TAMPA, Fla. (July 26, 2018) – Mosquito season is upon us, and with the Keystone virus making its first reported case in humans in North Florida and Zika still a concern, Florida residents should be extra vigilant with mosquito prevention this summer.
According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the incidence of diseases caused by mosquito, tick, and flea bites have tripled in the U.S. from 2004 to 2016. In addition to Zika and the Keystone virus, mosquitos are known to transmit other harmful diseases such as West Nile virus and Chikungunya.
To protect homeowners from mosquitoes this summer, Arrow Environmental Services and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) are offering a few tips.
“Areas of standing water around your home are breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” said David Joles, director of sales for Arrow Environmental Services’ parent company Environmental Pest Services. “Increased rainfall and humidity during the summer months will be working against you, so it’s important to make sure that you aren’t giving them any additional areas to lay their eggs.”
Mosquitos only need about a half an inch of water to breed, so homeowners should eliminate areas of standing water such as flowerpots, birdbaths, baby pools, grill covers and other objects where water collects. Pouring out stagnant water from flower pots and planters and changing the water in birdbaths can drastically reduce the amount of standing water around the home.
“In instances where you have larger bodies of water in your yard – like a pool or pond – treatment and proper filtration will keep these from becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” said Joles.
Pest companies like Arrow Environmental Services also offer mosquito control services, which use insect growth regulators (IGRs) to prevent and eradicate mosquitoes at all stages of growth. The IGRs prevent larvae from maturing into adult mosquitoes, thus reducing mosquito populations at their earliest stage of growth. Ongoing treatment practices also kill mosquitoes at their breeding areas to eliminate them at their source.
“If you’re concerned about a high level of mosquito activity on your property, professional treatment is the best option,” said Joles. “Over-the-counter treatments are less effective, and improper application can reduce their effectiveness even more. A professional can apply product to specifically target the larvae life stage of a mosquito.”
Arrow also recommends applying insect repellant containing at least 20% DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon-eucalyptus, and reapplying as directed on the label to fully enjoy the outdoors this summer. People who are spending long amounts of time outdoors should also consider wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts and closed-toe shoes to limit exposure to mosquitoes.
For more information on mosquito reduction and prevention, visit www.arrowservices.com.
About Arrow Environmental Services:
Arrow Environmental Services is a leader in sustainable pest and lawn services around the Southeast, building on a family tradition established more than 100 years ago. Arrow offers residential and commercial pest control, termite control, insulation services, lawn and shrub pest control and fertilization, tree and palm care, and irrigation services in west and central Florida. We guarantee customer satisfaction to the fullest extent, “period.” For more information, visit www.arrowservices.com.