Author: Shay Wright

Whether its mosquitoes, spiders, ants, or bed bugs, nobody wants to see pests in their home. We all seem to have a collective hatred of the little intruders — and for good reason. Pests can destroy our homes, wreak havoc on our health, and make outdoor activities unbearable. Not only that, they’re creepy! There are some renters who worry if they have insurance, does renters insurance cover bed bugs?

Why Is Pest Control Important?

Pest control is not just for our comfort. With more than 18,000 pest control companies serving the public in the U.S., pest elimination and control actually increases the standard of living for everyone. Pest control is a matter of personal health and safety as well as public health and safety.

Pest Control Stops the Spread of Diseases

If the only thing pests did is to creep us out at the sight of them, we may not feel such an urgent need to control pests in our homes and businesses. (Okay, some people still would. That creepy feeling is enough to cause some serious elimination action.) But along with being gross and icky, pests can cause serious health problems, infecting our food, poisoning our bodies, transferring diseases, and more.

Cockroaches(some of the filthiest insects in existence, by the way) carry millions of pathogens and bacterial cells. Millions! They carry allergens that almost 10% of the population are affected by. On top of that, they carry salmonella, molds, and other harmful microorganisms. And these disgusting creatures can be found in our kitchens and even in our food. When people eat food that’s already been handled by a cockroach, they can experience diarrhea and other illnesses.

We all know that mosquitoes carry dangerous, and even deadly, diseases like malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, and theZika virus. Ticks can transfer Lyme Disease, which can be debilitating for the rest of a person’s life.

Stinging insects can cause quite a bit of pain, and for more than 2 million Americans who have allergic reactions, they can cause hospitalization or even death. In fact, half a million people are admitted to the emergency room each year because of insect bites and stings.

And then there are the rodents, which carry diseases that are transmittable to humans like rat bite fever and salmonella. Plus, they also carry of fleas, ticks, and mites — which carry their own set of diseases. Statistically,most of the reported rat bites each year occur in homes while people are sleeping. Sadly enough, it’s the faces, arms, and fingers of children under 5 that are bitten the most.

Pest Control Helps Protect You

Pests don’t only destroy health. They also destroy homes. And the sneaky little devils often destroy homes from the inside out. For example, termites can busily chomp away at the insides of your home for years while you carry on with your life. Meanwhile, while they’re left free to their own devices, they also multiply like crazy and develop into an enormous colony that becomes more and more difficult to exterminate by the week. This is definitely when you know that it’s time to call in the professionals like Adam’s Pest Control, Inc., if you’re in Minneapolis.

In fact, termites and similar pests cause an estimated $30 billion in damage to structures and crops each year in the United States. And if your home is one that’s been targeted by termites, you can expect to spend $3,000 or more to repair the damage.

And then there are bed bugs that bite you while you sleep. Extremely difficult to get rid of, bed bugs infest and destroy furniture, carpet, and more. Once infested, many people end up having to replace expensive items.

Don’t forget the risk of fire either. Rodents quietly go about their business, chewing on different things throughout your house including wires and flammable items. It’s not enough that they’re simply disgusting, rodents are also a major fire hazard.

Pest Control Provides Comfort

Swatting mosquitoes out of your face, waking up each morning with fresh bed bug bites, and feeling squeamish about the mouse you just saw scurrying across your kitchen floor is the complete opposite of comfort.

When you have good pest control in place, you don’t have to think about bugs and rodents when you’re at home. You don’t have to worry that when you lay your baby down on the carpet, a spider may find its way over to take a bite at that perfect baby skin. You don’t have to feel itchy from flea bites, and you don’t have to brace yourself before you open your pantry, worried you’re about to see a line of ants.

When pest control is in place, you don’t even have to think about how you’re not thinking about pests. It completely eliminates worry and allows you to be comfortable in your own home.

