backpack sprayer designed for precise application, your technician targets shrubs and plants with a barrier spray that kills mosquitoes, ticks and fleas on contact and bonds to foliage, where it acts as a mosquito repellent for weeks to come. Wait a short 30 minutes before allowing your children and pets back outside to play!

Sensitive when it comes to your vegetation, ponds and flowerbeds? We’ve got you covered with our all-natural mosquito control treatment. As an alternative to our longer-lasting synthetic treatment, Mosquito Joe offers an all-natural mosquito pest control solution. Also administered through a barrier spray program, our all-natural solution repels mosquitoes immediately, but has less adhesive properties than our synthetic spray. Because of this, the all-natural solution will act as a repellent to deter new mosquitoes for a shorter time period and requires spraying on a 14-day cycle to ensure adequate protection.

“It actually works!! I was skeptical at first. The mosquitoes are so bad here, but not since we’ve had this service. My neighbors also signed up because they noticed that we had no mosquitoes.”

-Lisa R.

That’s a Wrap!

Being a Mosquito Joe technician can be a challenging job, working in harsh conditions with heavy equipment, but it’s very rewarding. Mosquito, tick and flea control is a necessary service and identifying and solving the unique problem areas in each individual yard can graciously improve our customers’ quality of life. Having the ability to give you and your family your yard back is an incredible feeling, and our technicians show up each and every day to do just that.

“Mosquito Joe delivered exactly what they promised. My family and I can actually enjoy our yard and pool area comfortably.”

-Emanuel L.

Is your outside keeping you inside? Contact your local Mosquito Joe today to schedule service for the 2019 season!

“For 8 years we have been battling the mosquito. We have stayed in many beautiful evenings because of the pests. For the first time this year, after one application by Mosquito Joe, we have enjoyed every night this summer sitting on our deck. What a great service!”

Dave F.

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Is Our All-Natural Treatment Right for You?

 

At Mosquito Joe, we understand the importance of having options when it comes to pest control. We offer various treatments to cater to the needs of your family and your yard. In addition to our barrier spray and misting system options, our all-natural solution is a great way to keep your plants and flowers happy and healthy. To better determine if our all-natural treatment is right for you, read more about what this treatment option has to offer:

What is it?

Mosquito Joe’s all-natural treatment is an alternative to our longer-lasting synthetic barrier treatment. There are two spray options, one consists of garlic and the other of peppermint and rosemary essential oils. However, similar to our traditional treatment, trained technicians use a backpack sprayer in order to apply the all-natural formula to the foliage on your property. This allows for precise application and effectively eliminates mosquitoes from your yard.

What can I expect?

More frequent than our synthetic barrier treatment, trained technicians treat your property on a 14-day cycle to provide effective outdoor pest control. The garlic, peppermint and rosemary immediately begin to repel mosquitoes once the treatment is applied. These aromas will continue to deter mosquitoes from your property and therefore keep them from biting you and your family!

Who should get the all-natural treatment?

The all-natural treatment is suited for all properties, but certain customers would benefit from this option. Those who have fruit or vegetable-bearing plants often utilize this alternative. Our expert technicians inspect each property, ensuring they apply the treatment responsibly and effectively while avoiding harm to gardens. In addition to fruit and vegetable-bearing plants, delicate flowering plants are also carefully considered. Also, those concerned with the bees and other pollinators on their property could opt for the all-natural treatment. Our Pollinator Protection Program is our conscious effort to minimize harm done to our buzzing friend, the bee, while knocking out our pesky foe, the mosquito. When properly applied, the garlic or peppermint and rosemary treatments do not cause harm to plants or pollinators. The all-natural treatment is a viable option for customers with koi ponds or bird baths on their property.

Those who may be sensitive to using chemicals on their property or hesitant about the traditional synthetic option could opt for our all-natural treatment. Additionally, this treatment is an option for customers who have neighbors who are sensitive to chemicals or have severe allergies to chemical treatments. Our garlic and essential oil options contain no synthetic chemicals. This allows for customers to eliminate mosquitoes while remaining confident that their property is free of chemicals.

We strive to provide quality pest control solutions and we have a satisfaction guarantee in place to ensures you’re happy with your service. If interested in our all-natural option or any of our other pest control treatments, reach out to your local Mosquito Joe today for more details or a free property assessment and quote!

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