Author: Michaela Burns

Pest control technicians get to the bottom of an infestation quickly. When you have unwanted visitors like mosquitoes, bed bugs, termites or rodents, it helps to prepare your residential space for your appointment. The guide below explains common steps to follow before your pest control expert arrives.

1. Relocate Furniture and Belongings

You can make a pest control technician’s job easier by clearing out large objects where treatments will take place. Think about the items you have close to walls, entryways, windows or gutters.

Push things like beds, couches, entertainment systems, tables, dressers and desks aside before professionals arrive on your property.

2. Clean up Messes

Insects and rodents are always on the hunt for food. Make sure you clean up drink spills, sticky residues and crumbs inside or around your property before a pest control appointment. This task can keep pests confined to one area instead of spreading to new locations.

Messes may also include piles of laundry, kids’ toys or storage boxes on the floor. If your pest problem is outside, know that piles of leaves, mulch, wood and grass make excellent hiding places for bugs and mice.

3. Keep Your Pets Secure

It’s best to keep any pets you have indoors and away from treatment areas. Your technician will let you know how long to wait before you can let your dog or cat outside again. Ensuring pets are in a secure area also allows your technician to work without disruptions.

4. Open Garages, Doorways and Drawers

Insects look for dark spaces to hide. Before your pest control expert comes, open up everything from garages, sheds and entryways to drawers, closets and cabinets. That way, your technician can search for pest activity without having to ask permission to access different areas of your home.

5. Remove Bed Covers and Sheets

This tip mostly applies when you suspect there are bed bugs living inside your residential space. Strip beds including pillows, sheets, skirting and covers so that your technician can look for the pesky insects.

It is recommended you wash everything in hot water and dry it using high heat. Refrain from placing bed covers and sheets back on mattresses until directed.

Choose Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control for Service in Parts of Texas

Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control serves customers in Austin, Houston and San Antonio. When you suspect insects or rodents are infiltrating your residential or commercial space, trust our team to perform an inspection and come up with a tailored treatment plan for you. Request an estimate for service today!

Structural problems are a big concern for many homeowners and business owners. Wood damage can be especially worrying because you often don’t see it until it’s incredibly expensive and difficult to fix. Two notable sources of wood damage are termites and wood rot. Both can cause problems that range from minor cosmetic issues to significant structural repairs.

Although they have some similarities, termites and wood rot have distinct features that can help you tell them apart. We’ll make the task a little easier by going over the signs of termites and wood rot, how to tell them apart and what to do about them.

How Can I Tell If I Have Termites?

Determining whether you have termites usually relies on looking for clues rather than the bugs themselves. Termites feed on cellulose, a material in wood and plants, making the lumber in a building a neverending feast. To get to the feast, termites bore into the wood and create “shelves.” They build small tunnels or thin tiers going through the wood, both appearing as vertical lines. This unique pattern of wood damage is a classic sign of termites.

Other common signs of termite infestation include:

• Mud tunnels: Mud tunnels are a sure giveaway. Termites use soil to create these tunnels and make a path to the wood. They spread out along walls, ceilings or foundations. They’re usually the color of soil and less than an inch in diameter.
• Discarded wings, droppings or dead bugs: After mating, termites lose their wings and search for a place to nest. If you find these wings lying around, you likely have more termites out of sight. Finding dead termites or their droppings can also point toward an infestation.
• Sagging, creaking or buckling: With enough time, the structural damage from termites can cause your floors or ceilings to sag, creak or swell. If you notice these problems, take action quickly.
• A musty smell: Termite damage sometimes has a musty smell similar to mold. Wood rot can have a similar smell, so this characteristic isn’t too helpful in distinguishing between the two.
• Clicking sounds: Termites often make clicking noises as they move through the walls.
• Hollow-sounding wood: If you knock on a piece of wood where you suspect termites, you might hear a hollow sound due to the holes they’ve made.
• Sticking doors and windows: Tunnels in door and window frames can cause the wood to lose its shape. Your doors and windows may start to stick.

