Plenty Of Summer Left To Enjoy

Plenty Of Summer Left To Enjoy

Even though folks are thinking back to school and some stores are already decked out in autumn colors it is not quite time to start dreaming of pumpkin lattes and roaring fires quite yet. August has arrived, and with it some of the hottest days of summer are still ahead of many of us. That means more time celebrating the summer season with backyard barbecues, family reunions, and plenty of pool time can be had.

There isn’t much that will ruin a good time in the backyard faster than hungry mosquitoes swarming around you, your family, and your guests. These little biters have ruined more than their fair share of campfire stories and an evening dip to cool off after a long day. Between the biting, swatting and the itchy welts that mosquitoes leave behind that can last for days, it is little wonder that so many of us do not get out and enjoy the beautiful summer weather while we have it.

Of course, there is so much more to worry about with a mosquito bite than many of us realized once upon a time. When many of us were kids, they were just annoying. The diseases carried by mosquitoes that we vaguely heard about on the news was always somewhere else with an entire ocean between us and them. Now, we are well aware that mosquitoes close to home carry a number of diseases that they can easily transmit to humans, and they might be living right outside our door. Conditions like encephalitis, West Nile virus, and the now spreading Zika virus can have serious implications for your health or the health of your family.

Protecting your family from the quick breeding mosquito is essential. From spring through summer, you can cut down their breeding areas by making sure that any standing water is eliminated from around the home. Make sure that rain water doesn’t stagnate in empty plant pots or trays that might be hanging around. Make sure that gutters are clear of leaves and debris so water can run freely. Bird baths and kid’s wading pools should have their water changed regularly. Trimming back bushes and keeping the lawn cut short can also help reduce the areas where mosquitoes hide during the day.

Don’t get chased inside all summer long by mosquitoes. With plenty of weeks left to enjoy some fun in the sun give us a call at Russell’s Pest Control. With proper treatment of the spots where mosquitoes breed and hide from the midday sun, our team can greatly reduce the mosquito population around your property. Take back your yard and enjoy the rest of summer to its fullest.

Mosquito Remedies That Don’t Work

Mosquito Remedies That Don't Work

Not only are their constant buzzing annoying and their bites both painful and itchy, mosquitoes can cause disease and even death to humans. Mosquitoes can ruin your outdoor activities, from cookouts to hunting to sporting events. They’re a tiny insect but they cause huge problems.

A Bloodsucker is Born

The entire life cycle of a mosquito only lasts for a short period of time. Male mosquitoes tend to live about a week in ideal conditions, while female mosquitoes may live a few months if situations are right. Mosquitoes will not travel more than a mile from where they hatch, so the mosquitoes that buzz around your face and bite your arms and legs when you’re trying to enjoy the great outdoors were born on your property. A female mosquito can produce as many as 500 eggs before she dies, making the sole purpose of mosquitoes to lay more eggs and make more mosquitoes!

Worthless DIY Mosquito Control

There are many types of do-it-yourself mosquito control techniques, but unfortunately, most of them are worthless:

  • Bug Zappers – These lights attract only male mosquitoes and when this mosquito flies into the light, it gets “zapped” and dies. Because male mosquitoes do not bite humans, it doesn’t make any sense to use bug zappers. The females will continue to bite you.

  • Citronella Plants – Some people plant citronella plants all around their home hoping to repel mosquitoes. While citronella is not favored by mosquitoes, you would have to plant a jungle’s worth of citronella plants for this to be an effective mosquito control method.

  • Dryer Sheets – Some swear that placing a dryer sheet in your pocket will repel mosquitoes. Studies have shown that dryer sheets repel fungus gnats, but there is no evidence that shows they also work to repel mosquitoes.

  • Mouthwash – Spraying yourself with mouthwash may give you a minty-fresh odor, but it’s not going to keep the mosquitoes from landing on you and biting you.

Mosquito Control That Actually Works

To control these bloodsuckers in your yard, you should call on the experts at Russell’s Pest Control. Mosquito control is part of our Power Platinum residential pest control plan, which gives you year-round protection against more than 30 of the most common pests, termites, and carpenter bees. Each quarter, we visit your home and protect you from the pests of the season. If you have trouble in between service visits, just give us a call and we’ll return to ensure you stay pest-free*.

Zika Awareness

Zika Awareness

By now, you have no doubt heard of the Zika virus threat. This mosquito-borne virus has captured headlines because of its ability to cause microcephaly in unborn children, a birth defect that is characterized by small head size and brain damage. While there are several mosquito-borne viruses that are capable of causing death, Zika is even more frightening because it can lead to lifelong suffering for an entire family. That is why it is important to understand exactly how much of a threat this virus can be here in Tennessee.

What you need to know about Zika in Tennessee.

  • There are two mosquito species in the United States that are able to carry the Zika virus; they are the Aedes aegypti and the Aedes albopictus. Both of these mosquito species can be commonly found throughout Tennessee.

  • Zika is not yet known to be spreading through local mosquito populations in Tennessee.

  • Zika has been found in the state, but only in travelers who have returned from countries where Zika is spread locally. For this reason, the first course of action the Tennessee Department of Health has taken is to issue a warning to pregnant women traveling abroad.

  • 80% of those infected with Zika show no symptoms at all. This makes Zika hard to track. If it does become a locally spread outbreak, it may take time for health authorities to detect it.

