More Natural Ways to Get Rid of Fleas in Your House

It’s no secret that fleas are a nuisance. The itch from their bites is enough to drive any pet crazy. But fleas on dogs and cats can also cause real harm by potentially transmitting diseases. And once they’re in your home, getting rid of them is tricky.

You must eradicate fleas in your house before they become an extensive problem. Before calling a professional exterminator, consider trying more natural flea elimination methods. If your flea infestation is too intense for these treatments, bring in the pros for your peace of mind.

Effective Flea and Tick Treatments

Fleas and ticks present different challenges, but both species can harm pets. Most pets tend to pick up fleas or ticks through the summer and fall when it’s warm and they spend more time outside. During these seasons, you should watch for any signs of a pest issue.

Many pet treatments are dual-action, targeting fleas and ticks so your pets can stay healthy and pest-free. However, these products usually rely on chemicals — which may concern you as a pet parent.

Follow these eight tips to learn how to get rid of fleas more naturally.

1. Use a Flea Comb

A flea comb removes fleas of all sizes, including their eggs and larvae. These tools can be challenging to use because the teeth are very fine. Make sure your pet’s fur isn’t too tangled before you begin.

If you and your pet are patient, a flea comb can help you pick any pests off. Once you’ve removed fleas from your pet’s coat, dropping them in a cup of warm water and dish soap will keep them from hopping away until you can flush them.

2. Boost Your Pet’s Shampoo

Adding a flea-fighting mixture made of natural ingredients to your dog’s regular shampoo can deter fleas from making their pet their home and is an excellent additional step to take while using a flea comb. Here’s the recipe:

  • 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1/2 cup of dog shampoo

Use this mixture to bathe your dog every week. Comb your dog’s fur before each bath to remove eggs before they hatch into new fleas. You can also use this method for cats, though they won’t be happy about getting wet.

3. Give Your Dog Apple Cider Vinegar

If lemon juice doesn’t do the trick, try apple cider vinegar instead. Instead of putting the vinegar on your dog’s fur, add a teaspoon to a quarter-liter of water for your dog to drink. This combination will make your dog’s skin slightly acidic, which won’t taste good to fleas.

Like the lemon juice treatment, you can also use this method to treat cats and kittens for fleas. Never feed straight vinegar to your pets — it’s too acidic and can upset their stomach. This natural treatment also repels ticks, since they don’t like the taste of vinegar either.

4. Clean With Vinegar

While dealing with fleas and ticks on your pet, you must also treat your home. A growing flea population may take shelter in your rugs, slippers and other fabric items left on the floor.

In a spray bottle, add a quarter-cup of distilled white vinegar to three-quarters of a cup of water. You can also add some dish soap for tackling dirt. Use this mixture to wipe down your counters and surfaces, and spray the solution on your fabrics once or twice a week.

5. Wash Your Pet’s Bedding

Wash your pet’s bedding with a strong detergent, and dry it on a high setting if the material allows — 15 to 20 minutes on high heat will kill adult fleas, larvae and eggs.

Don’t forget about your pet’s favorite hangouts. Does your dog always cuddle up on a blanket in the living room? Where does your cat sleep? Wash those fabrics, too.

6. Use Essential Oils as Repellent

Some essential oils are toxic to pets, so always do your homework before putting them on your cat or dog. Essential oils can be an effective natural flea and tick treatment when used correctly. For example, mixing two drops of lavender oil in a teaspoon of water makes a solution that keeps fleas away. Apply it around your dog’s collar or neckerchief. However, this is not a safe solution for cats — and you should never put high concentrations of essential oils on your dog’s skin.

7. Vacuum More Frequently

Keep your home vacuumed. If your pet carries fleas, those pests travel throughout your home all day. Staying on top of the vacuuming will get rid of any errant fleas.

Since fleas like humid, cool spots, focus on areas that don’t get much sunlight. To target flea eggs, work salt, baking soda or Borax into the carpet fibers with a broom. This recipe will dry out any flea eggs inside your carpet fibers. Keep your pet quarantined in another room during this time, as they could get sick from licking the Borax.

Once your vacuum bag is full, seal it and place it outside in a covered trash container.

8. Clean up the Outdoors

Remember, fleas love humidity and darkness — two conditions that are common outside if you don’t keep your bushes and shrubs trimmed. Clear weeds, trim your grass and keep your pets away from those dark, humid spots outdoors.

It’s also a good idea to keep pets inside after it rains — fleas and ticks may be more active after a rainstorm. If your area experiences a lot of rain, it can cause these pest populations to thrive and be more of a problem than usual.

When to Call Professional Flea Exterminators

While these methods can help keep fleas away, they aren’t foolproof. The surest way to get rid of these pests is to hire a professional exterminator to evaluate the situation and inspect your whole home.

Don’t wait until the pest problem is completely out of hand. If more natural methods aren’t working, contact a professional pest control service so you and your pets can enjoy your home again. If you have concerns about the chemicals an exterminator uses, ask lots of questions and ensure you’re comfortable before agreeing to a contract.

Contact Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control for Flea Protection

At Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control, we offer flea prevention, protection and extermination. We founded our company over 25 years ago to protect our families from pests while reducing chemical exposure.

We service Austin, Houston and San Antonio and would love to talk with you about whatever pest issue troubles you. Contact us online to request a free quote and find out more about our approach.

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8 Things to Consider When Hiring a Pest Control Company

Sometimes you just can’t handle the problem yourself. The bed bugs are too much, the mosquitoes are multiplying at an alarming rate, and if you see one more mouse dropping…

Fortunately, you don’t have to tackle a pest infestation alone. Hiring a pest control company will allow someone else to take care of the problem while you gain valuable peace of mind, knowing you aren’t sharing your home with several families of spiders.

Even if you love home maintenance challenges, you won’t always have the tools or training to solve every problem yourself — especially with something as overwhelming as an insect or rodent infestation.   

Fortunately, you don’t have to tackle the creepy-crawlies alone. When you hire a pest control company, you can relax while someone else takes care of the problem. Knowing you aren’t sharing your home with spiders, mice or other pests will give you invaluable peace of mind.

What to Look for When Hiring an Exterminator

But what should you look for in pest control companies, and how can you know when you’ve found your match? Not every exterminator holds the same qualifications to treat your home for pests. To find a good pest control company, look for an exterminator who:

  • Has excellent reviews
  • Communicates clearly and often
  • Follows through on promises
  • Listens and explains their process
  • Is upfront about pricing and contracts

You can determine whether an exterminator has these qualities with about a half-hour of research. If your family or friends have glowing reviews of a specific company, that’s an excellent starting point.