Pest Control Protects The Value of Your Home

Whether you intend to stay in your home for years, or you’re hoping to one day sell, it’s important to keep the value of your home as high as possible. But when you experiencetermitedamage, electrical damage, or any other pest issues in your home, the value of your home will often go down. Taking care of the problem will help maintain most of the value, but it’s far better to keep the value up with pest control that prevents huge problems from ever occurring.

And if you own a business, it’s crucial to keep its value up as well. If the public finds out about a pest problem in your business, your business’s reputation could be destroyed. People have long memories when pests are involved.

Pests Are Often a Bigger Problem Than You Realize

Unfortunately, pests are very quiet and sneaky by nature. Their small size and quiet movement makes it possible for them to enter your home through tiny holes you may not even notice. And once they’re in, they’re in. They find quiet, hidden corners of your home to set up house – creating nests, webs, and adding other buggy homemaking touches.

Also, pests typically aren’t alone. One cockroach found in your kitchen almost always means there are plenty more hidden somewhere else. One bed bug is never one bed bug. It’s a sign of an entire colony.

And don’t forget how quickly pests can reproduce. Insects lay eggs and rapidly create generations of bugs that call your home their first home. Eliminating one or two cockroaches will not take care of your problem. You need agood pest control companyto find the source of your pest problem and stop it at the source.

Should You DIY?

Typically, pest control does not lend itself well to do-it-yourself projects. Pests are best exterminated through scientific methods, strong solutions, careful observation, and thorough monitoring. Most people simply don’t have the training to do this on their own. Even when you think you’ve eliminated pests, they could still be reproducing quietly somewhere else in your home.

Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control is an expert when it comes to determining the real reasons pests are on your property. We will get to the source of the problem and quickly eliminate pests from your property with our effective and affordable pest control solutions. Give us a call today or request a quote online!

 

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You checked (and double checked) to make sure you didn’t leave anything behind when you checked out of your hotel or returned your rental car. But did you check (and double check) to make sure you weren’t bringing home any tiny stowaways?

Bed bugs are notorious for hitching rides on unsuspecting travelers, and since they are so hard to get rid of, do yourself a favor and learn how to avoid them in the first place. Learn the most common signs of bed bugs, and what to do if you see them.

Bed Bug Detection in Hotels

First, check reviews of the hotel where you intend to stay, and take any mention of bed bugs seriously. It’s better to change plans than to risk bringing bed bugs home.

Next, it matters where you set your luggage. Bed bugs can’t travel well on smooth surfaces, so as soon as you get to your room, place your luggage in the bathtub or on the luggage rack. You can also put your luggage inside a large garbage bag for further protection. Don’t put your clothes in the drawers or closets.

Don’t flop down on that bed yet, either. Use a flashlight to inspect your room before you make another move. Bed bugs can be found where their hosts can be found. (Psst… their host is you and any other living human.) At a minimum, you’ll want to thoroughly inspect the bed, headboard, and nightstand. Anything with nooks and crannies (like an alarm clock or drapes) is fair game for a bed bug, and merits inspection by you.

Shine the light on the front and back of the bed’s headboard, the screw holes in the nightstand, the corners of drawers, and along the seams of the mattress or box spring. Look for the bugs themselves (they are usually flat, reddish-brown, and about the size of an apple seed), but also look for tiny black dots that resemble pepper flakes. These are bed bug feces. If you notice any tiny black dots or tiny blood spots, get out of there!

If, after inspecting the room, you feel it’s free of bed bugs, still continue to be cautious about your luggage, keeping it in the bathroom or on a luggage rack.

In Rental Cars

Yes, surprisingly bed bugs can be found in rental cars. Fortunately, they hate heat, so the chances of encountering bed bugs in the summer is lessened. However, since they avoid heat, they may stay in the car but migrate into the trunk or under the spare tire. Use your trusty flashlight again to shine light in those places – no matter the weather.

