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Archive for the ‘Mosquito Control’ Category

How to Keep Mosquitoes Away

Mosquitoes are not just a nuisance; they can also pose serious health risks by spreading diseases. Here are some helpful tips to keep mosquitoes at bay and know when it’s time to call in the experts from J&J Exterminating.

Helpful Tips to Keep Mosquitoes Away

1. Eliminate Standing Water

Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so it’s crucial to remove any sources around your home.

  • Empty containers like buckets, flower pots, and bird baths regularly.
  • Clean gutters to ensure water flows freely and doesn’t accumulate.
  • Cover water storage containers to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

2. Maintain Your Yard

A well-maintained yard is less attractive to mosquitoes.

  • Mow the lawn regularly to keep grass short.
  • Trim bushes and shrubs to reduce shady areas where mosquitoes like to rest.
  • Clear debris like leaves and branches that can hold water.

3. Use Mosquito Repellents

Applying mosquito repellents can significantly reduce the number of bites.

  • Wear EPA-approved repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • Use natural repellents like citronella candles or essential oils for an eco-friendly option.

4. Install Screens

Keep mosquitoes from entering your home by installing screens on windows and doors.

  • Repair any holes or tears in existing screens to ensure they’re effective.
  • Use screen doors to create an additional barrier against mosquitoes.

5. Wear Protective Clothing

When spending time outdoors, dress to minimize skin exposure.

  • Wear long sleeves and pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Choose light-colored clothing, as mosquitoes are less attracted to light colors.

6. Use Mosquito Traps

Mosquito traps can be an effective way to reduce their population.

  • Place traps in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent, like near patios or decks.
  • Follow manufacturer instructions for optimal results.

When to Call J&J Exterminating

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, mosquitoes can become overwhelming. Here’s when you should consider calling the professionals at J&J Exterminating:

  • Persistent Infestation: If mosquitoes remain a problem despite following prevention tips.
  • Health Concerns: If you’re worried about mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile Virus or Zika.
  • Large Properties: For extensive areas where DIY methods aren’t practical.
  • Expert Assessment: To identify and address hidden breeding sites you might have missed.

Contact J&J Exterminating for a Free Consultation and take the first step towards a mosquito-free environment. Our experienced team will tailor solutions specifically for your needs, ensuring effective and long-lasting results.

Don’t wait until the mosquitoes take over—reach out to J&J Exterminating today and enjoy your outdoor spaces without the buzz.

Keeping Mosquitoes Away from Your Home: Tips and Tricks

Are you tired of pesky mosquitoes invading your home and ruining your outdoor fun? Here are some practical tips and tricks to keep them at bay and enjoy a mosquito-free environment.

Mosquitoes are more than just annoying insects that leave itchy bites; they can also carry dangerous diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. That’s why it’s crucial to take necessary precautions to keep these bloodsuckers away from your home. In this article, we’ll share some practical tips and tricks to help you create a mosquito-free environment.

Why Should You Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Home?

Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance, but they can also transmit serious diseases like West Nile virus, chikungunya, and yellow fever. By keeping mosquitoes away from your home, you can protect yourself and your family from these dangerous illnesses.

What Attracts Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are attracted to several things, including:

Standing water
Sweat and body odor
Dark clothing
Carbon dioxide (CO2) in breath
Lactic acid in sweat
Heat and moisture

How to Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Home?

Here are some practical tips to help you keep mosquitoes away from your home:

1. Remove Standing Water

Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so it’s crucial to eliminate any stagnant water around your home. Make sure to:
Clean your gutters regularly to prevent water from pooling.
Get rid of any items that collect water, such as old tires, buckets, or bottles.
Cover or empty any containers that hold water, such as bird baths or flower pots.
Keep swimming pools and hot tubs clean and chlorinated.

2. Use Mosquito Repellent

Using mosquito repellent is an effective way to keep mosquitoes away from your skin. Look for repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Apply the repellent on all exposed skin before going outside, and reapply as needed.

3. Wear Light-Colored Clothing

Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, so it’s best to wear light-colored clothing when spending time outdoors. Loose-fitting clothing can also help prevent mosquitoes from biting through your clothes.

4. Install Screens

Installing screens on windows and doors is an effective way to keep mosquitoes out of your home. Make sure to patch up any holes or tears in the screens to prevent mosquitoes from sneaking in.

5. Use Mosquito Nets

Mosquito nets are an effective way to protect yourself from mosquitoes while sleeping. Make sure to choose a net with a fine mesh that mosquitoes can’t penetrate.

6. Use Fans

Mosquitoes are weak fliers, so using fans can help keep them away from your skin. Place fans in outdoor seating areas, and turn them on high to create a breeze that mosquitoes can’t handle.

