Eliminate, Eradicate … Enjoy
By: Natalie Floyd, American Pest Control
Welcoming the warmer weather is always something to look forward to in the spring! Along with the beautiful climate, we welcome longer days to enjoy backyard time with friends and family, and get energized to do the spring cleaning or outdoor projects to which we’ve been looking forward all winter. However, there is one thing we DO NOT welcome, and that’s the rise in mosquito population! Because mosquitoes love warm, humid environments and breed anywhere standing water is available, the Georgia Coast is a prime spot for these annoying pests to flourish. Not only are mosquitoes a nuisance to individuals and families hoping to spend time outdoors, they also have the potential to spread disease. West Nile Virus, Encephalitis, and Zika are just a few of the mosquito-borne illnesses of concern. While products containing DEET can certainly help prevent mosquito bites temporarily, a comprehensive mosquito reduction program that addresses breeding sites and resting locations is the most effective way to dramatically reduce mosquito populations on your property.
Did you know that a mosquito can fly 1 to 1.5 miles per hour? They detect hosts by sight, observing movement, and infra-red radiation emitted by warm bodies. Some things that also might attract a mosquito to you are an increase in activity that causes you to produce carbon dioxide and lactic acid, sweating, and dark clothing. Even a full moon has been said to increase mosquito activity by 500%! Mosquitos complete a 4-stage life cycle called metamorphosis in under 14 days. They begin as an egg, develop into larvae, morph in pupae and emerge as adults. The first three stages of this cycle require water. So, because of the mild and wet winter, 2017 will show huge numbers of mosquito populations throughout the U.S and coastal regions. Today we know so much about mosquitos, we have steps we can take to reduce the population and protect your family and pets.
Because mosquitos require standing water to complete their life cycle, insuring that all standing water has been removed from around your home is the first step to creating a less inviting area for mosquitos to breed. Any water that has been standing for more than 7 days can become a potential breeding site. Dumping out this stagnate water is important to reducing mosquito populations around your home. Places you might check for standing water include bird baths, buckets or barrels, gutters, drains, children’s toys, tires, and water bowls for pets. Along with addressing these breeding sites, a mosquito reduction program by a pest professional will drastically decrease mosquitos and create a more enjoyable outdoor experience for you and your family.
American Pest Control has been serving North Georgia for 45 years and is now providing full-service pest control on St. Simons Island. We offer integrated pest management services, termite protection, fire ant management, mosquito reduction service and more. Local technician, Jason Griffin, lives on the island which means that he is familiar with the environment and pests that are prevalent in the area. St. Simons Island manager, Connie Couch is a well-known name in the pest control industry for his knowledge on pest and termites. Due to the wet climate and bountiful vegetation, regularly scheduled pest prevention service can combat pest issues common to the Golden Isles. American Pest Control offers a quarterly service, which is completed every three months, to create a continuous barrier between your home and outside invaders. In addition, we offer complimentary follow-up services if you experience problems in between your paid services. We use the most eco-friendly and effective products on the market today to protect your home and family. American Pest Control also offers a mosquito reduction program to minimize the population of mosquitos in your yard, which we recommend in humid climates. If you are interested in the mosquito reduction program, the quarterly pest control or any of our other services, visit ampest.com or give us a call at 770.364.5387 today and mention this article for special pricing! Don’t let mosquitos suck the fun out of your spring!