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Pest Control Company

Hiring an exterminator requires a combination of careful research and fast action so you can get pests out of your home quickly. We’ve compiled this list of eight questions for pest control companies to help you confidently narrow down your options.

If you’re wondering what to look for in a pest control company and how to gauge their trustworthiness, keep reading. 

1. Are They Professional?

It seems like a no-brainer, but you may not stop and check company credentials when stressed about a pest infestation. However, trustworthiness and certifications are crucial if you want those ants out of your pantry for good. Here are several questions you should consider: 

  • Is the company bonded and insured?
  • Does their website look professional?
  • Can you get a feel for their values, and do they seem to align with yours? 

Pest control companies don’t always have to have an insurance policy, but you would be wise to only look for insured and licensed service businesses. A company’s insurance coverage protects you if an accident happens on your property. 

2. Are They Experts?

Knowledge demonstrates competence. The more your exterminator knows about the pests they’re dealing with, the more effective their treatment methods will be. Here are some questions you can consider to determine a pest control company’s knowledge:

  • Does your technician understand common pest problems in your area? 
  • If you describe what the pest looks like, can the professional give you a confident answer of what you’re likely dealing with? 
  • Has the company successfully eradicated this specific pest from other homes in your area?

3. Do Other People Recommend Them?

Talk to your neighbors and friends about the pest control companies they’ve hired. When you’ve settled on a company you’d like to work with, search for them on the Better Business Bureau website and other popular review sites such as Google Business, Angi and Yelp. You can even ask the company for references.

Though this step may seem simple, it’s probably the most critical. Getting information from actual customers is the most reliable way to learn about a pest control company’s reputation. Previous customers quickly tell the world if they are unhappy about a service.

4. Does the Technician Thoroughly Investigate?

Your technician should listen to all your descriptions of the pest — what it looks like if you’ve seen it, where you have found droppings and what sounds you’ve heard. Then, they should carefully inspect your home to find evidence of the pests. 

After they’ve completed their inspection, they’ll have the information they need to create an effective treatment plan. When asked, they should justify their choices with easily understandable and convincing reasons. 

5. Does the Contract Check Out?

You might need recurring services to eradicate an infestation. Your technician may recommend monthly, biweekly or weekly visits until the pest problem is under control, eventually tapering off to more spaced-out intervals. 

If you need to become a long-term customer, ask questions about the contract to ensure you understand what you’re agreeing to before signing. Does the cost include follow-up appointments? What protections are in place for you if you still have a pest problem after the initial agreed-upon period?

6. How Do You Feel About Their Chemicals?

You should also ask questions about the chemicals a pest control company plans to use. Here are a few things to verify about treatments before you decide to work with a professional pest removal service: 

  • What effects do their chemicals have on pets and humans
  • Will you need to leave your home? 
  • Do they offer non-chemical options? 

Trained pest control technicians are familiar with every chemical they use and should feel comfortable discussing any concerns you have. If you’d like more information, you can ask for a Material Safety Data Sheet and specimen label for each chemical your specialist uses.

7. Do They Offer a Guarantee?

Sometimes, it takes several treatments to solve a pest infestation problem. Since companies can’t guarantee instant results, they build trust by offering service guarantees instead.

At a minimum, your pest control company should offer a service satisfaction guarantee to inspire confidence in their methods and work quality.

8. Does the Company Belong to a Professional Pest Control Association?

Professional pest control associations hold their members to specific standards and ethics. If a company is a member of one of these associations, it signifies their dedication to high-quality service. 

These organizations also keep their members informed of new processes and safety measures. A company that stays on top of industry knowledge and keeps learning cares about its customers and the service it offers.

Continue to Evaluate

Pest control is not “set it and forget it.” Keep looking for signs of bugs, mice and other unwanted houseguests even if you receive routine maintenance. A reliable pest control company will keep working with you throughout the process. 

Nobody likes to need a pest control company, but when you find the right one, you’ll worry a lot less, knowing you have the upper hand. That’s why it’s critical to vet companies carefully before you commit to working with one. 

Hire the Best Pest Control Company in Texas

At Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control, we value customer questions and enjoy helping our clients live happy, pest-free lives. We started our company over 25 years ago to eradicate mosquitoes from our yards without using too many pesticides. 

Since then, we’ve expanded to treat pests from rats to spiders, ticks and more. We cover the Austin, Houston and San Antonio areas. Call us at 512-400-2008 or request an estimate online and learn more about our services. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

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8 Reasons to Hire a Professional Pest Control Company

Spraying your home with store-bought bug spray may seem like an easy way to keep pests out of your home, but it can only do so much. You want the best prevention strategies for creepy-crawlies. Nobody wants to share their bed with bed bugs or spiders, and nothing can ruin a family gathering quicker than spotting a scurrying mouse — or worse, a rat.

Are Pest Control Services Worth It?

Families typically shy away from pest control services because they worry about potentially high bills or exposure to harmful chemicals. Both concerns are valid, but pest control is worth taking seriously. Do you want to rely on DIY methods if bugs or other small creatures threaten your family’s well-being?

Trained professionals know how to use chemicals safely and efficiently to remove pests from your home. Quick action can save you from expensive home repairs and reduce the time it takes to recover from rodents, bed bugs and other unwanted guests.

Why Hire a Pest Control Company?

Hiring a professional pest control company is the best way to rid your home of unwelcome pests and restore your peace of mind. Here are eight reasons you should use a professional pest control company instead of experimenting with unreliable DIY methods.

1. Pests Can Be Dangerous

In addition to being a nuisance, many pests carry diseases that can impact people or pets. For example, rats can carry hantavirus, salmonella and even the bubonic plague. Cockroaches can carry E. coli and salmonella, and mosquitoes can spread malaria — depending on whether it’s present where you live. 

Because pests can make you sick, it’s vital to take an infestation seriously. Keeping these pests away from your home can be hard to manage independently, but professional bug control companies work until they solve the problem.

2. DIY Pest Control Isn’t Exact

Pest control companies take the time to identify the pests you’re dealing with. They then use baits and chemical formulas to capture and eliminate the exact species that has invaded your property. That expert identification and treatment is far more trustworthy than searching Google or YouTube to figure it out yourself.

3. Pest Control Companies Know How to Handle Chemicals

Pest control products contain chemicals that can be hazardous if misused. It’s essential to keep pest treatment chemicals away from children and pets. Because of their potential danger, it can be stressful to apply these materials in and around your property.

However, pest control companies handle chemicals properly to avoid harming people, pets and properties. Talk to pest professionals and get the facts if you worry about toxic materials.

