Archive for category Mosquito Factoids
Mild Winter Means More Mosquitoes
Posted by janegwalker in Mosquito barrier spray, Mosquito Control, Mosquito Factoids, Mosquito Squad, Mosquitoes, Uncategorized on March 13, 2012
There is a week left in winter and many parts of the country are seeing abnormally warm temperatures. Nice, right? Well, good and bad is more like it. While many of us are enjoying the nice weather by spending more time outdoors, so are the mosquitoes. They are coming out, in droves. The mild winter, while it was nice, will end up bringing out more mosquitoes this spring and summer.
Mosquitoes will be out in droves this year due to a mild winter
Mosquitoes breed in standing water. If there are sustained freezing temperatures in the winter months, a lot of mosquito eggs will die. Unfortunately, this past season didn’t provide many areas with the needed cold and resulted in a larger number of eggs reaching maturity. In short, that means more annoying bugs.
Randy Peck of Mosquito Squad, who provides mosquito control in Charlotte and its surrounding areas, was recently interviewed by the local media regarding this years’ mosquito population:
“With all the rainfall we’ve had, it’s keeping everything moist and it’s not really drying out. So if it stays like that in the spring, I would imagine that mosquitoes are going to be a little worse this year,” says Randy Peck of Mosquito Squad based in Matthews. Peck says the lack of deep freezes and plenty of moisture could make for a problem.” See complete article here.
In some parts of the country municipalities are starting to spray for mosquitoes much earlier than usual. One area of Houston scheduled their first spray 2 months earlier than they did in 2011. Two months!
To cut down on the number of mosquitoes around your home, it is important to get rid of standing water where mosquitoes breed. For us, it’s as simple as the 5Ts:
- Tip – tip over objects in your yard that may hold water including dog dishes and kids’ toys.
- Toss – remove excess grass and clipping from yards
- Turn – turn over larger items like birdbaths and plant saucers so the mosquitoes can’t fully develop
- Remove Tarps – If tarps aren’t pulled tightly, they can create small pools of water, and 300 mosquitoes can hatch in a space as small as a bottle cap.
- Treat – treat the vegetation in your yard where mosquitoes and ticks harbor and feed.
Mosquito Squad provides a mosquito control barrier spray that will protect your yard for 21 days so you can enjoy the outdoors more. If you have questions on how we can help you, please contact your local Mosquito Squad.
Recent discoveries provide proof that man has been battling against the bite for thousands of years
Posted by Robin Steele in All Natural Mosquito Spray, Garlic Mosquito Spray, Mosquito barrier spray, Mosquito Bites, Mosquito Control, Mosquito Factoids, Mosquito misting, Mosquito prevention tricks, Mosquito Squad, Mosquitoes, Mosquitoes In the News, Outdoor Events, Outdoor Living Bug Free on December 23, 2011
Yes, research now proves the stereotypical caveman was knowledgeable in mosquito control
When we think of things that come under the category of “pre-historic” our minds automatically gravitate towards fur loin cloths, wooden clubs and dinosaurs. However, did you know that mosquitoes have been around for over 170 million years and survived the ice age even when the dinosaurs did not? This proves that the pesky, blood sucking insects we continuously wage war upon were even a constant thorn in the sides of the cave men. Recent findings show that early man was even using primitive methods of plant-based mosquito control remedies nearly 77,000 years ago to control their wrath.
Scientists have recently discovered evidence of bedding that was constructed from plant stems and leaves which contained a natural plant derived insecticide. This bedding would have served as much for mosquito control as for comfort at the time. The bedding was discovered in a rock shelter in Sibudu South Africa and is believed to be left by our early ancestors who slept in the shelter from 38,000 to 77,000 years ago.
This resilient creature survived the ice age
The use of these plants and leaves prove that the cavemen had knowledge of the specific insecticidal and medicinal uses of the plants within the world around them. Analysis of the bedding also concluded it was refurbished with the insecticidal plants and leaves on more than one occasion proving again, that the inhabitants of the Sibudu site were well aware of the properties and attributes of the plants and leaves they were choosing to “feather their beds” with at the time. Researchers also learned from excavation of the sight that the cavemen burnt spent and used bedding in a way to possibly further mosquito control efforts within their living space and to maintain an insect free space for further occupation. This discovery is 50,000 years older than the most ancient preserved bedding we have found in the past.