Although you may not see them, it helps to know what termites look like. They often resemble carpenter ants — which can also damage wood — with a similar size and wings. Termites are usually around ¼- to ½-inch long with soft and cylindrical bodies, hard heads and straight antennae. Ants typically have a more defined waist and bent antennae. If you’re in our home state of Texas, you can find both subterranean and drywood termites. Both are light yellow to black.

What Does Wood Rot Look Like?

In buildings, wood rot usually occurs due to fungi. When the wood is exposed to continuous moisture, it becomes a great spot for fungi to grow. It can create a damp and musty smell and cause the wood to crack and soften.

This example reflects wet rot, but you can also have dry rot. Dry rot doesn’t show moisture on the outside, but it still involves sub-surface fungi. It causes the wood to shrink down into cubes, eventually creating a pattern like a giraffe’s skin.

Some common places you might find rot include:

• Windowsills and window frames
• Basements and attics
• Door frames
• Under sinks
• Decks
• Siding or paneling

To find wood rot, grab a flashlight and look around your home or building. Signs of wood rot include discolored patches, places where chunks are falling away, patches of inconsistent textures or wood that’s breaking into cube-shaped chunks. Sometimes, you can even see clear fungal growth. If you suspect rot, take a screwdriver and push it against the wood. You likely have wood rot if the screwdriver sinks in without any resistance.

Differences Between Termite Damage and Wood Rot

Both termites and rot cause wood damage that moves from the inside out, making them hard to spot until the problem is extensive. The ways they cause damage, however, are very different. When trying to determine whether you have a termite or rot problem, look at the following characteristics:

• Damage pattern: Generally, damage from termites and wood rot don’t look the same. Termites create vertical tunnels that run mostly parallel to each other, while rot causes the wood to become soft and spongy. Also, wood rot can cause cube-like chunks. Wood with termite damage usually breaks apart in long, thin pieces.
• Nearby signs: Wood rot only occurs with consistent exposure to moisture, so you would need to have a leak or another area that leads water to the wood. Termites usually show signs of being in a building, like the mud tubes and clicking sounds we discussed earlier.
• Location: Although termites can show up anywhere, wood rot usually sticks to the seams of the building. You might find it on windows, doors or roofs.

Both problems can be hard to spot, so don’t hesitate to call in a professional. A pest control specialist can look for termites and other wood-damaging bugs like carpenter ants.

What to Do About Termite Damage or Wood Rot

Once you know what you’re working with, you can make a plan of action. Since fungus and termite infestations both spread quickly, working fast can help you prevent worsening damage. If you catch it in time, you might be able to take care of minor instances of rotted wood yourself. You can replace or repair certain structures with a special epoxy resin. More pervasive damage or problems with crucial structural elements will probably require the help of a carpenter or dry rot professional.

A termite problem almost always calls for expert services. These bugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of, but pest professionals address all angles of termite control. They employ the right technologies to eliminate them and prevent them from returning. If the damage is particularly severe, you may also need a dry rot professional to help repair or replace the wood.

Contact a Pro for Termite Control

Termites can wreak havoc on a building, so prevention and early detection go a long way. If you already have termites, professional services can help you get rid of them for good. Across east Texas, homeowners and business owners turn to Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control to keep termites at bay. We use minimal pesticides and offer recurring termite prevention plans to protect your space from termites and other wood-destroying creatures.

Still not sure if you have termites or wood rot? Give us a call, and we’ll get started on building an estimate and a plan to identify and eliminate any insects damaging your wood.

So you found an itchy, red bump on your skin — is it from a spider or a mosquito? And should you be concerned? Fortunately, you probably don’t need to worry about either kind of bite unless you experience other symptoms. Both of these creatures create similar-looking bites, and knowing the difference between them can help prevent them in the future and get rid of any pests in your home or business.

