Organic Mosquito & Tick Control

Warm, wet weather has continued to the early arrival of the West Nile virus over the past several years. The pools of standing water left from the rains serve as excellent breeding places for mosquitoes, including those that carry the West Nile virus. Since the West Nile virus was !rst identi!ed in the U.S. in 1999, mosquitoes have become more than just a nuisance. They have contributed to more than 16,000 West Nile virus cases and 600 deaths in this country alone. Although mosquitoes are expected to be out in full force this summer as usual, homeowners can help reduce mosquito populations in their areas with the following steps.

• Clear standing water from your landscape. With a wetter-than-normal spring, many homeowners now have standing water in their yards. Because mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, the best way to decrease the mosquito population around the home is to eliminate this habitat. To do so, cover, empty or remove containers that hold water; clean out gutters and drainage ditches; and replace water in flower pots and bird baths every three to four days.

• Create movement in stagnant water. Water can’t always be eliminated when you have pools and ponds on your landscape. Another option for stagnant water sources is to add a water pump, fountain or waterfall. Also, swimming pools and hot tubs make great mosquito habitats. Homeowners should ensure that these bodies of water are chlorinated according to the manufacturer’s directions and covered when not in use.

• Consult a professional. Health departments and professionals can help you locate potential mosquito habitats and treat them with environmentally friendly organic products. These products kill mosquito larvae before they can become biting adult mosquitoes. As your family and pets enjoy the great outdoors this summer season, be careful to protect yourselves from bloodsuckers looking to take you for a ride. Ticks are parasitic insects that survive on the blood of other animals and can transmit disease. They are found in heavily vegetated areas throughout the world and especially in the northeastern United States. Tall grass and shrubbery in these areas provide ticks with access to passing animals and humans. Ticks don’t need to feed very often; adults can survive for three years without a meal. When they do feed, however, the effects can be severe for their hosts. Lyme disease is among the most threatening infections ticks spread. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it is the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the U.S. Deer ticks obtain the Lyme disease bacterium from the blood of white-footed mice and white-tailed deer. Most human cases of Lyme disease are reported in the spring and summer months, when both tiny nymphal ticks and people are most active outdoors. In addition to Lyme disease, ticks can carry diseases such as Colorado tick fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. Experts recommend the following tick tips:

• Carefully check your entire body and your pets promptly after being outdoors. Remember that young ticks can be very small.

• When outdoors, wear repellent and long sleeves, pants and socks to protect exposed skin. Light-colored clothing will help you spot them more easily.

• Reduce tick populations by clearing shrubbery and mowing grasses. Separate play and wooded areas with a protective mulch boundary.

• If you find a tick attached to your skin, use fine-tipped tweezers to remove it below the head. Contact a physician if signs of an infection, such as fever or rash, appear.

We have the organic solution! 

Call 201-909-0604