When You Get Home

Before you go inside your home, use your flashlight to inspect all the crannies of your luggage. Check zipper pockets, seams, and folds. Even if you don’t find signs of bed bugs, launder all clothing and luggage in hot water as soon as you arrive home.

If you think you may have brought bed bugs home, throw everything (including the clothes you’re wearing) into the dryer. Run the dryer for a minimum of 30 minutes on the hottest setting. If you use collapsible luggage, this will be much easier. If it’s too late for that, you’ll need to call a good pest control company to help you eradicate the bed bugs for good.

Fortunately, most travelers never come in contact with bed bugs, but since the little pests don’t discriminate, it’s important to always be on alert no matter where you’re staying.

Contact Barefoot Today

 

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You wake up with an itchy bite, and you can’t help but feel creeped out knowing that while you were sleeping, an 8-legged arachnid crawled across your body and took a bite of you. Knowing there are spiders in your house is enough to make anyone feel nervous and uncomfortable. Whether you see the spiders, spot their webs, or find the telltale itchy bumps on your body, evidence of spiders is the last thing you want to find in your home. Learn how to get rid of spiders with these helpful spider deterrent tips.

1. Keep Your Home Clean

Spiders spin their webs in out-of-reach places. They especially like to find areas that are rarely visited by humans, and the darker, the better. Regularly dust and vacuum your home, including the garage, basement, and that one craft corner where everything piles up. Just getting rid of clutter is a great spider deterrent. Make sure you’re vacuuming corners on the floor and the ceiling as well. When you see cobwebs, both inside and outside your house, knock them down immediately and clean the surrounding areas. Spiders will get the message that they aren’t welcomed in those places and will move on to friendlier environments.

2. Don’t Feed Spiders

Spiders hang around when there is a food source, namely, smaller insects. If you continue to see spiders, you may also have an insect problem. Take measures to prevent insects from taking up cozy residence in your home with these suggestions:

• Vacuum and dust more often
• Clean overlooked areas, like your curtains, behind your couches, behind appliances, and more
• Take your trash out daily
• Don’t leave food trash inside your home

3. Keep Spiders Out

The best spider control is to prevent spiders from ever entering your home in the first place. Seal gaps and cracks in your walls. Repair rips and tears in your screens, and make sure your screens fit tightly. Use weather-stripping on your windows and door sweeps on your doors. And make sure you don’t bring any spiders inside your home when you bring in outside tools, toys, firewood, and other items. In addition, don’t stack firewood next to your home.

4. Exterior Lighting For Spider Control

If your exterior lighting is attracting insects, the insects will certainly be attracting spiders. And if you have lights on outside your garage every night, spiders are likely making their way into your garage. To get rid of spiders, mount your exterior lights away from your house, or install motion sensors. In addition, you can install yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs outdoors. These attract fewer insects.

5. Use Natural Remedies as Spider Deterrents

You may have items in your pantry that will could as spider deterrents.

White Vinegar

Mix white vinegar with water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution in areas that seem to attract spiders – corners and crevices – and you will likely see fewer spiders.

Citrus Fruit Peels

If you have a spider infestation, take citrus fruit peels and rub them on the affected areas. This may not be a good idea for all furniture, so use caution.

Chestnuts

Spiders don’t like chestnuts, so if you want to get rid of spiders, leave some on your windowsills and along your baseboards. Chestnuts don’t rot quickly, so you can leave them for a while.

Mint Tea

For a fresh house smell as well as effective spider control, leave mint tea bags in the areas where you frequently see spiders.

6. Call a Pest Control Company to Get Rid of Spiders

If you have spiders in your home, you likely have other insects crawling around in places you can’t see. Hiring a pest control company is the surest way to eliminate your spider and insect problem. Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control goes beyond just eliminating your current pest problem. We can identify and remedy the reasons for spiders in your home for the most effective spider control. Give us a call today or request a free quote online.

 

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Just as you’re scurrying indoors when the temperatures cool down outside, pests are also looking for a warm, cozy place to settle in. And that warm place could be your home. To avoid an autumn meltdown, learn the best pest prevention strategies, and keep your home safe this fall with these helpful fall pest prevention tips.