  • There is no known vaccine to prevent Zika virus and no specific medical treatment for those who have been infected.

  • Mosquito bites can be deterred. Avoid going out in the morning or evening when mosquitoes are most active. Wear long sleeves and pants if possible. Apply a mosquito repellent with DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Make sure all of the screens on your home are in good working condition. When outside on your deck or near the pool, consider using a large fan to create an artificial breeze that will deter mosquitoes.

  • Mosquito control services are known to buffer the spread of mosquito-borne viruses.

States and local government agencies across the country use mosquito control as the first line of defense against the spread of mosquito-borne viruses like Zika; but this solution is incomplete without the assistance of businesses and homeowners. Consider instituting mosquito control on your property. Together we can protect our communities and our families from dangerous and potentially life-changing viruses, like Zika. One baby born with microcephaly is one baby too many.

At Russell’s Pest Control, we provide the most comprehensive and effective mosquito services available in Tennessee. Find out how our team can help you be part of the solution that is keeping America safe.

Zika And Expecting Mothers

Zika And Expecting Mothers

The Zika virus is causing a lot of fear right now, and for good reason. This virus is directly linked to microcephaly, a birth defect that stops the growth of an infant’s brain. It’s a lifelong condition that can include complications such as significant brain damage, delayed motor and speech functions, seizures, and other brain-related problems. And, with high profile news stories about Olympians being concerned about exposure to this virus when traveling to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, it is no wonder tensions are high. While we should always be concerned about mosquitoes in Knoxville, Tennessee, the immediate Zika virus threat should be considered minimal. Of course, the threat level could change at any moment.
Here are some things you can do to reduce the risk for you and your baby:

  • The greatest danger for Zika right now is travel. If you are with a child, it is not wise to take a trip to a country where Zika is known to be spreading. Cases of Zika in the United States are currently limited to those who have recently returned from a trip abroad.
  • This virus has not yet begun to spread through native mosquito populations. When spring comes, it is extremely important to watch news reports to see if these changes because a mosquito that bites someone infected with the Zika virus can transmit it to those who do not have the virus.
  • Standard mosquito prevention is needed to reduce risk. Use repellents that have DEET. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible. Avoid dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Mosquitoes breed in water. By reducing standing water sources in your yard, you can help to reduce the mosquito population in your community. Make sure you do not have obstructed gutters. Apply fill to areas in your yard that collect water. Remove objects in your yard that collect water.
  • One of the reasons the United States has a significantly lower rate of Malaria cases is due to proactive mosquito abatement practices. This applies to the Zika virus as well. If you have a professional perform mosquito abatement, you can reduce your risk and the risk of others in your community. Together, we can make our country safer.

At Russell’s Pest Control, we are proud to have one of the most effective and comprehensive mosquito abatement programs available for homes and businesses here in Tennessee. We know where these insects breed and where they hide. If you have questions about how you can help to protect yourself and your community from mosquito-spread viruses like Zika, give us a call at 865-584-8549, or fill out our contact form and one of our representatives will contact you shortly.

Doable Mosquito Prevention Tips For This Summer

Doable Mosquito Prevention Tips For This Summer

Mosquitoes are quite possibly the biggest menace of summer. These buzzing, irritating, blood sucking, disease ridden, flying menaces are all but impossible to avoid. They aren’t picky about who or what they bite in search of their next blood meal and they reproduce quickly and numerously. What can you do to protect your family this summer? Here are a few easy tips to help you and your loved ones have a safer mosquito season this summer!

Cover up! Cover as much of your skin as comfortable. The concept is simple, the less exposed skin, the less appetizing you are to a mosquito! Spray your clothing and exposed skin with an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellant. The C.D.C. recommends using products with ingredients like:

  • Picaridin

  • Deet

  • IR3535

  • Plant based oil of lemon eucalyptus

Avoid mosquito time. Mosquitoes are most active in the cooler morning and evening hours. Schedule your outside time around these mosquito prime hunting times. Less exposure to them equals less bites.

Remove mosquito attractants from your property. Mosquitos gravitate to areas with water. They are able to lay eggs in small amounts of standing water. Inspect your property for standing water. Be sure to check things like:

  • outside toys

  • toy boxes

  • flower pots

  • rain barrels

  • pool toys

  • lawn and deck furniture

  • shovels and yard tools

  • gutter and water removal systems

Standing water of any size is an open invitation for a mosquito breeding ground. Remove it, and decrease your mosquito exposure significantly.

Inspect all insect screens on your home. Check all the screens on your doors and windows regularly. The smallest tear or damage can allow mosquitoes (and other insects) free access to the inside of your home. Be sure to quickly repair or replace these damaged screens. Some types of screens can be repaired by replacing the screening, while others may have to be completely replaced.

Inform your family of the real dangers of mosquitoes. Educating your family about mosquitoes and how to limit their exposure to them is crucial in your war against mosquitoes. They can be their own best ally or worst enemy if they don’t know the proper precautions to take.

Contact a local pest control for some professional measures. There are many steps that professionals can take to help you defend your home, your family and your pets from mosquitos.

It is possible to get out and enjoy the summer weather this year without being pommelled by mosquitos or suffering from a plethora of their bites and side effects. Following these few tips will help you to enjoy the weather and your family mosquito free!