Now, when you think of our earliest ancestors keep in mind the intelligence and ingenuity that may have kept them mosquito free amid a world of insect frenzy, without the conveniences we know and are accustomed to today. This is truly a miraculous discovery indeed. Our advanced technology in the world of mosquito control all lead back to early man and his battle against the bite, which research can prove has been going on for thousands of years.
No Mosquitoes
When it comes time to enjoy those outdoor activities that we all look forward to over the winter months, contact Mosquito Squad to ensure you and your family stay mosquito free this season. Our methods are proven safe and highly effective in the ongoing battle we wage on the dreaded mosquito- and with Mosquito Squad you will come out the winner every time.
To locate the Mosquito Squad closest to your cave, visit our locations list available on our website.
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Mosquito breeding season maybe over, but West Nile Virus is still a reality for many states in the US
Posted by Robin Steele in All Natural Mosquito Spray, CDC, Garlic Mosquito Spray, Mosquito barrier spray, Mosquito Bites, Mosquito Control, Mosquito Factoids, Mosquito misting, Mosquito prevention tricks, Mosquito Squad, Mosquito-Borne Illnesses & Diseases, Mosquitoes, Outdoor Events, West Nile encephaltis and meningitis, West Nile Virus on December 8, 2011
Dread Skeeter of Mosquito Squad
It is the time of year when most people think that mosquitoes are a distant memory of summer past. West Nile Virus as well as other mosquito-borne illnesses and diseases don’t rear their ugly heads until the latter part of the mosquito season. The duration of the mosquito season varies from state to state, but typically mosquitoes are active from April until October. As 2011 draws closer to an end the CDC ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) released it’s findings for West Nile Virus for the present year-to-date on November 29th, 2011.
The findings show that for 2011, there have been a total number of 658 reported cases of West Nile Virus in the United States so far. This number reflects both neuroinvasive as well as non-neuroinvasive cases reported. Out of the 658 reported cases of West Nile Virus, 452 of those cases were diagnosed as neuroinvasive. Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus means that the disease affects the nervous system. This can include encephalitis which is inflammation of the brain and meningitis which is an inflammation of the membrane around the brain and the spinal cord. Meningitis can also lead to acute flaccid paralysis which is an inflammation of the spinal cord. Non-neuroinvasive cases reflect those patients that display less acute signs of West Nile Virus. In many instances the true number of those affected by non-neuroinvasive aspects of the disease can differ greatly from the actual number of reported non-neuroinvasive cases because a great deal of those infected do not seek medical attention when the disease is mild. In some of the mildest cases the patient many times does not even know they are infected. All of these numbers reflect both mild and severe cases confirmed as well as probable human disease cases occurring between January 1st, to November 29th, 2011.
Photo of West Nile Virus under a microscope
Some of the states that show the highest level of reported cases include California with 151 confirmed West Nile cases and 8 deaths as a result of the disease. Next in line are Arizona with 58 confirmed cases, Mississippi with 51, New York with 43 and Illinois and Michigan tie with 33 confirmed cases. Nationwide the total number of deaths attributed to the disease totals 40. Only five states show non-human activity and those are Washington, Maine, Oklahoma, Oregon, and South Carolina. There is only one state which has reported no West Nile Virus activity either human or non-human for the year so far, and that is Maine.
This very important data reminds us of the importance of reporting any symptoms of the disease early. The CDC’s data also includes non-human infections and deaths reported by way of birds and other animals. If a high number of dead birds are reported in a specific geographical region it alerts the CDC and local health departments in that area to be on the alert for human cases that may present themselves.
The mosquito is responsible for this years current West Nile numbers
In all our efforts to prevent and control mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illness, including nationwide, statewide and down to our own backyards we all hope each year that the impact of West Nile is less. These finding remind us that before we know long mosquitoes will begin breeding again and now is the time to plan for the upcoming season. The winter months give us a great opportunity to inspect our own surroundings and devise a mosquito control plan for the upcoming season to keep our families safe from mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile. Take time to inspect your property for areas that are prone to hold water such as lawn and patio furniture, children’s play areas, bird baths, planters left from spring blooms and even gutters to ensure they are free of debris. Check any screened areas or windows for damage or tears and have them repaired before spring arrives. Getting your property in tip-top shape before the arrival of the mosquito season will start a good habit and help keep you safe and bite free. Hiring a professional mosquito control company to ensure you are on schedule prior to the invasion of mosquitoes in April is also a great way to keep mosquitoes and the diseases they harbor out of your property and out of your life.
