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Category: Mosquitoes

Mosquito Control | Charleston, SC

Posted on by john

One of the world’s most ancient and deadly threats is tinier than the nail on your little finger. Mosquitos are known to carry a variety of frightening diseases, including the Zika Virus, West Nile, and malaria. All mosquitos need to breed and thrive are mammals to feed upon, and small quantities of still water. Even a puddle left after a rainstorm can become a mosquito breeding ground. So, how do you keep mosquitos from threatening to spoil your outdoor summer fun? There are some steps you can take to for mosquito control on your property.

No Place to Hide

Mosquitos love damp, moist areas and heavy vegetation. They are most active at dusk and dawn but need someplace to escape the heat of the day. Shady, damp areas on your property may be a haven for mosquitos. A pest control expert can conduct a thorough survey of your property and point out places where mosquitos may be hiding and breeding during the day. By keeping vegetation cut back and utilizing mosquito control techniques, you can greatly reduce the buzzing, biting population.

Remove Standing Water

Any place that holds more than a few tablespoons of water may provide mosquitos a place to lay their eggs. To combat your bug problem, survey your property and search out any sources of standing water such as puddles, old tires, containers, or abandoned children’s pools. If you have a bird bath, be sure to wipe it out every few days- mosquito eggs can stick to the bottom and even survive a dry spell. Have a pool? Be sure it’s well maintained to prevent mosquitos from using it as their personal spa and breeding ground.

Call in the Pros – Mosquito Control in Charleston

If you notice that your family is battling the buzzing bloodsuckers, consider the services of a pro. There are a variety of chemical and non-chemical options for controlling mosquitos and other pests. Even if you have pets or small children, there’s a safe option for your home. Don’t let mosquitos ruin your summer fun. Contact Exclusive Pest Control for your evaluation today.

Who’s Afraid of The Big Bad ZIKA Virus?

Posted on by john

ZIKA Virus?

That is the burning question these days! Zika virus has us wondering how will this summer play out. However, living in the low country, which just so happens to be the mosquito capital of the world AND spring is right around the corner we should probably try to answer that, and a few of your burning question! It is almost that time of the year when kids have ball games, families grill out, kids play outside, you or a friend may even be pregnant now those pesky little creatures are posing a major health risk. Before we panic and nobody goes outside all summer; let’s look at the questions everyone is asking.

So, what exactly is the ZIKA virus?

Zika is a disease caused by the Zika virus.

How is Zika spread?

Zika is spread through the bite of an infected  Aedes mosquito. The Aedes mosquito is found mostly in tropical and subtropical climates. However, they have been brought to the U.S. through the used tire trade and are now found on all continents except Antarctica.

What are the symptoms of the Zika virus?

According to the CDC, 1 in 5 people infected with the virus will become sick. For some people, their symptoms may be so mild they may not even know they are ill. For others, symptoms may include rash, joint pain, fever, and conjunctivitis. Typically, symptoms begin 2-7 days after a person is bitten with an infected mosquito. If you have these symptoms and suspect you have been bitten by an infected mosquito contact your health care provider immediately.

Whom does the Zika virus affect?

If you have traveled to a country where the virus is present and you have not been infected you could potentially be at risk.

Pregnant women are at risk. The virus can cause serious birth defects in unborn babies. At this point many of the exact birth defects caused by the virus are unknown. However, there are many reports of babies being born with a condition called, microcephaly. Microcephaly occurs when a baby’s head is notably smaller than the rest of his body.

Is the Zika virus preventable?

The best way to avoid becoming infected with the virus is not get bit by an infected mosquito. Living in the low country, that is easier said than done! SO with that being said some steps you can take are:

  • Apply and reapply repellent as needed
  • Stay in places with air condition and keep mosquitoes outside
  • Call Exclusive Pest Control to see if your home qualifies for an Exclusive Barrier Mosquito Treatment

Want to know more about the Zika virus? Keep coming back to our blog for updates. We will keep you posted as we get them. Also, check out these websites for more information!

http://www.cdc.gov/zika/disease-qa.html

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/01/what-to-know-about-zika-virus/424194/

Know your enemy – The Mosquito

Posted on by john

One of the most important parts of any pest elimination process is getting to know your enemy.  Knowledge will help you, and your pest professional perform the RIGHT treatment and help you avoid further pest related issues.  Here are some FAQs about the mosquito.

How far can a mosquito fly?

Mosquitos prefer to stay near their breading area.  They have a general range, depending on the species, of about 1-3 miles.  Sometimes mosquitoes can be carried great distances when picked up by winds, resulting in a very wide range of spread.

How much blood does a mosquito take in one bite?

A full feeding can be anywhere from 0.001-0.01 milliliter.

What good things do mosquitoes do?

Being a food source for a variety of insects is about the only “good” thing that mosquitoes provide to nature.  They are not crucial to any predator species.

Can mosquitoes transmit disease?

At least 43 species of mosquitoes have been found to be infected with the West Nile Virus.  While not all of these species are capable of transmitting the disease, humans have been infected via mosquito in the past.  Usually the disease spreads by the mosquitoes feeding on birds, then when other species, including humans, feed on these infected birds the disease spreads.  Mosquitoes are not capable of spreading viruses such as HIV.  They can spread heart worms to your dogs however, which can be dangerous if not treated properly.

Why are mosquitoes attracted to me?

It seems that mosquitoes are more attracted to some individuals than others.  Mosquitoes are attracted to the CO that humans exhale.  CO can attract mosquitoes from up to 35 meters away.  Mosquitoes are also attracted to certain scents and body odor.  There are over 350 compounds that have been found to be produced by the human skin.  The reason that one person is more effected by mosquitoes than another is constantly being tested.   What we know for sure, is that the ingestion of substances such as garlic and vitamin B12 has been proven to have no impact on mosquito biting. While, eating bananas did not attract mosquitoes as the myth suggests, some have found that  wearing perfumes does. People drinking beer have been shown to be more attractive to mosquitoes as well.

How do mosquitoes get into my home?

Mosquitoes will enter a structure through any means possible.  That includes doors, windows, screen doors, attic soffits or bathroom vents.  They are attracted by the incandescent lights in the home.

How do I get rid of Mosquitoes?

To eliminate and control the mosquito population on your property Exclusive Pest Control provides monthly mosquito treatment to allow you a safe, comfortable, mosquito free outdoor space.

To meet your needs we begin with a thorough property inspection. Next, an application will be made to reduce the current mosquito population by spraying a fine odorless mist on all vegetation and surfaces, which is effective immediately. Additional applications are made to eliminate mosquito-breeding sites throughout the property and reduce the amount of future adult mosquitos.

Exclusive Pest Control guarantees their mosquito control for the full 21-day cycle. It is our goal to provide high quality, service oriented mosquito treatment throughout the season.

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