What is North Carolina doing about the mosquito problem?

Unfortunately, it appears the state of North Carolina may be slightly behind in terms of mosquito preparedness.  Read this article on what is happening here! 

Zika Virus – should we be worried?

It seems that every day there is a news story talking about the Zika Virus and mosquitoes in general.  As you know, mosquitoes transmit many diseases – some of which are deadly or can cause devastating illnesses such as Dengue, Chikungunya, Malaria, Zika and even heartworm in our pets. 

According to the Virginia Department of Health “Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus transmitted primarily through the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These vectors, which also transmit dengue and chikungunya (CHIK), are found throughout much of the Americas, including the United States. The virus also has been found to be transmitted by Aedes albopictus (the Asian tiger mosquito), the most common nuisance mosquito in Virginia.” They go further to say “Pregnant women are strongly encouraged to consider postponing travel to Zika-affected countries while pregnant.”

http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/PressReleases/2016/012616ZikaVirus.htm

Unfortunately, Zika Virus is being possibly linked to a particular birth defect when a pregnant woman is bitten by an infected mosquito.  The baby is being born with microcephaly, which is when the head/brain is abnormally small.  As of this writing – there have been no transmissions of the Zika virus within the United States but travelers returning to this country (most recently one in Virginia) are already infected.  Once mosquito season hits – if a mosquito were to bite an infected person, then it is possible for that mosquito to transmit the Zika virus to another person.

There are many things you can do to help protect yourself and your family. Mosquito Squad of Lake Country recommends the following five things:

1. TIP. Reduce standing water to eliminate mosquito threats, including those in children’s sandboxes, wagons or plastic toys; underneath and around downspouts, in plant saucers and dog bowls. Other hot spots include tarps, full gutters, and flat roofs.

2. TOSS. Remove excess grass, leaves, firewood and clippings from yards.

3. TURN. Turn over larger yard items that could hold water like children’s portable sandboxes or plastic toys.

4. REMOVE TARPS. If tarps stretched over firewood piles, boats or sports equipment are not taut, they’re holding water.

5. TREAT. Utilize a mosquito elimination barrier treatment around the home and yard. Using a barrier treatment at home reduces the need for using DEET-containing bug sprays on the body. Mosquito Squad’s traditional product eliminates 85-90% of the mosquitoes and ticks on a property.

Call us today to get your property scheduled!  Our season here at Lake Gaston and Kerr Lake runs from April through October and our schedule is filling up quick.  We can be reached at (434) 626 2250.

Encephalitis linked to Chikungunya

We posted a few articles this past summer on Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease that can cause debilitating joint pain. We had several cases in the greater Lake Gaston area this past summer!

It seems they have now linked it to encephalitis (brain infection) which can cause death.  Check out this article to learn a little more.

http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2015/12/01/458003755/chikungunya-a-mosquito-borne-virus-might-be-scarier-than-we-thought

Are you able to enjoy your outdoor living spaces?

If the answer is "NO" then take a moment to watch this video - there are several tips to removing problem spots in your yard that harbor mosquitoes.  We are available and can offer same week service appointments - don't go another day with terrible bites and itchy spots!  Most importantly - protect your family and pets from the devastating diseases that mosquitoes can cause such as West Nile!  Check out our Google Plus page for more information as well!

Chikungunya - coming to a town near you!

There is yet another threat from mosquitoes making its way around the United States.  You have probably seen some stories in the news about this devastating disease - check out this article on this strange sounding threat we face.  Help to protect your family from this and other mosquito and tick borne diseases by calling us today! Take back your yard and bite back!  434 636 2250

Tick populations exploding in our area!

Do you realize how many diseases can be transmitted by the tick?  This tiny parasite can inflict so much damage!  Educate yourself on how to eliminate this threat from your yard - for both your family and your pets!

What type of mosquito is that biting you??

Probably the Asian Tiger mosquito!  Check out this informative article on the likely places you can find this mosquito and how to get rid of them! HINT: the article recommends the methods we use!!  Call us today to get on the schedule and take back your yard!!

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/Alerts/MosquitoAwarenessWeek/index.htm

Information on Tick Control in Your Backyard!

Check out our new video about controlling ticks in your backyard and we also have additional information on our website!!  Call us today to get on the service schedule! 434 636 2250

Watch this Mosquito! Yuck

Don't let this happen to you!  

Powassan Virus - yet another tick-borne disease!

Unfortunately, this tick-borne disease has no cure!  Read the article and educate yourself then call us to protect your outdoor living spaces from these deadly parasites.  You can reach us anytime at our website, email or phone!  Call us today!  434 636 2250

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Children

Now that we finally have some nice weather to enjoy - we have to think about protecting ourselves from pests such as mosquitoes and ticks. I saw this article this morning on Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in children - scary. According to the article the largest percentage of cases come from our geographic area! Our services can decrease your tick population significantly - call us today to discuss your options. 434 636 2250

Mosquito Squad of Lake Country has a new video!

Click on the video so how many ways we can help to protect you, your family and your pets from harmful mosquito and tick bites!

Tick bites and Meat Allergies? Scary!

Very interesting article on tick bites and meat allergies.

No Bugs. No Bites. No Kidding. Finally! Lake Gaston has a solution for mosquitoes, ticks and spiders!

The owners of Renew Crew of Lake Country have added Mosquito Squad to their family of companies.  Keith and Kim Quinn have owned and operated Renew Crew (formerly Wood Re New) for the last nine years in beautiful Lake Gaston and have heard from their customers how difficult it is to enjoy the outdoors with all the bites, bugs and spiders invading their outdoor living spaces.  Thankfully, there is now a solution!  Mosquito Squad uses an All-Natural formula at the dock and along the shoreline to help control and eliminate spiders as well as mosquitoes.  The formula, made up of essential oils, will eliminate pests on contact and continue to repel them for 14 days. Imagine enjoying a nice evening at your dock without spider webs attacking you!  For your outdoor living spaces around the house and yard, their traditional barrier spray will eliminate mosquitoes and ticks on contact and continue to work for 21 days.  They also offer special flea and tick treatments for the safety of your pets.  For optimum protection, season long control is highly recommended, which is typically April through October.

Check us out on Facebook or Google Plus!!  Looking forward to a bug free summer!