Dead mosquito - Mosquito Squad kills mosquitoes dead
Mosquito Squad has a safe and effective way to keep mosquitoes and the risk of mosquito-borne illness out of your property. Our mosquito programs will begin at the dawn of the 2012 mosquito season. We offer a worry free mosquito control program that entails Mosquito Squad’s barrier spray service scheduled at regular intervals to kill and prevent mosquitoes all season long. Contact Mosquito Squad to learn more. You can contact a Mosquito Squad location close to home by visiting our website at http://www.mosquitosquad.com/ContactUs.html
The vicious cycle of West Nile Virus from the beginning to the end
Posted by Robin Steele in All Natural Mosquito Spray, CDC, Mosquito barrier spray, Mosquito Bites, Mosquito Control, Mosquito Factoids, Mosquito fun, Mosquito misting, Mosquito prevention tricks, Mosquito Squad, Mosquito-Borne Illnesses & Diseases, Mosquitoes, Mosquitoes In the News, Outdoor Events, Outdoor Living Bug Free, West Nile encephaltis and meningitis, West Nile Virus on November 5, 2011
Mosquito Squad wants you to learn the facts about West Nile Virus."
As many of you already know West Nile Virus is a virus spread to humans and animals through the bite of a mosquito that has become infected with the virus through feeding off an infected bird. The question is how does the infected bird become infected with West Nile in the first place?
The cycle of West Nile begins with a mosquito which transmits the virus to a bird by way of the mosquito feeding from the bird, once the bird has become infected it serves as an amplifying host by developing levels of the virus that are sufficient enough to promote infection to other biting mosquitoes and thus pass it on to us and other birds and animals through the bite of the infected mosquito that fed from the bird, which was already initially infected by a mosquito to begin with. Although quite confusing, the cycle is also complex, naming the mosquito the guilty party where all aspects of infection from West Nile are concerned. This vicious cycle carries out over and over again and amplifies the disease in birds. The disease was first identified in Uganda in 1937 and since then has been commonly identified in the Middle eastern regions of the world, Africa and Western Asia. The virus had not been identified in the U.S. until an outbreak in New York in September, 1999. Since the New York outbreak more than 30,000 people have been reported with the virus and out of those 1,200 have perished from the virus. As of 2011 46 states have reported outbreaks of West Nile.
Blue Jays and crows are more likely to die from West Nile Virus than other birds.
Many types of birds are likely to be infected with the West Nile Virus, but studies have shown that crows and blue jays are more likely to perish from the infection. In the 1999 New York area West Nile epidemic there was a huge die off of crows from the disease. Since this occurrence more than 200 species of birds found dead in the United States have tested positive for the virus. There is a detailed species list available through the CDC website that identifies the infected birds mortality rate from 1999 to present. You may visit here to view the list http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/birdspecies.htm The identification of these species were reported thanks to the help of the public reporting cases of dead birds to their state and local health departments whom is responsible for collection and testing of dead birds all across the US.
The root of the West Nile epidemic lies in the mosquito.
Birds serve as vectors, or intermediate carriers for the disease from the minute the infected mosquito bites them. In many cases sick birds won’t show any sign of the virus and in other cases birds can just fall out of the sky dead from the virus. When a human becomes infected with the virus it can take on three forms, one of which is an asymptomatic infection, the second is West Nile fever which is a mild febrile syndrome and the third is the most severe form of the virus which is called West Nile meningitis and West Nile encephalitis. Meningitis and encephalitis are neuroinvasive disorders which causes acute swelling of the membrane and lining of the brain and the brain itself.
Since there is no immunization for protecting us from West Nile the best way to lessen the chances of becoming infected with the virus is to minimize the risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Taking control of your property is key to controlling mosquito populations.
Here are some helpful hints to keep mosquitoes away…
- Keep your property mowed and free of debris and brush piles.
- Keep your bushes and plantings trimmed, tidy and avoid letting them get overgrown
- Make sure gutters and downspouts are free of debris that might cause moisture to collect
- Tip, toss out and turn over outdoor items that are not in use or those that may serve as reservoirs for moisture
- Check screened areas for rips or tears frequently and repair immediately to avoid mosquitoes from entering your home
- Frequently dump and refill bird baths or other areas where water can stand and serve as a place for mosquitoes to lay their eggs
- Have you property treated by a licensed professionall to kill and control mosquitoes
Mosquito Squad can help you take control of your property and keep it mosquito free.