1. Seal Gaps

If you can see the gap or hole, a pest can fit through it. Pests can even sneak into holes you can’t see. In fact, small creepy crawlies, like spiders and ants, can fit through a gap that is just 1/16th of an inch, and it only takes a quarter of an inch for a mouse to find its way into your house. And if that’s not creepy enough, a raccoon can squeeze into a 6-inch opening. Get out the trusty caulk, and take a nice slow walk around the perimeter of your house. Look closely for holes, and seal up any openings or gaps you find.

2. Cap Your Chimney

Did you know rodents, birds, and even squirrels can make their way into your home through your chimney? Avoid the disturbing hassle and install a cap on your chimney.

3. Take Stock of Your Shed and Garage

Are your summer toys already collecting dust in the corner of the garage? Have you thrown a few items into the shed, planning to deal with them later? Well, later is now. It’s time to clean out the garage and shed, removing clutter that could be interpreted as an inviting bed to a rodent this fall.

4. Use Your Screens

We know it was a hot summer, and you’re ready to let a cool fall breeze air out your house, but don’t leave a door or window open without a screen to protect you from the bugs that can enter. And not just any screen – make sure it’s a screen with no tears or holes in it.

5. Clean Up Your Yard

Doing a little fall cleaning in your yard in the form of pruning or raking? Don’t leave those piles sitting around for days. Rodents and insects will see them as lovely homes for protecting themselves against the elements. And if the piles happen to be near your home, you can bet those pests will find an opportunity to sneak inside.

6. Store Your Firewood Properly

While it would be more convenient to keep your firewood right next to your house, it’s safer to keep it at least 20 feet away from your home. Pests, especially termites, can take up residence in your firewood, and the last thing you want is to give those little critters access to your home, so you’ll probably be better off storing firewood in purpose-built wood storage sheds in order to avoid unwanted pests entering your home.

7. Keep Moisture Under Control

All sorts of pests, including cockroaches and mosquitoes, are drawn to moisture. Do what you can to eliminate moisture from your home and yard. Don’t leave your pet’s water outside. Check the rain gutters for leaves and debris so that water doesn’t build up. Trim overgrown bushes that can gather moisture. And when the leaves start to fall, keep your lawn raked.

8. Be Wary of Holiday Decorations

Remember, your holiday decorations have been sitting in storage for an entire year. Be careful when you unpack them, and before you display them in or outside of your home, make sure they are free of pests.

Call an Exterminator

To ensure your home is fully prepared to keep pests away during the cooler temperatures this fall, give Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control a call at 512-400-2008, or request a free quote online!

 

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Just the thought of mosquitoes is enough to make us itch. Nothing can ruin a camping trip or neighborhood barbecue faster than these tiny, blood-sucking invaders.
Most people know some of the habits of mosquitoes and are pretty confident in taking measures to repel them. However, as the insect that kills an estimated 725,000 people each year, it’s important to get a solid understanding of the myths and facts about mosquitoes.

Myth 1. Mosquitoes Only Bite at Dusk and Dawn

It’s true that many mosquitoes, including those most common to the United States, are most active at dusk and dawn. However, with 176 species in the United States, there are some species (like the Asian tiger mosquito) that are also active during the day.

Myth 2. All Mosquitoes Bite Humans

When you’re being eaten alive on your annual campout, it sure seems like every possible mosquito is out in full force against you. However, there are actually 3,500 species of mosquitoes and only some of them favor the flavor of humans. Many feed on nectar, reptiles, birds, and other mammals.

Interesting fact: In the species of mosquitoes that feed on humans, it’s only female mosquitoes that are after your blood. Males feed on nectar, but females need the protein found in blood to help with reproduction.