4. Pest Professionals Use More Effective Products

Professional-grade pest control products are more potent than what you can find on the shelf at your local grocery or hardware store. Some can even kill or repel pests within a few hours. The chemical formulas also last far longer than commercial products, keeping your home secure for longer.

Many DIY methods fail because they’re not comprehensive enough to rid your home of the entire pest population. Professionals have the experience and resources to quickly eradicate pests.

5. Pest Control Companies Eliminate the Source

Getting rid of a line of ants won’t eliminate all the ants in your home, and killing one mouse doesn’t mean you’ve solved your pest problem. You must identify the source, which can be challenging.

The best pest control companies take time and effort to pinpoint your infestation at its source, even in out-of-sight places like your walls.

6. Professional Help Reduces Damage to Your Home

Pests damage prized possessions — clothing, carpet, furniture, walls, your home’s foundation and more. Pest control companies work quickly and minimize further damage from bugs and rodents. If you’ve found evidence of a pest issue, immediately call your local pest control service to preserve your home. 

7. Pest Control Companies Offer Service Guarantees

Not every pest infestation follows the same pattern, sometimes necessitating a follow-up visit. Many professional pest control services offer guarantees, so homeowners don’t need to pay for repeat appointments to address the same issue.

8. A Quick Response Saves Money

You can save your hard-earned money by hiring professionals to solve your pest problem. Their prompt, efficient response will prevent property damage, helping you avoid repair bills and other costly services.

Request Your Estimate From Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control

Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control serves the Austin, Houston and San Antonio areas, working with clients to eliminate pests and improve their quality of life. We started this company with a simple goal — to reduce mosquitoes on our property without overusing pesticides. 

Over 25 years later, we’ve developed treatments that meet our strict standards and have expanded our services to tackle many other pests, including rodents, scorpions and ticks. Call us today at 512-400-2008 for all your pest control needs or request a free estimate online

 

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The 7 Most Common Home Pest Control Mistakes

Once you spot a pest problem in your home, it’s hard to get the image of those bugs and rodents out of your head. A home pest invitation can drive anyone crazy. To reduce the likelihood of a pest problem in your home, avoid these common pest control mistakes so you can rest easier, knowing your home is clear of pests.

1. Not Determining the Cause of the Pests

When you see a few spiders in your basement, you just want to get rid of them as quickly as possible. So, you spray an entire can of pesticide until you’re sure the spiders are no longer breathing, then run upstairs and huddle in the fetal position for a few hours. Even though it’s not your proudest moment, the problem is handled…right?

Probably not. You really need to find the source of those nasty spiders (and any other pests). Where are they coming from, and how are they getting into your home? Seal any gaps around your windows, doors, seams and foundation. Then, set out a trap specifically for the pest you’re trying to eliminate.

2. Not Identifying the Correct Pests

A bug is a bug is a bug, right? And any old trap will do when you want to catch a pest, right? Wrong. You need to correctly identify the nasty little pest you’re dealing with so you can purchase the right trap. If you can stomach it, get close enough to take a picture and then compare it to a Google search. If you’re still struggling, ask a reputable pest control company to help.

3. Spraying Ants and Calling It Good

There’s nothing worse than finding a trail of ants in your pantry. How many of them are there, and where are they coming from? You grab the spray and blast those critters, then sweep up their carcasses after the spray has dried.

Unfortunately, you may have just made the problem worse. Foraging ants represent only a small part of the colony, which means there are plenty more where they came from. New ants will be back in a matter of days. Use indoor baiting techniques instead, and the ants will bring the product back to the nest — which will eliminate the entire colony.

4. Keeping a Messy Home

Pests really love cluttered spaces. They also live for crumbs on your floors and counters. Keep a tidy kitchen, with crumbs swiftly swept away each day, trash removed and dishes done. Dust and vacuum regularly, and keep clutter to a minimum.

5. Baiting for Pests Incorrectly

There are two factors you need to consider when baiting for insects and rodents: location and time.

Don’t put your trap in a place where you wouldn’t expect to see the pest you’re attempting to catch. The middle of the room typically isn’t where you’ll find rodents. Instead, put the traps in the pests’ regular traveling paths — along the walls, behind the refrigerator, in dark corners, etc. If you find mouse droppings somewhere, that’s an excellent place for your trap.

Also, keep the trap out for a few weeks after you think you’ve caught all insects and/or rodents. You may catch all the adults in a few days, but their young could be lingering nearby, waiting to grow up and have more babies to infest your home.

6. Not Treating Your Pet

Don’t leave your pet defenseless against fleas, ticks and other parasites. This leaves your home susceptible to pests, and, more importantly, your pet could suffer from health problems.

7. Waiting It Out

Thinking the pests will just move along when the weather turns cool is only allowing your pest problem to multiply to intolerable levels. Treat your home at the first sign of pest infestation, and if you cannot handle the problem on your own, seek out the help of a good local pest control service.

Pest Control Best Practices 

Now that you know what not to do, we figured we’d better let you know what you should do. Here are our suggestions.

Keep Food and Garbage Tightly Sealed

Most pests are looking for a few basic things: a warm place to nest and some food. So, it’s essential to keep your food tightly sealed in glass or plastic containers. You’ll also want to tightly cover garbage cans containing food scraps and take the trash out often to prevent curious bugs from coming close. 

Use Pesticides Wisely

If you use pesticides, follow these important safety tips from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

  • Read the directions thoroughly, and only use pesticides as directed.
  • Keep children and pets away from the area where you’ve used pesticides. 
  • Only apply pesticides to targeted areas, not entire rooms. 
  • Only use pesticides that have been approved for use inside the home. 
  • Choose ready-to-use pesticides when possible. 
  • Contact your county extension office if you have questions or want recommendations for low-risk pesticides. 

Rather than use pesticides yourself, you may want to delegate pesticide use to an experienced pest control company using products that are in accordance with EPA guidelines

Seal Gaps and Cracks

Pests are sneaky little things, often finding their way into your home via tiny gaps or cracks. Check for gaps in your foundation and weatherstripping, as well as in spots where pipes and electrical lines enter your home. You’ll want to seal these off to prevent critters like mice, ants and spiders from squeezing through. 

To seal these holes and gaps, you can fill them with steel wool and keep the wool in place with caulk. For larger holes, lath screens, lath metal, hardware cloth, metal sheeting or cement will work. If gaps in your foundation are proving to be the culprit, flashing could do the trick. 

Patch Screens

Door and window screens are welcome during the spring and summer when you want a nice breeze to flow through your home. However, if you’re dealing with a pest problem, make sure to check your screens. Even tiny holes are big enough for bugs to crawl through. 

Work With a Pest Control Company 

While you may be able to get rid of that one lone cockroach you see in your bathroom, what about the others that are likely creeping about? 