Mosquito Squad is dedicated to keeping you and your family safe from mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus. Our safe and effective barrier spray , as well as out mosquito misting systems offer you outstanding mosquito control. Contact us today to learn more at 877-667-7823
804.353.6999 • info@mosquitosquad.com
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The writing spider is busy writing mosquitoes out of the picture.
Posted by 33social in Bats, Malaria, Mosquito Control, Mosquito Factoids, Mosquito predators, Mosquito-Borne Illnesses & Diseases, Mosquitoes, West Nile encephaltis and meningitis, West Nile Virus, Writing spiders on October 24, 2011
The black and yellow Argiope, also known as a writing spider, feeds off insects such as mosquitoes, aphids and flies.
This past week, my daughter and I were out on the back porch planting the usual autumn perennials. It is always a special time when we do our “seasonal” planting together, we get to spend some quality time with one another and I have an opportunity to educate her on different species of flowers and plants, which is a tradition she will one day pass on to her daughter. We decided to plant huge yellow chrysanthemums in correlation with rust colored majestic pansies both of which are so lovely this time of year against the changing leaves within the landscape. As we were busy getting our hands dirty, my daughter pointed out a large spider web right off our back porch attached to the azaleas around it. The spider was in a circular shaped web and the spider residing there was quite large, and scary looking, but yet beautiful in its own way. I discouraged the thought of getting rid of the spider until I learned more about this mysterious beauty. I was curious about the type of spider we have living in such close proximity to our home and decided to do a little research on the spider.
Charlotte, the beloved spider from "Charlotte's Web" was possibly a Argiope spider as well.
My gut feeling was that the spider we found was a “writing” spider reminiscent of the mythical spider from my favorite childhood book by E.B. White, “Charlotte’s Web”. My intuition served me well. My findings concluded that the spider we have residing within our azaleas is actually an Argiope, or black and yellow garden spider, also known as a corn spider, and referred to as a writing spider as well, just like Charlotte from my beloved childhood novel.
What I discovered is that our guest, the black and yellow Argiope, is a common spider found among fields and gardens because they like to spin their orb shaped webs among bushes , tall plants and flowers. The female Argiope is a good bit larger than the male, and judging by the size of ours, she is obviously a female. The female spins a large web which spirals out from the center and can be as large as two feet across. The male spider will then spin a smaller web for himself on the outside of her web and is has a characteristic zig-zag pattern. We have not yet caught a glimpse of Mr. Argiope yet, but are hopeful to catch a candid soon. The interesting thing about the Argiope is that each evening the spiders will eat their web and build a new one.
This photo shows the Argiope's elaborate web.
The purpose of the web, like all spiders is to trap and digest prey such as insects which are the spider’s main food source. The web also serves as a nursery where the female will lay her eggs on one side of the web and cover them with a papery sac for protection until they hatch in the fall. Then the baby spiders will remain within the protective sac throughout the winter, and will leave when mother nature harkens the arrival of spring. A single egg sac can contain over one thousand eggs. The Argiope like almost all spiders is not harmless to humans and rarely, if ever bites humans except in the rare instance as a defense mechanism if they are grabbed.
The Argiope spider considers the mosquito among its favorite snacks.
There is more to this stunning spider than meets the eye, the black and yellow Argiope eats mosquitoes among the many insects that get caught in its web, which cuts down on the amount of disease carrying mosquitoes that are thriving along the realm of my backyard. Suddenly this spider is beginning to become my friend. They also dine on aphids and flies as well, this spider is helping cut down on mosquito populations and helping to keep aphids off my rose bushes? Based on these findings, we have decided to let the black and yellow beauty make herself at home. We will not disturb her as she raises her young and has her gourmet dinners of my aphids, flies and mosquitoes and other garden pests. Bon appetit !
So, before you squash that spider that makes you squeamish, give some thought to the many ways it may be of great benefit to you and the world around you. Many of the world’s most scream inducing insects and animals, like the spider and the bat, benefit us from being natural predators of potentially dangerous insects such as mosquitoes, making them an effective weapon is the battle for mosquito control. For every mosquito they dine upon is one less we have to potentially put us at risk.
Visit our Mosquito Squad website to learn more about our safe and effective mosquito and tick control programs. Or, look at our location list for a mosquito and tick control location near you.
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