How Do I Know if I Need Mosquito Control?

What Diseases Do Mosquitos Carry?

As the weather gets warmer, mosquitos emerge from their dormant states.  Mosquito borne diseases are on the rise. Did you know that they are considered one of the most deadly animals in the world because of the diseases they can carry?

Common diseases that mosquitos can carry are:

• Eastern Equine Encephalitis: EEE is spread by mosquitos infected with the virus. While rare, this infection can be fatal as it leads to brain swelling. In September 2019, Eastern Equine Encephalitis was found at a trapping site in South Windsor, Connecticut.  People all over the state were warned to take shelter at dusk to protect themselves from this potentially life threatening disease. 
  
  
• West Nile Virus:  The Center for Disease Control acknowledges West Nile Virus as the disease most widely spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms of West Nile Virus include fever, chills, vomiting or aching joints. According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health there were 23 cases of West Nile Virus reported in 2018 in Connecticut.
   
  
• Malaria: approximately 210 million people are affected with Malaria each year. 
• Zitka: Transmitted primarily by the Aedes mosquito. This disease was first identified in humans in 1952. 
• Yellow Fever: Can be prevented by vaccine and gets the “yellow” in its name from the jaundice that can affect its victims.

How to Control Mosquitos: 

Mosquitos bite humans in order to obtain protein to produce viable eggs for their next generation.  They are attracted to humans by the scent of carbon dioxide. Where does a lawn care company come in, you might ask?  View our Mosquito Control Service Page.

Backpack mist blower:  Liquid mosquito solution is forced into tiny particles by high-pressured air and blown into mosquito resting areas during the day. This method is very effective and can eliminate populations quickly. The top areas to target are:

• Underside of tree leaves. 
• Underneath decks
• Drain spouts
• High grasses 
• Shaded areas

*Since most mosquitos have multiple generations per year and control products dissipate, multiple applications should be done per year for continuous control.  A solid mosquito management program requires spraying approximately every 21 days. This program typically starts in April and goes throughout the season until the end of September.

Did you know that mosquitos can breed in less than a half inch of water? That means that if you leave a tuna can (yes! something as small as a tuna can) out collecting water, you are giving mosquitoes a perfect little breeding ground. 

Simple at-home preventative actions can be taken by homeowners to supplement mosquito treatment provided by their lawn care company:

• 1. Covering trash containers.
• 2. Emptying pails
• 3. Cleaning gutters & drains
• 4. Draining ditches. 

Bottom Line: 

To eliminate large mosquito populations and make your lawn safer and more enjoyable for your family, call your trusted lawn care professional.  Be sure to stay on top of the easy at-home preventative actions to get the most out of your mosquito service. 

If this article was useful to you, read some others similar to it:

• How Do I Mow My Lawn Like a Professional?
• 8 Things to Know Before Hiring a Lawn Care Company
• Best Way to Prepare My Lawn for Spring
• Will Ants Damage My Lawn?

Since 2007, Green Meadow Lawn Care has provided homeowners throughout the greater Tolland, Connecticut area with premium fertilization programs, tick control, mosquito management, seeding & aeration and tree & shrub care. 

Visit our Learning Center to find out more about how our services can help you or visit our Youtube Channel to view more in our Learning Center Series.

To speak to our Customer Service Manager, please call Dave (view Dave's video bio here) with any questions. Dave has been in the industry for 30 years and is always happy to help with his expert advice.  

860-870-5700