You may not be able to handle a pest control issue yourself, which is where professional services come in. A reliable pest control company delivers effective pest prevention services. They have the experience and the know-how to determine the real root of your pest problem and deal with it quickly and thoroughly. 

Avoid These Home Pest Control Mistakes…Contact Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control

Trust Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control to get your home back to being bug-free. Our effective pest prevention uses a more natural approach while reducing pesticide exposure, and our team is licensed and trained to eradicate common — and uncommon — household pests. 

Dealing with pests in the Austin, Houston or San Antonio areas? Contact Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control for a free quote today!

Contact Barefoot Today

 

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Why Mosquitoes Love to Bite Our Feet and Ankles

Mosquitoes seem to find a way to our skin no matter what we do. Covered in repellent and clothing? They’ll still find a tiny spot you didn’t catch, and they’ll attack it with glee. And with the rise of mosquito-transferred diseases like the Zika Virus, understanding the behavior of mosquitoes has never been more important. Mosquito protection is something we should be aware of all year long.

Have you ever noticed a mosquito bite on your foot after a summer barbecue? Or that your ankles and feet are covered with red, itchy welts while your arms and face are relatively untouched? Keep reading to learn why mosquitoes are so attracted to your feet and ankles.

Your Feet Stink

One big reason mosquitos bite your ankles and feet more than in other places is because of strong odors. Smelly feet can attract these pests — but that’s just one component.

Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide because its presence indicates that there is something living and breathing nearby. To a mosquito, living and breathing means a yummy blood lunch. So when mosquitoes smell the carbon dioxide you emit, they head in your direction — they can even sense it from more than 30 feet away.

Interestingly enough, the area emitting carbon dioxide isn’t the area where mosquitoes bite — how often have you been bitten on your mouth? Rather, they use the carbon dioxide to find you, and then they keep smelling to find the best place for their dinner.

Since our feet make higher numbers of stinky bacteria than other areas of our body, mosquitoes can quickly understand there’s a tasty treat not too far away. Additionally, mosquito bites on your feet tend to itch more because the skin there is more sensitive, and the bites might be aggravated by rubbing against our socks, clothing and shoes.

But Why Not the Armpit?

There are plenty of other places on the body that don’t always smell too lovely (armpits, for example). So why do mosquitoes single out stinky feet? One obvious explanation is that our feet are often uncovered and exposed, which makes them an easier target. This is especially true in the summer when we often go barefoot or wear sandals.

It’s also possible that mosquitoes have grown to realize that they are more at risk the closer they get to the face or arm — areas where you can easily swat them away. Feeding from the feet increases their chances of survival because you can’t reach them as easily.

Your feet might also be closer to the areas where mosquitoes frequent. For example, they love still water — a stroll by the pond presents the perfect opportunity for them.

How to Prevent Mosquito Bites

So, you should just wear lots of perfume to mask the smell of your stinky feet, right?

perfume wont keep mosquitoes away

Wrong. Mosquitoes can smell a diversion. In fact, they can smell right through a diversion. Perfume won’t keep the mosquitoes away. You have to actually block their receptors, which is what the chemical DEET does. Using a repellent with DEET generally hides you from mosquitoes’ sniffers. Other repellants recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency include:

  • Picaridin
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus
  • Para-menthane-diol
  • IR3535
  • 2-undecanone

Remember, mosquitoes are a threat in all weather conditions, not just on rainy days — the best way to prevent bites is preparation. Make sure you’re not letting any mosquitoes into your house through holes in the screens or open doors. If you’re going camping, apply 0.5% permethrin to your tent, shoes and other equipment. Wear long sleeves, pants and close-toed shoes when outdoors, and avoid scented lotions or sprays.

Keep Mosquitoes Out of Your Yard

Nothing ruins an evening outdoors like a swarm of mosquitoes. Here are some tips to keep your yard free of these pests:

  • Remove standing water: It’s important to keep standing water out of your yard since that’s where mosquitoes breed. Empty or cover any receptacles that could hold moisture when not in use, like buckets, rain barrels, dog bowls and children’s swimming pools. Repair or fill holes in trees and septic tanks.
  • Install yellow lights: While they won’t repel mosquitoes, swapping your outdoor lights with yellow ones won’t attract as many pests to your yard.
  • Use barriers: Barriers like screens and nets are a great way to continue enjoying nature while providing a protective barrier against mosquitoes and other insects that may try to bite or infiltrate your space. Moving wind, such as outdoor fans, may also help.
  • Identify and kill larvae: Remove larvae as soon as you spot them. You might find them as eggs floating in rafts on top of stagnant water. If they’ve already hatched, expect to see a narrow neck and a segmented abdomen.
  • Plant proactive landscaping: Plants like citronella, peppermint, cedar, catnip, lemongrass and others could help keep mosquitos at bay. Plant them around your property, especially near areas of frequent infestation.

The Barefoot Method

For even better peace of mind (and lack of itch!), hire a mosquito control company for protection. Professionals can identify high-risk areas and implement the perfect combination of bait and repellent formulas to stop the problem at its core. Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control uses the most gentle and effective method for keeping mosquitoes out of your yard. Here’s what our process looks like:

  • Reduction: We’ll target mosquito populations on your property to kill large volumes of them with each treatment. Multiple treatments may be necessary, depending on the size of the area and extent of the infestation.
  • Barriers: We’ll implement strategies and treatments to reduce the risks of re-infestation for long-lasting results.
  • Inspection: Our team of experts will walk your property to identify potentially problematic areas and develop a plan for remedying them. This ensures the long-term success of the treatments applied and minimizes the chance of attracting additional pests.
  • Sterilization: Our biological sterilization pellets target mosquitoes at all stages of life to prevent growth and reproduction. They are permissible for use around pets and aquatic life.

We can work through a myriad of conditions, including before and after rainfall. You can even add additional services — like flea, chigger and tick prevention — for a small fee. Call today to discuss how we can create a wall-like barrier around your yard and eliminate potential mosquito breeding spots.

Say Goodbye to Mosquitoes With Help From Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control

If you’re ready to take back control of your outdoor living space, we’re here to assist with our professional mosquito control services. Call us today at:

You can also request a quote online, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Get Your Free Quote

 

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12 Interesting Facts About Mosquitoes

It’s no secret: Mosquitoes are super annoying. They can also carry diseases, some of which are deadly.

Even though mosquitoes drive us crazy, we can’t help but be fascinated by some unique facts about these blood-sucking pests. Here is a list of 12 fun facts about mosquitoes.