7. Use Citronella Candles

Citronella candles emit a scent that mosquitoes dislike, making them an effective way to keep mosquitoes away from outdoor seating areas. Place candles around the perimeter of the area you want to protect, and light them before sitting outside.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How do I know if I have mosquitoes around my home?

A. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so that’s when you’re most likely to see them. You may also notice their bites on your skin, which are often itchy and raised. If you have standing water around your home, such as in a bird bath or pool, you may also see mosquito larvae swimming in the water.

Q. Are there any natural ways to repel mosquitoes?

A. Yes, there are several natural mosquito repellents you can try, including:
Essential oils like citronella, peppermint, and lavender
Garlic
Catnip
Lemon balm
Basil

Q. Can mosquitoes be dangerous to pets?

A. Yes, mosquitoes can transmit heartworm disease to dogs and cats, which can be fatal if left untreated. Make sure to keep your pets on heartworm preventative medication and keep them indoors during peak mosquito activity times.

Mosquitoes can be a nuisance and a health hazard, but with these practical tips and tricks, you can keep them away from your home and enjoy a mosquito-free environment. Remember to eliminate standing water, use mosquito repellent, wear light-colored clothing, install screens, and use fans and citronella candles to repel mosquitoes. By taking these simple precautions, you can protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne illnesses and enjoy your time outdoors without any pesky interruptions.

Preventing Mosquitoes in Louisiana: Tips and Tricks

Louisiana is known for its warm and humid weather, which makes it a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance, but they also carry various diseases, such as Zika virus, West Nile virus, and dengue fever. Therefore, it is crucial to take steps to prevent mosquito infestations and protect yourself and your family. In this article, we will discuss some effective tips and tricks for preventing mosquitoes in Louisiana.

Why Preventing Mosquitoes is Important in Louisiana?

The Threat of Mosquito-borne Diseases in Louisiana

Louisiana is prone to mosquito-borne diseases due to its warm and humid climate. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, which is abundant in the state’s marshy areas. Therefore, it is essential to prevent mosquito infestations to avoid contracting diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, and dengue fever.

The Economic Impact of Mosquito Infestations

Mosquito infestations can also have an economic impact in Louisiana. Mosquitoes can reduce property values and discourage tourism. Moreover, mosquito-borne diseases can lead to increased healthcare costs and lost productivity.

Tips and Tricks for Preventing Mosquitoes in Louisiana

Eliminate Standing Water

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so eliminating standing water is one of the most effective ways to prevent mosquito infestations. Here are some tips to eliminate standing water:

  • Remove old tires, buckets, and other items that can collect water.
  • Clean gutters to avoid clogging and trapping water.
  • Repair leaky faucets and outdoor pipes.
  • Change the water in bird baths and pet bowls regularly.
  • Keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated.

Use Mosquito Repellents

Using mosquito repellents is another effective way to prevent mosquito bites. Here are some tips for using mosquito repellents:

  • Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • Apply the repellent according to the instructions on the label.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.

Wear Protective Clothing

Wearing protective clothing can also help prevent mosquito bites. Here are some tips for wearing protective clothing:

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
  • Wear light-colored clothing.
  • Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks to reduce exposed skin.

Install Screens and Nets

Installing screens and nets on windows and doors can help prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. Here are some tips for installing screens and nets:

  • Make sure the screens and nets are in good condition and have no holes or tears.
  • Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible.
  • Use bed nets when sleeping outdoors or in areas with a high mosquito population.

Hire Professional Mosquito Control Services

If you are unable to prevent mosquito infestations on your own, you may consider hiring professional mosquito control services. These services use various methods, such as fogging and larviciding, to control mosquito populations.

FAQs:

Q. What are some common mosquito-borne diseases in Louisiana? A. Some common mosquito-borne diseases in Louisiana include West Nile virus, Zika virus, and dengue fever.

How can I tell if my property has a mosquito infestation?

A. You can tell if your property has a mosquito infestation by looking for signs such as:

  • Seeing a high number of mosquitoes on your property
  • Hearing the sound of mosquitoes buzzing around
  • Finding mosquito larvae in standing water

Q. What is the best way to protect myself from mosquito bites?

A. The best way to protect yourself from mosquito bites is to use mosquito repellents, wear protective clothing, and avoid being outside during peak mosquito hours (dusk and dawn).

Q. Can mosquitoes spread COVID-19?

A. While mosquitoes are known to spread many diseases, there is currently no evidence that they can spread COVID-19.

Preventing mosquitoes in Louisiana is crucial to protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne diseases. By eliminating standing water, using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, installing screens and nets, and hiring professional mosquito control services, you can effectively prevent mosquito infestations. Don’t forget to follow these tips to keep yourself and your family safe from mosquito bites and diseases.