Mosquito vs. Spider Bites

Both mosquito and spider bites are red, slightly raised bumps that typically itch. These similarities make it hard to tell where the bite came from. While mosquito bites are just itchy, spider bites may be painful and have one or two dark dots in the middle of the bite. These dots are fang marks, and since mosquitos don’t have fangs, they don’t leave these marks.

Your bite should go away on its own regardless of the source. If it’s swollen, try applying an ice pack in 10-minute intervals or using an over-the-counter anti-itch cream. A do-it-yourself option is to mix a tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to form a paste. Apply it to the bite for 10 minutes before washing it off.

Identifying Mosquito Bites

Mosquitos don’t actually “bite” with teeth — they use a unique part of their mouth called a proboscis to pierce the skin and inject saliva. This injection is what causes redness and swelling. Your body treats the saliva as an allergen, causing the area to swell. It may be a puffy, reddish bump or a hard, itchy bump with a reddish-brown color.

Some people have worse reactions to mosquito bites. You may have a more serious allergy if you get hives. Mosquito bites can also get infected, which causes them to get redder, feel warm and develop a streak that spreads outward. See a doctor right away if you get any of these symptoms.

In addition to the bite itself, you may also be able to figure out what kind of bite you have based on the environment. You might find mosquitos hanging around in the following places:

• Warm weather: Mosquitos hibernate or die in cold conditions, so they only emerge in warmer periods. They cannot function below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so if something bit you in the depths of winter, you likely aren’t dealing with a mosquito. If you live in a warm climate like ours here in Texas, you might be exposed to mosquitos all year long.
• Near standing water: Mosquitos like shallow, stagnant water, like ponds, lakes and marshes. You’ll also find them near puddles, such as those in a birdbath or a forgotten kid’s pool.
• In groups: Many mosquitos fly in large groups, so you might find yourself with multiple bites. Spiders, on the other hand, usually travel solo, resulting in one bite at a time.

Mosquitos don’t bite you just for fun or even as a normal food source. Only female mosquitos feed on blood, and they do it because they use the protein from blood to develop their eggs and reproduce. A mosquito might feed on you simply because you’re there.

Identifying Spider Bites

You might be relieved to know that spider bites are quite rare in the United States. Unlike mosquitos, spiders generally won’t bite you without provocation. Bites typically occur when the spider is surprised or threatened, such as when you stick your foot into the shoe they built their home in. Most spiders don’t even have fangs that can pierce skin or venom that’s toxic to humans. Around a dozen of about 40,000 species worldwide can cause harm to humans.

Two groups of spiders can cause harm in North America. These are the widow and recluse groups, which contain black widows and brown recluses, respectively. Even these bites are rare, and one study found that out of 182 suspected bites in Southern California, only 3.8% were actually spider bites. Most were actually infections.

Like mosquito bites, spider bites often look innocuous. Bites from dangerous species usually come with noticeable symptoms, including:

• A lesion that expands or spreads
• A bullseye rash
• Tissue death, which starts as painful, purplish blisters
• Headaches and muscle aches
• Fever, with or without chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Joint paint
• Tiredness
• Sweating

If you have a bite and any of these symptoms, see your health care provider right away. Fortunately, these bites are rarely fatal, but medical attention is still crucial.

A spider’s habitat is a little harder to predict than a mosquito’s, especially with so many different species. Although you can find them inside and outdoors, spiders usually hang out on their own and in quiet, undisturbed areas. If you’ve been clearing out the basement or doing spring cleaning, you might be more likely to find one.

How to Prevent Mosquito and Spider Bites

Since mosquitos are usually found outside, you can often prevent bites by wearing long sleeves and pants, using mosquito repellant and keeping your yard free of standing water. Still, ongoing mosquito prevention can be difficult, especially if your yard has drainage issues or you have decorative water elements like ponds or birdbaths. Professional mosquito control services can eliminate mosquitos more thoroughly.