1. Mosquitoes Are Attracted to Human Breath

Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, which we release when we exhale. That’s why we often notice mosquitoes buzzing around our heads. Mosquitoes can sense carbon dioxide from 50 yards away, so it’s pretty hard to hide from them when we’re outdoors.

Mosquitoes are so good at sensing carbon dioxide that they are more likely to target pregnant women since they release more carbon dioxide. Pregnant women also have more blood and higher body temperatures, which draw mosquitoes to them even more.

2. Mosquitoes Also Like Your Stink

Mosquitoes are attracted to the mix of sweat and bacteria, which means body odor and dried sweat are especially tempting scents for the blood-thirsty insects. Mosquitoes carrying malaria are especially attracted to the scent of sweat.

They can also smell any bacteria on your feet, especially if they are sweaty or you haven’t washed them in a while. This is why we often get the most bites on our feet and ankles — smells from our feet tell mosquitoes they’ve discovered a prime meal location, so be sure to clean between your toes!

Several other things can also make you smell delicious to mosquitoes. Since they’re attracted to the smells of potassium and lactic acid, eating foods like bananas or using alpha hydroxy lotions can make you more appealing. They’re also drawn to specific blood types. People with type O are 83% more likely to be bitten.

3. Mosquitoes Are Confused by Certain Scents

Luckily, other smells deter mosquitoes or mask our enticing scents. Eating a lot of garlic can change the smell of your sweat to discourage mosquitoes. If you and your loved ones can handle it, rubbing vinegar or sliced onion on your skin can also keep mosquitoes away.

Some other, more pleasant scents, like vanilla and citrus, also make it more difficult for mosquitoes to sniff out carbon dioxide. Keeping mosquitoes away with vanilla? Yes, please.

4. Females Mosquitoes Are Aggressive

One of the most interesting mosquito facts is that the biters are all female. Because female mosquitoes need protein for their eggs, they’re the only ones that feed on blood. Male and non-reproducing female mosquitoes don’t worry about such things, so they feed on nectar from flowers.

5. It’s Her Spit That Makes You Itch

It’s clever, really. A mosquito needs a few minutes to fill up on your blood. How can she do that if your blood clots? Well, her spit acts as an anticoagulant, letting her have a nice, smooth flow of blood for her meal. It’s the saliva she leaves behind that makes you itch.

Additionally, her spit includes a local anesthetic, so you don’t feel her feeding. When do you typically feel her, then? When she’s pulling out, her belly already full of your delicious blood.

6. Mosquitoes Are Slow Flyers

Mosquitoes are one of the slowest flying insects. Although they can seem impossible to hit, they typically fly at only 1 to 1.5 miles per hour. Compare this speed to the honeybee, which can reach speeds of 15 miles per hour.

7. The Wings of Mosquitoes Make the Buzzing Sound

That buzzing sound in your ear? The one that drives you bananas? It’s a result of rapid wing beating. Despite its relatively slow flight speed, a mosquito beats its wings 300 to 600 times per second.

8. Wing Beats Are the Language of Love

When a male and female mosquito meet and decide to mate, their wing beats synchronize to the same speed. The sound of their flapping wings also creates a melody as they match speeds. Flapping their wings quickly enough to create these high-pitched sounds is an inefficient way to fly, meaning mosquitoes may sacrifice flying capability to find a suitable mate. How romantic.

9. Mosquitoes Are the Deadliest Animal in the World

Mosquitoes cause more deaths than any other animal on the planet. Mosquitoes spread many diseases, and because one mosquito can infect more than 100 people, their deadly reach is devastating. For most of these diseases, there is no vaccine or specific treatment. One mosquito is so closely tied to a particular illness that it shares the name — the yellow fever mosquito.

Some of the other dangerous diseases mosquitoes spread include:

  • Dengue fever: Dengue viruses infect up to 400,000 people annually, and a quarter of those get sick. Most people feel better in a week, but severe dengue can cause internal bleeding and death. People who have previously been infected are more likely to develop severe symptoms.
  • Encephalitis: Several mosquito-borne viruses cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. Signs of encephalitis include flu-like symptoms, stiff neck, headache and disorientation. Severe cases can cause convulsions, coma and paralysis.
  • Malaria: Mosquitoes frequently transfer the parasite that causes malaria. Symptoms are flu-like, including fever and chills. In 2020, about 241 million people contracted malaria globally, and 627,000 died.
  • West Nile: This virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. About 20% of people who get infected also get sick, and some develop a severe or even fatal illness. West Nile is one of the viruses that can cause encephalitis.
  • Zika: In the continental United States, the Zika virus has not been reported since 2018. However, it’s a concern for international travelers since there’s no vaccine. Additionally, pregnant women who get infected can pass Zika to the fetus, causing congenital disorders.

Four-legged creatures aren’t exempt from the threat of mosquitoes either. Mosquitoes carry heartworm, which can seriously harm your pets’ health and even kill dogs.

10. Some Mosquitoes Don’t Bite Humans

We’re all extremely annoyed with mosquitoes, enough so that we sometimes feel like we’re the only snack they prefer, but did you know some mosquitoes leave us alone? That’s right. Some species only go after birds or amphibians and reptiles.

11. Adult Mosquitoes Can Live up to 6 Months

Assuming the mosquito doesn’t meet its demise by a hand slap, an adult can live up to six months, which is a pretty long time in the bug world.

12. Mosquitoes Require Water for Breeding

Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, but they only need a few inches. If you want to keep mosquitoes away from your home, be sure to remove any standing water on your property regularly. Common places for water to gather include puddles, marshy areas of your yard, flower planters, gutters, pet water bowls and even toys left out in the rain.

Say Goodbye to Mosquitoes!

Although facts about mosquitoes are pretty interesting to learn about, the fact of the matter is that no one likes having to deal with these little pests. They’re annoying, they hurt, and they spread diseases and sometimes even cause deaths. Get rid of mosquitoes in your home and yard with effective mosquito control from Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control.

Want to enjoy your backyard again? We can help. Come discover just how effective and affordable our mosquito control service is. If you live in Austin, Houston or San Antonio, reach out today to learn more about our services. You can also request a quote online!

 

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Helpful Tips & Advice to Get Rid of Chiggers

Chiggers, or berry bugs, are sneaky little creatures that are in the larval stage of mites from the genus Eutrombicula. They are so small it’s difficult to even know you’re in an area infested by chiggers. And because you can’t see or feel chiggers initially, you won’t even know they’re happily feasting on your skin until it’s too late.

It’s bad enough being bitten by chiggers when you’re out in the wilderness, but when it happens in your own backyard? Well, that’s just unsettling. Knowing you can’t step outside and safely enjoy your own yard puts a damper on all of your fun outdoor plans.

