Mosquito Control Educational Content
MOSQUITO INFESTATIONS
Mosquitoes cause itchy bites, but their nuisance doesn’t end there. Mosquitoes pose a public health threat. They are well known for spreading infectious diseases, including Zika, West Nile virus, and malaria. Mosquito activity and breeding patterns are highly dependent on temperature. This means that if you live in a warm climate, mosquitoes will be active for a greater part of each year.
BARRIER SPRAY SERVICE
Barrier spray services are periodic mosquito repellent treatments. The treatments are applied to your entire yard by a mosquito control professional. During the height of mosquito season, a technician will treat your yard about every three weeks. The length of time each treatment lasts depends largely on the type of product. The weather and your lawn watering schedule also have an impact. It’s best to spray after a sprinkler system has finished a cycle and when storms are not expected.
Natural mosquito repellents are gaining popularity, so many companies offer them in spray systems. Pyrethrum, a plant extract, is a popular natural insecticide. It paralyzes and kills mosquitoes but is not harmful to people, animals, or plants. Some companies still offer traditional pesticide sprays in addition to plant-based options. This is because traditional mosquito sprays typically have more staying power. Talk to your mosquito control professional to determine which option is best for you.
MISTING SYSTEMS
Sometimes, periodic spray treatments aren’t enough. If you need more frequent treatment, consider a misting system. An automatic misting system releases brief sprays at several key times each day. This means that you won’t have to worry as much about storms. You might not have to adjust your grass watering schedule, either. A misting system is composed of a system controller and a network of nozzles. The nozzles are strategically installed around your yard for effective, discreet mosquito control. The system is then programmed by a technician and refilled as needed. Since the system sprays several times per day instead of monthly, most misting systems use plant-based repellents. Many systems can be controlled with a remote control or smartphone application. If the mosquitoes need more encouragement to stay away from your yard, you can adjust the number of sprays.
SPECIAL EVENT SPRAYS
If you’re planning an outdoor party, ask about one-time services. Most companies will treat your yard one or two days before the event. They’ll use the longer-lasting barrier protection spray to ensure the treatment lasts through the event.