Myth 3. Citronella Is a Great Protection

When you’re out shopping for the summer season ahead of you, you naturally toss a citronella candle in your cart. It’s a necessary component of a successful outdoor summer event, right? Well, yes and no. Citronella candles are pretty ineffective at warding off mosquitoes from your home. While mosquitoes are repelled by crushed leaves of citronella, they aren’t as strongly repelled by the weaker oil that goes into making citronella candles.

Plus, a shift in the wind is all it takes to send the small level of protection elsewhere. So, while they do provide some level of protection, it isn’t sufficient. A preventive mosquito control plan is far stronger than Citronella.

Myth 4. We Don’t Have Mosquito-Borne Illnesses in the United States

Unfortunately, the Asian tiger mosquito, which carries yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya, dog heartworm, and West Nile, is found in the United States, particularly in the Eastern and Central states. Additionally, Florida has reported cases of Zika virus in recent years. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage and treat the diseases caused by mosquitoes.

Make no mistake that disease-carrying mosquitoes are still found in the United States. In fact, the only continent that doesn’t play host to mosquitoes is Antarctica.

Myth 5. If You Have a Big Welt, the Mosquito Must Have Had a Big Lunch

Some people think that the bigger the welt, the more blood the mosquito took from your body. However, the size of the bump you receive is not about the amount of blood. It’s actually about your immune system and how it reacts to mosquitoes.

Myth 6. Bats Will Get Rid of All Mosquitoes

It’s true that bats do eat mosquitoes, but they’re actually a small portion of a bat’s diet. And the small size of mosquitoes makes it difficult to for bats to really go after them sufficiently. In fact, if bats have a choice between mosquitoes and another insect, they’ll typically go after the other insect first.

Myth 7. You Don’t Have to Worry About Mosquitoes in the Dry Season

Mosquitoes are much more prevalent and active during wet and rainy seasons, but that doesn’t mean they totally disappear during dry seasons. In fact, dry seasons can be an even more dangerous time for mosquitoes because any standing water will be dirtier during a dry season. Viruses and diseases may, unfortunately, flourish during this time.

The Barefoot Mosquito effectively eliminates breeding spots, treats mosquito resting sites, and prevents their return to your property. Please give us a call today at (512) 400-2008 or request a free mosquito control quote online.

 

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Fact: Fleas and ticks are annoying.
Fact: Fleas and ticks are harmful.
Fact: Fleas and ticks cause problems for you and your pets.

None of this should be surprising in the least. If you’ve ever dealt with a flea infestation, you know how difficult this can be for your pet and your home. Once fleas infest your home, getting rid of fleas can be extremely difficult.

The more you know, however, the better off you’ll be. Knowing all about dangerous ticks and fleas will help you avoid an infestation. Read on for some interesting facts about fleas and ticks.

Crazy Facts About Fleas

1. Fleas are found everywhere on the Earth. That’s right. Even Antarctica, which is so inhospitable to be the only continent on Earth that doesn’t play host to mosquitoes, has a species of flea.
2. Mammals aren’t the only “lucky” hosts of fleas. Some species of fleas (only about 3 to 5%) are parasites to birds, and even accidentally to reptiles. There are also Coptopsylla lamellifer ticks which have been observed to accidentally parasitize ticks. A parasite parasitizing a parasite? Sounds fair, right?
3. Fleas can transmit diseases. Some fleas that have fed on rodents may transmit diseases like plague and murine typhus. Anemia, tapeworms, and flea allergy dermatitis are just a few potential flea related health problems.
4. If fleas were human, they’d be super jumpers. Well, fleas are already super jumpers, but it would just be a lot more impressive if humans had the same ability. A flea can jump vertically up to 7 inches. For humans, an equivalent jump would be an astounding 250 feet.
5. Fleas really need blood. It’s true that fleas can survive without a blood meal for two months to a year, but they can’t reproduce without blood.
6. Fleas are great at reproducing. A female flea lays around 20 eggs a day. Since half of those eggs will also be female, you could be dealing with about 20,000 new fleas in your house in just two months. That’s why swift flea control is critical.
7. The winter isn’t going to do them in. Unfortunately, cold temperatures won’t necessarily wipe out a flea population. They can survive short periods of cold if they’re wrapped in a cocoon. Some will even find warm spots to hide until winter is over.