Read on to learn more about chiggers and how to get rid of chiggers in your yard.

Do Chiggers Bite?

Chiggers actually aren’t particularly good at biting, so they tend to bite thin skin. They gravitate towards soft, light, and moist areas of the body.

Contrary to some beliefs, chiggers don’t burrow into your skin like ticks. They pierce skin cells with their mouths, and their saliva makes the skin cell wall liquefy. The chigger ingests this fluid and then drops off you.

You won’t notice any of this. In fact, you won’t be aware of what happened to you until three to six hours later, when the bite will begin itching. You’ll notice a red welt within the next 10 to 16 hours. The chigger will be nowhere to be found at this point.

Chiggers like to get into areas of your skin where your clothing fits tight — the tops of your socks, at the waistband (especially if you’re wearing a tight belt), in the armpits, and in the groin area.

Do You Have Chiggers in Your Yard?

The familiar itching chiggers leave behind after they’ve spent time biting your skin will always be a good indication that you could have chiggers in your yard (that is, if you’ve recently spent time in your yard). To find out for sure, though, follow this simple test.

First, cover your body with protective clothing. Then, find a spot in your yard that is moist, shady, and has thick vegetation. Chiggers avoid hot, sunny places, and are not found on dry ground or in mowed grass.

Place a black piece of cardboard (about 6 inches by 6 inches) in an area of your yard with thick vegetation and stand back for a few minutes. If you do indeed have chiggers in this area, they’ll gather near the top of your cardboard after several minutes. And because they’re red and they cluster together, you should be able to see them with your eye.

Keep in mind that you may not find chiggers spread throughout all areas of dense vegetation. The tiny bugs tend to cluster in areas because all females lay their eggs in one location. Just because you don’t find chiggers in one shady, moist area doesn’t mean you don’t have them in another.

chiggers make their way from the yard into the house

Can Chiggers Get into Your Home?

Chiggers can make their way from your yard and into your house. They can be brought in by both pets and people. They cling to what or whoever they are feeding on, and sometimes you can invertedly bring them into your home. Once in your home, they will likely live in carpets, bed frames, and small cracks and crevices.

Fortunately, chiggers cannot survive long indoors. If you suspect your outside chigger problem has crept indoors, vacuum your rugs and furniture frequently. When they progress into the next stage of their lifecycle, they will no longer feed on humans or pets.

Chigger Protection vs. Prevention

Remember, chiggers prefer dense and moist vegetation. Removing these areas from your yard will go a long way in preventing chiggers from setting up residence at your address. Clear your yard of:

  • Leaf litter
  • Overgrown grass
  • Ground covers
  • Weedy areas
  • Densely planted trees or shrubs

This means you’ll need to keep your lawns mowed short, paying attention to the edges of your grass where it meets landscape beds or woody areas. You’ll also need to regularly weed, trim, and prune your plants.

In addition to keeping your yard free of dense vegetation, think about the animals that may be entering your property. Because chiggers also feed on mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, do what you can to keep these animals from spending time in your yard. Discourage amphibians and reptiles from finding their way to your yard by getting rid of sources of water. Removing dense foliage will also keep small mammals from spending time on your property. Make sure you keep trash cans covered, and keep your yard fenced.

Protecting yourself and your family from chiggers is also essential. Reduce the chances of getting chigger bites with the right outdoor apparel — don clothing like long pants, socks, and sleeves when you go outside, especially in tall grasses. Tight clothing might sound like the better choice, but chiggers actually find it easier to climb up tight clothing. Long, loose clothing makes it harder for chiggers to reach your body. Avoid leggings, slim-fitting pants, and anything that gives them grip and easy access to your skin.

The strong odor of apple cider vinegar on your skin can repel chiggers. Mix it with water and apply it to your legs and feet to lower the chance of chigger bites. You can also spray diluted apple cider vinegar along the perimeter of your house to ward them off and keep them out of your house.

Wear repellant when you’ll be spending time outdoors, and wash your clothes if you suspect you may have come in contact with chiggers. After being outside, immediately take a hot, soapy shower in case you came in contact with chiggers. Chiggers can wander around on your body for a while before they find a spot to bite, so you may be able to wash them off before they get a chance to bite you.

How to Get Rid of Chiggers in Your Yard

Because chiggers stick together and can breed three generations throughout the summer, it’s difficult to fully rid your yard of chiggers, making chigger elimination difficult for the average homeowner.

While keeping your lawn mowed, trees and bushes trimmed, and your yard free of debris can go a long way towards repelling chiggers, you may still have some spots that are irresistible to the little pests. However, parents and pet owners must be wary of deploying pesticides and chemical products throughout their gardens. Try out these ideas to kill chiggers in your yard naturally:

  • Powdered sulfur: Apply generous portions of powdered sulfur in areas where chiggers might be. Remember, they like shady, moist, and cool areas. When in chigger-infested parts of your garden, apply some of this powder to your legs to keep them at bay.
  • Essential oil sprays: Using essential oils and anti-chigger scents, you can make a natural chigger-repellant spray. Ingredients like eucalyptus, geranium, lemongrass, tea tree oil, and citronella deter chiggers. This easy prevention solution is cost-effective and safe for your garden.
  • Diatomaceous earth: Diatomaceous earth is naturally occurring silica made from fossilized algae. Sprinkling this throughout affected areas will help deter chiggers, slugs, ants, and other garden pests.

Note that these options will likely only deter or repel chiggers — they are not a solution if you have a chigger infestation in your yard. For peace of mind, you should turn to natural, effective chigger treatment services to get rid of these pesky critters.

contact barefoot for natural chigger prevention

Natural Chigger Treatment Services

Get chiggers, ticks, and fleas out of your garden with Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control. We offer an effective add-on chigger, flea, and tick treatment that is applied with our normal mosquito control treatment. We aim to reduce pesticide persistence in the soil, waterways, and local habitats, and so we inspect your property to find the real reasons you’re dealing with chiggers. Our key ingredient stops chiggers (as well as ticks and fleas) from establishing their habitat in your yard.

Our chigger solution focuses on all four life stages of the chigger. Our 99% natural solution is a fast-drying mist that’s water-repellent so you don’t have to worry about the weather. And best of all, our effective chiggers treatment is also surprisingly affordable.

We offer a more natural approach to controlling your pest situations. Our flea, tick and chigger treatments are effective, applied responsibly by licensed technicians, and will put your mind at ease the next time you want to enjoy your property.

Get out and enjoy your yard again, worry and itch-free! Give us a call today to schedule our chigger treatment for your yard. Please call us at (210) 981-3331 in Austin or (713) 554-9430 in Houston, or you can also request a free quote online!