To keep spiders at bay, try to avoid clutter in your home and seal up potential entryways, such as large gaps under doors or cracks in the walls. You can also use home remedies like spraying vinegar or leaving chestnuts in problem areas.

If you see a lot of spiders, you may have another bug problem. Since spiders feed on other bugs, a large spider presence could indicate a prime dining spot with plenty of meals. This scenario typically calls for professional pest control services to remove both types of bugs.

Get Rid of Spiders and Mosquitos With Pest Control

Even if their bites are often harmless, spiders and mosquitos should never share a home or workplace with you. Professional pest control services can keep spiders and mosquitos out of your home, yard or place of business. If you’re in East Texas, the pros at Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control are ready to help.

We use more a more natural approach with minimal pesticides to get rid of pests and prevent them from returning. Our comprehensive approach looks at everything from food supplies and structural characteristics of the building to pest-specific repellent products and protective barriers. Whatever pests you find, our experienced team can help you get back to enjoying your space.

Contact us today to talk with an expert and start the first steps to a bug-free home or business.

If a swollen, painful or itchy mark has appeared on your skin, you’d probably like to know what caused it. Many bug bites look similar, so figuring out what creepy crawly bit you can be challenging. In most cases, a bug bite won’t be harmful, but knowing what bite you have can help you treat it properly and look out for more serious symptoms.

To help you solve the mystery, we’ve compiled some common bug bites you might encounter and tips for figuring it out.

How to Identify a Bug Bite

We’ll go over common bug bites next, but if none seem right, you can often find your answer with a good Google search. Describe the bite and see if the bug that comes up lives in your area.

Many bites will look similar, but characteristics to pay attention to include:

• Size and shape
• Redness
• Pain level
• Itchiness
• Sensation of heat
• Grouping with other bites
• Bruising

How to Treat a Bug Bite

Most bug bites and stings have a similar treatment process:

1. Clean the area with soap and water.
2. Apply an ice pack or a cold, damp washcloth to reduce swelling.
3. Take an over-the-counter antihistamine to reduce itching and swelling.
4. Use a calming lotion or cream, such as calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream, to help with itching and swelling.

Some bugs carry serious diseases, so symptoms like fever, nausea, sweating or muscle pain can signify something more severe. They typically warrant a trip to the doctor’s office. Almost all bugs can cause significant allergic reactions, which could involve excessive swelling or heat. Insects with stingers are also known for potentially causing anaphylactic responses, like trouble breathing, a swollen tongue and hives. These situations require immediate medical attention or an epinephrine auto-injector.

7 Different Types of Bug Bites

Now, let’s dive into the countless bug possibilities! Here’s our handy bug bite identifier list, complete with different types of common bites, stings and marks.

1. Bees, Wasps and Yellowjackets

If you get stung by one of these insects, you’ll know it. They pierce the skin with their stingers and inject venom into the body.

Bees — which are unlikely to sting you — leave a red, inflamed area with a small white circle around the sting. They can be painful, swollen and itchy. You’ll need to remove the stinger before treating the area. Wasps leave similar marks but keep their stingers.

A yellowjacket sting might be a little more painful. They can cause itching, warmth at the sting site and even some fatigue. They won’t leave stingers behind either, but the treatment is similar to a bee sting.

Allergies to bee and wasp stings are common, so be on the lookout for more severe symptoms.

2. Mosquitos

You probably know what a mosquito bite looks like. It’s a common itchy type of bug bite, usually accompanied by a raised, reddish bump. Mosquito bites themselves are more annoying than dangerous — although they can carry diseases like Zika virus and Dengue Fever. Hydrocortisone cream can relieve itching, and ice packs help reduce swelling. Whatever you do, don’t scratch mosquito bites, which can lead to infection.