Crazy Facts About Ticks

1. You may not realize you’re being bitten. The saliva of ticks contains anti-inflammatory and anesthetic compounds. This means you can’t feel when a tick is biting you. And because the proteins in the saliva also contain proteins with changing compositions, your immune system likely won’t even recognize it’s dealing with a threat.
2. There’s a reason ticks are hard to remove. Their saliva is really quite powerful. Not only does it act as an anesthetic so the host won’t feel the bite, but it also acts like a cement for ticks. This means ticks can maintain their position and be very difficult to remove.
3. Ticks are sneaky. Rather than falling from trees or jumping from bushes, ticks crawl up your body (or your pet’s body) from the tips of grasses and shrubs.
4. Ticks have long life spans. Ticks hang on for dear life. They live for years, and can even survive years of starvation if they can’t find a blood meal. That’s staying power, and another reason why pest control for ticks is vital in your yard.
5. Ticks don’t hang out inside. Ticks need to live in a place with high humidity, so you won’t often find them indoors for long periods of time.
6. Ticks are arachnids. Ticks are more closely related to spiders than to insects. Plus, they’re parasites. That’s plenty of creep-out factor for one creature.

Because fleas and ticks can carry dangerous and debilitating diseases, it’s important to use a professional tick and flea control service. Barefoot Mosquito can effectively get rid of fleas and ticks in your yard for an affordable price. Contact Barefoot today at 512-400-2008 (Austin) or 713-554-9430 (Houston) to learn more or request a free quote online.

 

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Most of us associate mosquitoes with annoying, itchy bumps on our skin. A mosquito bite can do a lot more than just itch, however. Mosquitoes can carry several dangerous diseases, some of them deadly. Learn about the diseases mosquitoes carry and also some effective mosquito control tips to keep mosquitoes away.

Mosquitoes Carry West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus was first found in Uganda in 1937, and traveled into Europe, the Middle East, and central Asia. It first appeared in North America in 1999 in New York. In that year, seven people and nine horses died from West Nile Virus. By 2014, there were more than 35,000 reported cases of West Nile Virus, with more than 1,500 reported deaths.

West Nile Virus cycles between birds and mosquitoes but is transmitted to mammals and humans by infected mosquitoes. West Nile Fever is a mild illness, with flu-like symptoms like tiredness, headaches, fever, or a rash that often lasts more than 30 days. Three other types of West Nile Virus are called neuroinvasive diseases, which means the nervous system is affected. West Nile encephalitis affects the brain.

Fewer than 1% of West Nile cases turn into anything more serious than flu-like symptoms, while 70-80% of people never exhibit any symptoms at all.

Mosquitoes Carry Zika Virus

The first discovery of Zika virus was in macaque monkeys in the Zika Forest region of Uganda in 1947. In the continental US, there have been more than 4,000 reported cases of Zika virus from travel and 139 local transmissions as of October 26, 2016.

Most people with Zika experience mild symptoms, like rashes, fever, and joint pain. Many people never get sick enough to seek treatment, so it becomes difficult to accurately track cases of Zika. The largest danger is to babies in the womb. When a pregnant woman is infected with Zika, her unborn baby may develop microcephaly, a congenital defect of cranium and brain size that causes profound neurological defects in newborns that usually result in death.

Mosquitoes Carry Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever is an arboviral disease found in the Americas, Asia and Africa. It is rarely found in the continental U.S., but it has shown up in Texas and Florida in recent years. More than 400 million people are infected each year, and approximately 22,000 people die annually from dengue. Dengue fever presents itself as a headache, fever, and body ache.