 

 

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10 Things Mosquitoes Hate Most

“Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” While this might be great advice for people, most would agree that it wasn’t meant to include mosquitoes! These pests can become a problem in late summer, especially when there’s warmer temperatures or water nearby.

Although mosquito prevention is tricky, it’s very doable. The key is to discover what mosquitoes dislike so that you can keep these pesky insects out of your home, out of your yard and out of your life. Depending on the level of your infestation, you may need to layer multiple approaches to fight back against the bugs.

Known Mosquito Repellents

The most effective mosquito repellents are based on an understanding of how these insects operate. Mosquitoes are wired to find their next meal through visual cues, scents, heat and even the carbon dioxide in your exhales. By confusing their senses, you can enjoy a nice evening outside without being eaten alive.

Here are 10 things mosquitoes hate to keep them out of your backyard and off your skin.

1. Mosquito Repellent

Evidence shows that mosquito repellents can help keep mosquitoes away from you for a certain amount of time. DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and lemon eucalyptus oil are all used in various bug sprays, though picaridin has proved to be even more effective — and less oily — than DEET. Some natural, DEET-Free insect repellents have also been found to be effective in protecting against insect bites such as mosquitoes.

2. Certain Herbs

mosquitos are turned off by several natural scents

Mosquitoes are turned off by several natural scents, including citronella, peppermint, cedar, catnip, patchouli, lemongrass, lavender and more. You can add some of these plants to your landscaping to fend them off. Or, try these scents in essential oil form or buy torches and candles that have been designed to scare off these pests. Your evening will be cozier and insect-free!

3. Artificial or Natural Wind

Surprisingly, mosquitoes aren’t very good at flying. That’s good for us humans because it means we’ve just got to create a bit of wind to keep mosquitoes from coming near. While you can’t control the elements, you can bring a fan outside and turn it on high. The mosquitoes won’t be able to get close enough to bother you.

4. Scent of Garlic

Bring on the garlic! Lucky for us, mosquitoes hate the delicious vegetable. Try cooking with garlic and eating your meal or snack before you go outside. If you happen to be one of the few who doesn’t like garlic, you can sprinkle minced garlic a few feet from your porch for a similar repelling effect.

5. Loose Clothing

Mosquitoes don’t really care if your clothing is in style or not, but they do care a whole lot about getting to your skin. Loose clothing makes it harder for the nasty bugs to get a good grip for a tasty bite of you. Unfortunately, though, mosquitoes can usually go right through thick clothing like denim or corduroy.

6. Sober Individuals

Add this to the list of merits for being the designated driver — mosquitoes might skip over you to feast upon your inebriated buddies instead. Possibly because of the smell, mosquitoes seem drawn to people who are drinking beer. Drinking can also make people warmer, causing them to sweat — and mosquitoes like sweaty skin.

7. Light Clothes

Mosquitoes like things they can see easily, and dark clothing makes you far more visible to a hungry mosquito. Light clothing allows you to blend into the background, making you harder to spot. If you wear light clothing, you’re less likely to be a target for mosquitoes.

8. Smoke

Chances are you didn’t bring enough marshmallows to share, and that’s a good thing because mosquitoes probably won’t show up to your campfire anyway since they don’t like smoke. Not having a campfire? Light the corner of an egg carton on fire, and set it somewhere safe — like on top of your barbecue. It will continue to smoke for a long time, keeping mosquitoes out of sight.

9. Dry Areas

Mosquitoes are attracted to moist places. In fact, they need standing water to breed. Some common places you might find standing water are gutters, buckets and swimming pools. Stay away from marshes — especially at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active — keep standing water out of your yard, and put on plenty of bug spray if you’re going to be somewhere near the water.

10. Scent-Free Lotion

Because mosquitoes are attracted to sweet smells, it’s a good idea to wear scent-free lotion and other products when you’re going to be outside. It’s easier for mosquitoes to find you if they can follow these scents. Keep mosquitoes away and protect yourself from bites by foregoing your sweet perfumes when you’re going to be outside.

Get Mosquito Prevention Services From Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control

Tried everything and the mosquitoes still won’t leave you alone? Although these tips are useful, they’re not always enough to beat back a large mosquito population. Some years, the numbers are just too high, or maybe you’re one of those people mosquitoes just seem to love.

If you spend your evenings looking through windows instead of outside on your porch, contact the pros at Barefoot Mosquito. Discover just how cost-effective our mosquito control service is when you request a free quote today. We can help you enjoy your backyard again!

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What Would Happen if We Killed Off Every Mosquito on Earth?

Imagine this. It’s summer. You spend the day by the lake, and not once do you have to swat at a mosquito. You return home and host a barbecue, and nobody leaves with itchy, red welts. You sleep that night with the windows open, secure in the knowledge that there will be no buzzing mosquitoes on the hunt for your blood.

This would be a dream come true for those accustomed to fighting off mosquitoes. And for millions of people who are infected by diseases mosquitoes carry, a world without mosquitoes would literally be life-changing and life-saving.

Mosquitoes kill more people than any other species in the world, and half of the global population is at risk of contracting a disease from a simple mosquito bite. More than a million people die every year from malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever and other mosquito-borne diseases. And it’s not just humans. Livestock and other animals are infected, too.

It’s safe to say that the world would be a better and safer place without mosquitoes to worry about. But what would happen if the most hated insect in the world was eradicated from the face of the Earth?

Mosquitoes as Vectors

Eradicating mosquitos would provide a long-term solution to the life-threatening diseases mosquitoes carry, which is certainly a thought-provoking prompt for a call to action, right? The problem isn’t mosquitoes, per se. Like other insects, they play a significant role in the ecosystem.

The issue is that mosquitos are vectors — or carriers — with little control over the transmission process. From penetrating the source of the pathogens to the unfortunate victims they pass it on to, they are involuntary hosts who are unaware of the destruction they cause. Interestingly enough, only female mosquitoes bite and suck blood, so male mosquitos don’t pose any threat to people.

The germs these female hosts pick up aren’t all harmful. The mosquito must have the capacity to promote its growth for the germ to cultivate internally, and only a percentage of the viable hosts successfully infect their victims. While mosquitos still transmit a high number of diseases, imagine if male mosquitos could also transmit diseases or if every mosquito was able to carry the pathogen. That certainly paints a different picture!

How Do Mosquitoes Transmit Diseases?

