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! 

We just joined the chamber in Clarksville!

We are happy to be new members of the Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce!  The link to our business listing is here - please check us out and if you are looking for other services in the Kerr Lake area, please also start your search here at the chamber website!

http://clarksvilleva.com/

North Carolina Hires Two Entomologists to Study the Zika Threat

Article out of North Carolina - the state is hiring two entomologists to research mosquitoes that have potential to carry/transmit Zika in NC. As always, we are happy to walk you through what we are doing to help protect you and your family from Zika and other mosquito and tick-borne diseases. Call us anytime to discuss your property (434) 636 2250

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/…/loc…/article63707622.html

First Travel Related Case of Zika in North Carolina

The NC Department of Health and Human Services announced the first travel related case of Zika Virus in North Carolina.  They indicated the patient is an adult who recently returned from traveling to a Zika ravaged country.

It is imperative to plan your mosquito control program before the season begins.  Call us today to get started!  (434) 636 2250.

Virginia Governor Creates a Zika Virus Task Force

We continue to monitor the incidence of Zika Virus cases in both Virginia and North Carolina.  Just this week, Governor McAuliffe in Virginia created a task force putting the Virginia Department of Health in charge and ready to serve the people of Virginia.  We encourage our customers or those concerned about mosquito-borne diseases to prepare for mosquito season before it starts!  Call us today to get on our spring schedule - (434) 636 2250.

CDC discovers new bacteria that causes Lyme Disease

According to the CDC "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with the Mayo Clinic and health officials from Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota said in a press release Monday that the bacteria Borrelia mayonii, as well as the previously known bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, can cause Lyme disease."  

Ticks are prevalent here in the Lake Gaston and Kerr Lake areas.  Thankfully, Mosquito Squad of Lake Country offers a robust tick control program that will help to protect you, your family and your pets from tick-borne diseases.

Click here to read the article on what symptoms to look for with this new bacteria and always be sure to call your doctor if you have any concerns about a tick bite.

Zika Virus - Tips for a Proactive Approach

MOSQUITO SQUAD URGES HOMEOWNERS TO GET PROACTIVE WITH MOSQUITO CONTROL

RICHMOND, Va., (Feb. 3, 2016) –  Following this week’s World Health Organization announcement calling the severity of the Zika virus a global public health emergency, Mosquito Squad, the leader in the mosquito control category strongly urges homeowners to implement DIY mosquito control measures in their own yards to reduce mosquito populations and exposure to any vector-borne illnesses.

With nearly 200 locations in the United States, The Squad opened its mosquito elimination season this week in the Southern and Western sections of the country, including those that are already experiencing mosquito outbreaks. Offices across the country, including Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and even New York, have received significant increases in calls about mosquito control due to Zika.

“The outbreak of Zika virus has once again put the spotlight on mosquito control. It’s imperative that homeowners and commercial property owners take an aggressive approach to mosquito elimination and help their community reduce mosquito breeding grounds,” said Rob White, Mosquito Squad’s vice president. Keith Quinn, owner of Mosquito Squad of Lake Country stated “While the type of mosquitoes that carry Zika are present in the U.S., at this time no Zika infected mosquitoes have been detected in our country. The same kind of mosquito also carries other diseases typically contracted abroad including Chikungunya and Dengue so proactive mosquito control is something that everyone can, and should, make a part of their lives.”

Quinn added that while The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises homeowners to reduce standing water in their yards, few do and often there are hidden areas that breed mosquitoes. By walking the yard to remove items that catch water, addressing landscape issues that cause water to pool and implementing other yard maintenance protocols, like proper grass height, how to dispose of lawn debris and more, homeowners can reduce mosquito populations in their own yards.

Based on more than 10 years’ experience treating hundreds of thousands of yards, Mosquito Squad developed DIY steps to help homeowners eliminate mosquitoes. Mosquito Squad also enlisted TV host and licensed contractor Jason Cameron to provide additional advice for homeowners. Visit https://www.mosquitosquad.com/bugs-disease/mosquitoes/ to view the video or read below:

TIP over anything that holds or collects water. A bottle cap filled with water holds enough water for mosquitoes to breed. Since mosquitoes breed in standing water, the elimination of standing water decreases a mosquito’s breeding ground. Mosquito Squad technicians report that yards with bird baths, play sets with tire swings, tree houses, portable fireplaces and pits and catch basins are the biggest offenders.

TOSS any yard trash including clippings, leaves and twigs. Even the smallest items can provide a haven for mosquitoes and increase the population.

TURN over items that could hold water and trash. Look for canoes, lake toys, children’s portable sandboxes, slides or plastic toys; underneath and around downspouts; in plant saucers, empty pots, light fixtures and dog water bowls.  Eliminate these items or keep them turned over until used.

REMOVE TARPS that can catch water. Many homeowners have tarps or covers on items residing in their outdoor spaces. If not stretched taut, they are holding water. Check tarps over firewood piles, portable fire places, recycling cans, boats, sports equipment and grills. Mosquito Squad suggests using bungee cords to secure tarps in the yard.

TAKE CARE of your home. Proper maintenance can be a deciding factor in property values and mosquito bites. Regularly clean out gutters and make sure the downspout is attached properly. Mosquito Squad recommends re-grading areas where water stands more than a few hours, and to regularly check irrigation systems to ensure that they aren’t leaking and causing a breeding haven. Keep lawn height low and areas weed-free. 

TEAM UP. Despite taking all precautions in your own home, talking with neighbors is a key component to mosquito and tick control. Townhomes and homes with little space between lots mean that mosquitoes can breed at a neighbor’s home, and affect your property.

TREAT. Utilize a professional mosquito elimination barrier treatment around the home and yard. Using a barrier treatment at home reduces the need for using DEET-containing bug spray on the body.   

About Mosquito Squad of Lake Country 

We serve all of Lake Country including Lake Gaston, Kerr Lake and surrounding counties.  With nearly 200 locations nationwide, Mosquito Squad specializes in eliminating mosquitoes and ticks from outdoor living spaces, allowing Americans to enjoy their yards, outdoor living spaces, special events and green spaces.  For more information, visit www.MosquitoSquad.com or call The Squad today at (434) 636 2250.

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.