Mosquitoes Carry Malaria

While local exposure to malaria hasn’t occurred in America in 100 years, malaria is still a prominent threat throughout the world, especially in Africa. Malaria is an ancient disease, with the Chinese describing it in 2,700 BC. An astonishing 300 to 500 million cases of malaria in the world are reported each year.

DDT, air conditioners, and window screens have reduced its transmission throughout the world, leaving tropical areas as the most exposed. Approximately 1,500 US citizens contract the disease each year from traveling. Antimalarial drugs are available however.

Mosquitoes Carry Yellow Fever

Yellow fever was first found 400 years ago, and is found mostly in South America and Africa, with 200,000 cases worldwide each year. The illness includes symptoms such as fever, chills, major headaches, and muscle aches. Occasionally death occurs, but there is a vaccine, and that has reduced the cases significantly.

Other mosquito-borne illnesses include Eastern Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis, LaCrosse Encephalitis, Western Equine Encephalitis, dog heartworm, and Chikungunya.

Protect Yourself From Mosquitoes

While most of the above mosquito-borne diseases are uncommon in America, travel does occasionally bring them to our shores. Protect yourself by getting proper immunizations before travel, and by doing what you can to prevent mosquito bites both during travel and while at home.

Keep mosquitoes away from your home by removing standing water, repairing holes in your screens, and staying indoors during dawn and dusk in the warmer months. Hire a mosquito control company to monitor and prevent mosquito activity in your yard and home. Barefoot Mosquito offers the most effective method of mosquito control available.

 

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Mosquitoes are some of the most annoying creatures on Earth. Not only are their bites itchy and painful, but they can also carry dangerous and deadly diseases. Knowing where they typically live is valuable information to have when it comes to mosquito control. When you know where mosquitoes hang out, you can do everything possible to avoid them and to discourage them from calling your home their “home, sweet home.”

Even though temperatures are cooling down, you still need to know where mosquitoes live so you can make it clear to these annoying little insects that your home is not for them. Take the first step in keeping mosquitoes away by understanding where they tend to live.

They’re Everywhere

Unfortunately, mosquitoes are good at adapting. This means that while they do best in tropical and subtropical habitats, some species have also adapted to be able to survive many other environments. Some mosquitoes can hibernate, and others lay their eggs in ice so they can hatch when the temperatures warm up. In fact, the only place mosquitoes are not found on Earth today is Antarctica.

Near Humans and Animals

Male mosquitoes eat nectar and other non-living things, but females need the nutrients found in blood to help their eggs develop. Because of this, they set up their breeding sites near humans, livestock, wild animals, or birds.

Near Artificial Areas With Standing Water

Mosquitoes need water for breeding. They lay their eggs in water, and the larvae live there until they are mature enough to move out on their own. This transformation can be as short as four days, so if you leave a bucket of water in your backyard for just a week, it’s possible an entire family of mosquitoes could hatch right in your backyard. Outdoor birdbaths also attract mosquitoes, but luckily, the chlorine in swimming pools will keep them away.

Near Natural Areas With Standing Water

Swamps, lakes, ponds, ditches, and even lawns or gardens with standing water are particularly attractive to mosquitoes. If you live near an area with one of these bodies of standing water, make sure you avoid going near the water during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. To further protect you and your home, fix holes in your screens and seal up gaps in your doorways so mosquitoes can’t enter your home. And consider hiring a pest control company to keep mosquitoes out of your home and yard.

Near Vegetation

Mosquitoes can often be found near bushes, trees, and other vegetation. They’re quite fond of tree holes that are filled with rainwater. Keep your yard clear of debris and your bushes and trees trimmed.

Rain Gutters

Clogged rain gutters are a dream come true for mosquitoes. The trapped debris keeps water still and in one place. Plus, it’s a protected location, unnoticed by predators. They may also start a family in areas on your roof where water collects. Take the time to clear your rain gutters, and keep up on that maintenance routinely to avoid giving mosquitoes a place to settle down. You could also look into gutter guards from companies such as MastershieldAtl so you don’t have to keep making sure your gutters are debris free, as often.