Short Guide To The Asian Tiger Mosquito

Asian tiger mosquitoes are an exotic species that hails from Southeast Asia. They are also known as forest mosquitoes, and they are a day-time species that can transmit a handful of dangerous diseases including dengue fever, the West Nile virus and the Zika virus.

What does an Asian tiger mosquito look like?

The Asian tiger mosquito has a distinctive coloration – it is black with white stripes. In terms of size, it is about ⅛”, and the mosquito can be found across all regions of the US. Outside of its colors however, the mosquito looks like any other mosquito species out there.

Habitat

This mosquito is active year-round in areas with a warm climate, but it will be inactive over winter in more temperate zones. The females will lay their eggs on standing water, and this water can be found in lakes, ponds, swamps, and puddles. On human properties, the standing water can be inside flower pots, tires, clogged drains and birdbaths. All of these will be suitable nesting locations for the Asian tiger mosquito.

Behavior

Unlike most mosquito species which feed at dusk and dawn, the Asian tiger mosquito feeds during the day. Outside of that, this mosquito is fairly regular when it comes to behavior. The females feed on blood in order to be able to lay eggs and rear their young, and the males feed on flower nectar. A female can lay up to 100 eggs at a time, and the Asian tiger mosquito has four life stages – egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Threats posed by the Asian tiger mosquito

This mosquito species is a vector for the transmission of several dangerous diseases. Luckily, these diseases have been mostly eliminated or are rare in the US. Still, because of how widespread this species is, there is still a chance that the diseases will resurface if an infested person traveling from abroad is bitten by the mosquito, and then the disease will become endemic.

Prevention and control

In order to remove an Asian tiger mosquito infestation, a pest control pro will target their breeding sites found in bodies of standing water. This is the fastest and most effective way to remove a mosquito infestation completely. Other methods will be simply dealing with the symptoms and not the causes of the problem.

If you have any questions about the Asian tiger mosquito, or if there is an infestation on your property, contact us today.

What Attracts Mosquitoes?

Summer is the time when we enjoy and go out for a vacation. The summer brings the perfect weather for spending time outside, whether hosting a cookout, playing games in the yard with the family, or simply relaxing and soaking up the sun. Unfortunately, mosquitoes love summers too.

Summer is the perfect time to multiply for mosquitoes. But, have you ever thought that why some properties are laden with mosquitoes and others are not?

Let’s find out the things that attract mosquitoes:

Water, Nectar, and Blood:

Adult mosquitoes feast on nectar and blood for their meal. Water provides hydration and a hospitable area for mosquito breeding.

Mosquitoes are attracted to properties with an abundance of water and flowers. The little buggers favor luring around plants as the water gets collected in troughs. Any property that can hold water will attract mosquitoes. Water in any container from birdbaths to clogged gutters and beyond will attract mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes look for sheltered and cool spaces:

Mosquitoes are affected by the depletion of the ozone layer, just like humans. Planet Earth is becoming excessively hot. They are in search of a place that is safe, cool, and out of direct sunlight. Mosquitoes are likely to gather in areas shielded from the sun during the blazing hot afternoon. Your property will have more mosquitoes if your yard has tall trees, weeds, and bushes.

Mosquitoes attracted to specific scents:

Mosquitoes attract by perfumes, air fresheners, deodorants, and other odors. Mosquitoes love floral scents.

It means if your property is laden with lovely-smelling flowers will attract a steady stream of mosquitoes. It does not mean that you should remove all the lovely flowers from your property. One must be selective in choosing flowers for your backyard. Select flowers or greenery that does not have a strong fragrance which will ultimately reduce the terrorizing mosquitoes.

Standing Water:

Mosquitoes breed or lay eggs on standing water. Rain creates pools of standing water-attracting hordes of mosquito presence after rainstorms. These creatures give a breeding cycle at the new standing pond of water, causing long-term problems. Be sure to clear all the plant pots, gutters, sandboxes, or even dog bowls outside. Do not make standing water a mosquito hangout place.

Tall grass and vegetation:

Mosquitoes love to be in shady and cool places. Tall grass and vegetation provide options for the mosquitoes to breed, inviting the naughty buggers in flocks. Keep your vegetation trimmed grass mowed to avoid making your lawn a mosquito haven.

Final Words

It is best to call for pest control services if you have a bug or mosquito problem. Pest control professionals will analyze your pest problem, determine the appropriate solution, and get rid of those buggers once and for all.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation and get more information

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J & J Exterminating, Inc.

Corporate Headquarters
105 S College Rd
Lafayette, La 70503
Phone : (337) 234-2847
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J&J Exterminating, Inc.