3. Scorpions

If you live in a warm area, like we do in the southern United States, you might have scorpions hanging around. These arachnids may look dangerous, but their sting is usually similar to a bee sting. They can cause pain and localized swelling. In the United States, only one of about 70 species of scorpion is considered dangerous to humans, and it lives in Arizona and specific parts of California and New Mexico.

4. Centipedes

Yes, centipedes can leave a mark. They don’t actually bite, instead using claw-like forelegs filled with venom. Centipedes don’t typically use these claws on humans, but you might see a trail of marks on your skin from the forelegs scratching against you. They could leave blisters, too. Some people don’t notice centipede bites, but others say they feel like bee stings.

5. Spiders

Before you panic about a possible spider bite, know that out of 40,000 species worldwide, only about a dozen can hurt a healthy adult. In the United States, the primary concerns are black widows and brown recluses, and their bites are still rare.

With that reassurance, most spider bites look a lot like other bug bites, with localized swelling and redness. They may hurt more than other bites, and sometimes you’ll see fang marks, or two small holes, in the middle of the bite. Also, if you have a bug bite that looks like a bruise, a spider could be the culprit.

If you have whole-body symptoms, you might be looking at a bite from one of the dangerous species we mentioned. A bite from a black widow can cause muscle stiffness and pain, nausea or vomiting, sweating, belly pain or cramping, trouble breathing and swollen eyelids. A brown recluse bite causes tissues around the area to die off and turn into an ulcer. Some of the first symptoms include muscle pain, blistering and bruising, but severe symptoms can also occur, such as fever, dizziness and vomiting.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, see a health care provider immediately. While fatal spider bites are rare, you will likely need medical attention.

6. Ticks

Tick bites are easy to miss because they’re relatively painless. You could, however, see a tick attached to you — which is a pretty good giveaway of what you’re working with. Before you can treat the bite, you’ll need to remove the tick, which can be tricky and requires the following steps:

1. With a good pair of tweezers, grab the tick as close as possible to the skin’s surface.
2. Pull straight up and away with steady pressure, and avoid twisting or bending the tick.
3. Check the bite for any parts of the tick that may have been left behind, like a head or mouth. Remove them if necessary.
4. Clean the bite with water and antibacterial cleanser, rubbing alcohol, iodine or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
5. After removing the tick, submerge it in rubbing alcohol to kill it. Then, place it in a sealed container. If you show severe symptoms later, your doctor may want to analyze the tick for species and pathogens.

These bug bites look like mosquito bites. While the bites themselves are usually harmless, ticks are known carriers of dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Lyme usually comes with a characteristic bullseye-shaped mark. If you have whole-body symptoms like fever, fatigue, muscle aches, vomiting or abdominal pain, see your doctor immediately.

7. Bed Bugs

Wondering why your bug bite looks like a line of bumps? Bed bug bites are one of the best indicators of these critters. You may not notice them at night, but you will probably see the red line of small bites going up your body. These bites are usually raised and itchy. Another sign you might be dealing with bed bugs is if you see reddish or reddish-brown spots on your bedding. These spots can be from blood or bug droppings.

If you see signs of bed bugs, get rid of them immediately. Bed bugs can be hard to kill and find, and they can quickly cause an infestation. You’ll often need professional services.

Avoiding Bug Bites With Pest Control

You might not be able to avoid some of these bugs in the wild, but they should never take residence in your home, yard or business. If you notice these bites or otherwise suspect bugs in your space, professional pest control services can eliminate them and keep them from returning.

In East Texas, Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control is your full-service provider, offering a wide range of pest control options. We use minimal pesticides and take a comprehensive approach to identify points of entry, kill existing bugs, discourage insect migration and remove habitats. From bed bugs to wasps and everything in between, we’re here to help residents and business owners in Houston, Austin, San Antonio and the surrounding areas.

Reach out today to talk to a pro and get an estimate!

