It’s the weekend. The sun is shining, and the whole family wants to spend time in the yard, but those pesky mosquitoes are buzzing about, sucking all the joy out of your afternoon outdoor plans. Getting rid of mosquitoes is on your mind, but the effort feels wasted unless you embark upon neighborhood mosquito control.
That’s where MissQuito can help. MissQuito offers an eco-conscious solution that will allow you and your neighbors to enjoy your yards again.
A Few Mosquito Facts
Although there are 3,500 mosquito species worldwide, only 200 are found in the US. They are one of the only animals that don’t aid the environment in any other way than being a good source of food for fish, birds, and other insects. Only the females bite as they need the protein found in the blood to develop their eggs. The males don’t even have the proper mouthparts for biting. Mosquitoes have a preference for darker colors. It helps them see silhouettes and find us better.
The Dangers of Mosquitoes
Aside from the annoying buzzing and the itch, mosquitoes are actually the deadliest animal in the world. In Spanish, mosquito means little fly. It sounds harmless, but the diseases they can pass to people and pets are far from harmless. In the US, mosquitoes carry illnesses such as Chikungunya, Dengue, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Malaria, West Nile, and Zika.
Climate change is making the mosquito problem worse. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that studies show that warmer temperatures accelerate mosquito development and their biting rates, while increased rainfall contributes to higher breeding rates.
Why Mosquito Control Is a Neighborhood Effort
Mosquito control is more effective when it’s a community effort. Mosquitoes fly about from yard to yard. Their range of flight is from one to three miles, making it a shared responsibility.
Mosquitoes will still breed, thrive, and travel on untreated properties. When the whole neighborhood is involved, mosquito control is more comprehensive and significantly reduces the overall mosquito population of the area and the health risks associated with their bites.
How MissQuito Offers Neighborhood Mosquito Control
MissQuito offers mosquito barrier spray treatments and In2Care mosquito traps for mosquito control. The two solutions can be used separately but mosquito control is maximized when used in tandem.
Mosquito Barrier Treatments
Mosquito barrier spray treatments are one of the most effective means for mosquito control on your yard. You’ll notice results almost immediately. The spray is used on the perimeter of your yard, under decks, in bushes and trees, and in any hotspots the service person finds. During the height of heat in the middle of the day, mosquitoes will rest in heavily shaded and damp areas. These are the spots where treatment can be quite effective.
In2Care Mosquito Traps
Traps that resemble a flower pot are installed in yards. They contain novel and green ingredients that target both adult mosquitoes and larvae but do not harm humans, pets, birds, or beneficial insects. The traps attract female mosquitoes as they spread their eggs. The trap contains a larvicide that kills the larvae.
The In2Care provides community mosquito control. An active ingredient binds to the adult, who spreads it to other breeding grounds. This mosquito can spread the larvicide to breeding grounds like gutters and standing water on public land.
Homeowner Tips for Community Mosquito Control
Every step you take to reduce mosquito populations helps. Here are simple tips to help reduce mosquitoes in your community.
- Eliminate standing water. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, such as bird baths, flower pots, kids’ toys, and pet bowls. They only need one tablespoon of water to breed.
- Maintain your gutters. Clogged gutters will accumulate stagnant water.
- Keep your yard clean. Debris and clutter can also collect water that helps mosquitoes breed.
- Trim vegetation. Mosquitoes rest in the heat of the day in the shade. Keeping grass, shrubs, and bushes trimmed reduces the places near your home where they have to rest.
- Repair window and door screens. This will keep mosquitoes from coming into your home.
- Plant mosquito-repelling plants, such as lavender, rosemary, marigolds, and citronella.