So, how exactly do mosquitoes make us sick? It’s not as clear-cut as you might think. Consider a brief overview of the transmission process:

  1. The mosquito draws blood containing harmful bacteria from a human or animal. The bacteria often contains a deadly virus or parasite. If the harmful bacteria grows in the mosquito’s body, they can pass it on. If it stays dormant, it won’t do harm. Remember: Not all germs will multiply.
  2. Inside the mosquito, the bacteria moves from the body to the saliva glands, where it is stored.
  3. The infected mosquito bites another human or animal, transmitting the virus into their blood through their saliva glands. The human or animal is more prone to get sick if their immune system can not fight the newly transmitted germ.

Disease is more likely to spread in dense populations since the individuals carrying the virus are in close proximity, making it easier for the same mosquito carriers to infect multiple people in that population.

Mosquito-Related Diseases in the US

There are various virus strains carried by certain mosquito species in the United States. The most common and dangerous is the West Nile virus, first identified in New York in 1999. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims that 2,800 people died in total between 1999 and 2022 from the West Nile virus. While it is still prevalent in some warmer U.S. climates, far fewer infection cases are reported each year. Although the West Nile virus is still around, other deadly viruses like the Zika virus and the chikungunya virus have not been recorded in the U.S. in years.

Mosquito-related risk in the U.S. is minimal. Malaria was successfully eradicated, and there is hope that the West Nile virus infection rate will dwindle and eventually be eradicated, too.

Hypothetical Mosquito Eradication

The Earth has been home to mosquitos for more than 100 million years, meaning they’ve evolved alongside thousands of species. They play a significant role in many ecosystems, and there are more than 3,500 named species.

Of the 3,500 species of mosquitoes, only 100 are attracted to human blood, while most leave humans alone. Many people don’t realize that there are thousands of mosquito species that live completely off of plant and fruit nectar.

Does this mean that removing mosquitoes from the planet would leave predators without prey? Would it leave plants without pollinators? In short, yes. However, many scientists believe the niche currently filled by mosquitoes would be taken over by other organisms, possibly causing things to go back to normal — or get even better.

only 100 mosquitoes species are attracted to blood

Mosquitoes Must Serve SOME Purpose. Right?

Indeed, mosquitoes do make a big impact on Earth. They affect the behavior of all species, including humans, and they are an abundant — and often easy — food source for insect eaters. They also are a driving force in the evolution of defense mechanisms.

Still, many scientists think their absence would not be missed and that other species would take the place of mosquitoes and be less of a nuisance to humans in the process.

Which Animals Would Be Affected?

If mosquitoes were eradicated from the planet, hundreds of fish species would need to change their diet. This could be problematic, especially for the mosquitofish, a specialized predator that is extremely adept at killing mosquito larvae. Aquatic entomologist Richard Merritt warns that some fish could even face extinction. Without these fish, the food chain would be disrupted in both directions.

Certain birds, bats, spiders, insects, salamanders, lizards and frogs also eat mosquitoes and may struggle without them. However, these animals typically are not completely reliant on mosquitoes. With the loss of this supplement in their diet, it’s estimated that these species would simply seek out other insects that would likely be found in larger numbers once mosquitoes are gone.

Most species would not starve without mosquitoes, and several would thrive if they disappeared.

What About the Insects and Plants That Mosquitoes Eat?

But don’t mosquitoes help the ecosystem through the things that they eat?

It’s true that larvae eat decaying leaves, microorganisms and organic detritus, but they aren’t the only ones doing the dirty job. Other organisms process detritus, and mosquitoes definitely aren’t the most important players in that game.

However, in certain bodies of water, the removal of mosquitoes could pose a problem. In eastern North America, mosquito and midge species actually play a vital role. When an insect drowns, midges chew the carcasses while the mosquito larvae step in to feed on the waste products. This produces nutrients that are important for the plants. So, without mosquitos, certain plant species might feel the effects.

Plants may also suffer because mosquitos are pollinators. Only some mosquito species feed on human or animal blood, and even then, it’s only the females who actually suck blood. However, is their pollination crucial to crops? Not really, say leading experts. Mosquitoes serve a purpose, but the purpose could be filled by other pollinators.

Has Eradication Been Tested?

So far, a few small eradication tests have been performed with success.

Oxford University scientists genetically modified the males in the species responsible for carrying the Zika virus and dengue fever: the Aedes aegypti species. The intent was to give the males a gene that would stop their offspring from developing properly so that the next generation of mosquitoes would be unable to reproduce before they die.

The scientists released these genetically modified mosquitoes in a site on the Cayman Islands and found a 96% reduction in mosquitoes when compared with other nearby areas. Similar trials have produced similar results.

Sounds great, right? Unfortunately, despite these promising results, these methods wouldn’t be feasible for a total world eradication, as millions of modified mosquitoes are required for just a small area.

The Positives of Eradicating Mosquitoes

Even though complete eradication is hypothetical, it’s easy to see the positives of eradicating mosquitoes from the world.

The quality of life for countries burdened by mosquito-borne diseases would increase dramatically, affecting several areas of life. Children would be healthier, which means they would miss school less often. Public health resources could be diverted to other priority health issues. The burdens on the health systems would be reduced. Countries may be able to recover the loss of gross domestic product malaria is responsible for.

And the amount of lives that would be saved? You simply can’t put a price on that.

The Negatives of Eradicating Mosquitoes

Unfortunately, the unknowns of eliminating an entire species are great. Phil Lounibos, an entomologist, warns of the dangers of eliminating pollinators and food sources. He also worries that whatever insects rise up to replace mosquitoes could be just as bad as — or worse than — mosquitoes. The unknowns are risky. What if the replacement spreads disease quicker and further than mosquitoes?

And then there are the rainforests. Mosquitoes make it almost impossible for humans to live in tropical rainforests. While concerns about deforestation are valid, mosquitoes may have actually slowed the destruction.

And what about the morals and ethics of destroying an entire species?

Alternative Ideas

While many scientists are hard at work determining if eradication is possible, and if it would be appropriate, others are going about the mosquito problem in different ways.

A sensor has been developed that can detect the species of mosquitoes. When a person wears the detector, they can be warned and track the disease-bearing mosquitoes, potentially managing future outbreaks.

Some scientists are studying what attracts mosquitoes to certain body odors, which may give way to even more effective mosquito repellents. Others are aiming to make mosquitoes resistant to the parasites that cause dangerous diseases.

Where Do You Stand When It Comes to Mosquito Eradication?

If we had to venture a guess, we would bet that any reader would welcome a real solution for being bitten less often by mosquitoes. Luckily, the Barefoot Mosquito is effective, inexpensive and uses a 99% natural solution.

While you can’t get rid of mosquitoes across the world, you can make your own home free of mosquitoes when you use the Barefoot Mosquito. Give us a call today at 512-400-2008 in Austin or 713-554-9430 in Houston. Or request a free quote online.

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