Termites are small white insects found across most of the United States. They are similar to ants in that workers constantly forage for food for the colony and queen. They eat anything containing cellulose — wood is mainly made of cellulose, so that is their favorite meal. Termites are very destructive pests and can cause incredible damage to your property. Identifying the different types of termites and the signs of an infestation are vital skills every homeowner should have.

Basics of Termite Identification

Identifying termites means knowing their behavior and signs of an infestation. Termites live and feed on wood and always stay close to a food source, meaning they typically remain in one part of the house. They are especially attracted to moist or damp wood, so keeping the wooden parts of your house dry is a wise way to reduce the risk of an infestation.

Termites may be small, but they leave a lot of evidence if you know what to look for. Keep an eye out for these signs of termites:

• Mud tubes: Mud tubes are an obvious indicator of a termite infestation. Termites spread and travel through these tunnels of dirt that are held together by their glue-like saliva. Look for mud tubes that spread out like veins on the walls of your house and are about the width of a pencil.
• Swarmer termites: Swarmer termites are winged adult termites. They fly in groups and indicate that you have an infestation or are at risk of one. These termites can be black, beige, tan, red or dark brown with straight antennae, six legs and four transparent wings of equal size and shape. Swarmers shed their wings and crawl away, meaning a pile of discarded wings is another sign of termites.
• Droppings: Termite droppings look a lot like sawdust. They leave their droppings in or near wood, where they are hard to see.
• Hollow wood: Wood that sounds hollow when you tap it means you may have an infestation. Use a screwdriver or a knife to probe the wood. You likely have termites if you find a thin, gritty, gray-brown film on your tool.
• Household damage: If you notice signs of damage to your home, you must act quickly and call an exterminator. The late signs of an infestation include bubbling paint, sagging floors, crumbling or damaged wood trim, small holes in your drywall and loose tiles.

If you see any of these signs, you must book a professional inspection or exterminator because termites act quickly. Even the slightest delay could result in a lot of damage.

Types of Termites

Termites work in organized colonies with many different types of termites with different jobs. There are three types of termites you need to look out for. Knowing their roles and physical attributes will give you the upper hand in dealing with these tiny destructive pests.

Worker Termites

Termite workers make up the largest majority of a colony. They are white wingless insects ranging from around 0.2 inches to 0.4 inches. The workers have a variety of roles within the colony. If you see a termite, it is most likely a worker or a flying swarmer.

The roles of termite workers include:

• Look after the queen: The queen is fed and groomed by her workers and relies on them for the nutrients needed to lay eggs.
• Building tunnels: Worker termites are the ones who make the tunnels. They gather the materials and use their sticky saliva to create tunnels that look like veins on the walls of your house.
• Raising the young: Termite workers are responsible for caring for the queen’s eggs and looking after the hatchlings before they grow up and start foraging.
• Gather food: Termites chew through wood and other cellulose-heavy materials in search of food to feed themselves, the queen and the colony.
• Excavating: The job of digging the holes for the nest and its expansion is assigned to worker termites.

There are thousands of worker termites at any given moment, all focusing on at least one of these roles.

Eating through wood is their most destructive behavior, but they may target other sources of cellulose. Paper and grass are also targets for termites, and old, wooden bookshelves are a tasty food source for them. Their primary instinct is to look for food and will do so no matter what, which means they are dedicated to finding food and chewing it. In nature, they are useful ways of getting rid of dead and decaying matter, but that usefulness in nature is what makes them such a destructive pest for homeowners.

Reproductive Termites

Reproductive termites are easy to tell apart from the rest and, as the name suggests, are termites that breed and expand the colony. The queen is the most important reproductive termite, but king termites and winged alates are also reproducing members of the colony.

Alates are another name for swarmer termites. They have wings and are reproducers who leave the colony to start new nests. It can take years for a colony to start giving birth to winged swarmers. You can typically see them in spring, summer and fall, and they always travel in groups. Once they land, they discard their wings and start digging to start their own nests.