Buckets and Flower Pots

One of the most common places for mosquitoes to live is the buckets, flower pots, and other cans in your yard. These items are often left out without a second thought, and they fill up with water from rainstorms or sprinklers. Mosquitoes will waste no time in moving in and calling your watering can home.

Cellars and Vacant Houses

But where do they go in the winter? Some mosquitoes hibernate, and these tenacious creatures can be found in people’s cellars and in vacant houses. They can go the whole winter undetected by you, only to come back with a biting frenzy when the weather warms up. That’s why it’s important to work with a reputable pest control company to make sure your home does not become a favorite dwelling place for mosquitoes.

Don’t risk having a mosquito problem. Get rid of mosquitoes today with the help of a professional mosquito control company. If you are in the Austin or Houston, TX area, give Barefoot Mosquito a call today!

Related Resources

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Even though dogs are covered in fur, they can still be bitten by mosquitoes, especially in uncovered places like the nose, ears, and stomach. Mosquito bites can be painful and annoying for dogs just like humans, and some mosquitoes can even transfer dangerous heartworm disease to your dogs. The bites can also become infected if your dog scratches the skin around the bite.

At a minimum, a dog getting bitten by mosquitoes will leave your loyal companion itching and uncomfortable. Learn how to best protect your dog from mosquitoes and how to treat mosquito bites if your dog does get bitten.

How to Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Dog

You are your pet’s first line of defense when it comes to protection from mosquitoes. Make sure you learn some important things about mosquitoes and how to avoid them so your pet can avoid bothersome bites.

1. Know mosquito’s active hours – Mosquitoes are active during dusk and dawn, when the sun isn’t out and the wind has died down. Keep your dog inside during these hours.
2. Know where mosquitoes hang out – Mosquitoes love warm, still, wet areas, like marshes, ponds, and large puddles. When you take your dog for a walk, avoid these areas.
3. Protect against heartworm – Talk to your vet about putting your pet on a heartworm medication to prevent the disease.
4. Know how to keep mosquitoes out of your yard – Keep mosquitoes away from your home by eliminating standing water, regularly changing your dog’s water bowl, clearing debris from your yard, and repairing holes in screens.

How to Treat Mosquito Bites

You can tell your dog has been bitten by a mosquito if you notice a red, swollen area that is bothering your dog. A vet can give you an antibacterial cream to fight against infections, but there are also many ways you can treat your dog’s mosquito bites on your own.

1. Aloe vera — Aloe vera will provide a cooling relief to your dog’s mosquito bite, and it can also prevent your dog from being bitten. Apply an aloe vera that’s safe for pets to your dog’s bite.
2. Ice — If your dog allows it, apply ice to the area for a cooling relief and a minimizing of swelling.
3. Baking soda — Make a paste with baking soda and water, and apply to your dog’s bite every few hours to give your pet relief.
4. Oatmeal — Make a paste with oatmeal and water, and apply every few hours to help your dog stop scratching.

When the Bite Is Serious

Heartworm is a serious parasitic condition. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, the offspring of the parasitic worm can be transferred through its blood. When the same mosquito bites another dog, it can transfer that parasite to the new dog. The parasite can grow up to a foot long and can cause serious problems in the lungs, arteries, and heart.

Of course, all of this happens without any of us even realizing it. That’s why it’s crucial you know these signs of heartworms:

• Lethargy
• Coughing
• Vomiting
• Fainting
• Won’t tolerate exercise
• Difficulty breathing

Talk to your vet if you notice these symptoms.

The Best Mosquito Prevention

Your dog’s health is too important to leave to chance. For the best protection from mosquitoes, talk to a trusted local mosquito control company about a plan to keep mosquitoes away from your home and yard. Give Barefoot Mosquito a call for the best mosquito prevention service!

 

 

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