The queen is the largest type of termite, and her job is lay thousands of eggs every day. She is several times larger than her workers. The termite king is approximately the same size as a worker but is darker in color. The king spends his entire life underground, keeping the colony strong and viable. He, too, is fed by the workers.

Soldier Termites

Termite soldiers are assigned the duty of protecting the colony. Soldier termites are much large than workers. They can vary significantly in appearance from the other members of the colony to the point where you may confuse them with another species of insect. Larger and darker heads with sizeable mandibles are their biggest and most notable differences. They will protect the queen and colony with their lives from predators and anything they deem a threat. They may even bite.

Save Your Home From Termites

The most important thing any homeowner can do against termites is act quickly. Now that you know what a termite looks like and how to spot the signs of an infestation, you will know when to call a professional for help.

Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control are masters at removing termites from your property effectively, efficiently, and responsibly. Homeowners can get rid of these pests by requesting a free online quote now.

 

Related Posts

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• Understanding The Importance of Termite Inspections

If you live in Texas, you’ve probably experienced your fair share of mosquitoes. Removing these insects is essential to protect your family from mosquito-borne illness and thoroughly enjoy your property.

Fortunately, mosquito control is easier than ever with the help of the experts at Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control. Learn the differences between automatic misting systems and manual control services below or contact our team today!

Automatic Mosquito Misting Systems

Automatic misting systems operate by dispersing a pesticide into the air at intervals throughout the day, deterring mosquitoes that come near them.

Pros

These systems function automatically, so you won’t have to worry about manually spraying or fogging the site. With this method, you can enjoy a limited radius protected from mosquitoes.

Potential Cons

The main drawback of an automatic mosquito misting system is its limited reach. The system sprays only around the installation zone, and wind and weather affect its efficiency.  This creates concerns for pool owners, households with small children who are attracted to the spray, and neighbors that are sensitive to pesticides that could experience chemical drift on their properties.  Although automated, these systems also require upkeep such as chemical storage, product refilling and blockage prevention as nozzles need to be replaced frequently due to hard water build-up.  There is also a significant upfront expense of equipment purchase and installation that usually costs thousands of dollars.

Manual Mosquito Control

Known as one of the most effective ways to control mosquitoes, manual mosquito control involves trained technicians who inspect your property and then apply repellents to all necessary areas, usually a client’s entire property. With a much more targeted and pressurized mist, a more thorough vegetation penetration can occur for a much higher kill rate.  There is no need to purchase equipment or pay for expensive installations and equipment maintenance.  Tailored specifically for your needs and situation, this treatment will reduce breeding and resting areas where mosquitoes like to hide while creating barriers that prevent mosquitoes from entering your yard in the first place.  Pools, edible plantings, and children’s play areas can be avoided and drift to neighboring properties reduced.

Advantages

The manual mosquito control method is a low-cost entry alternative to automatic systems. Manual is much more effective as control eliminates new breeding areas while it can also eradicate fleas and ticks. Certified experts perform the process, which covers a large region, prevents future mosquito adults from emerging and frees the homeowner from the responsibility of storing chemicals and maintaining equipment.

Potential Disadvantages

To see the benefits of mosquito barrier treatments, you must request a team to visit your property and let the applied product dry for 30 minutes before using the treated area again.

Dynamic vs. Static Mosquito Misting — Which Is Superior?

If you seek a reliable and effective way to protect your home or business from mosquitoes, consider dynamic misting systems. Manual misting is the only method that accounts for the entire insect life cycle and the weather when protecting against mosquitoes. As a bonus, manual mosquito control is done on your behalf, so you can have peace of mind knowing your property will remain protected from pests without any effort on your part.

Request a Quote From Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control

If you want to see the benefits of this mosquito control method, Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control can help! Contact us today or request a quote online to learn about our manual mosquito control services around Austin, Houston and San Antonio.

 

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