April 22^nd, 1970 marks the birth of Earth Day. Millions of people gathered to protest the negative impacts of industrial development on our planet. Since that time, Earth Day has grown into a movement with participation by over 192 countries and over one billion people. Earth Day this year is focusing on ending plastic pollution. Currently, 300 million TONS (yes, tons!) of plastic is produced each year, and only 10% of that is recycled. According to some sources, more plastic has been produced and used in the last decade than in the entirety of the 20^th century. While the push to increase recycling continues, this year Earth Day Network is asking everyone to commit to reducing the use of plastics and instead switch to sustainable alternatives. You can learn more about pledging and committing to reduce waste by clicking here.

Houston has its own website for Earth Day where you can request more information, or you can like them on Facebook. Big changes start with each and every one of us, so get involved and start making an impact!

Speaking of making an impact, last year Mosquito Joe partnered with Nothing But Nets in their fight against malaria. For each new customer serviced during Mosquito Control Awareness Week, Mosquito Joe donated $10 to Nothing But Nets. Each donation paid for an insecticide-treated net for a family in Sub-Sahara Africa. We collected $14,100 in donations as a company and raised over $20,000 with donation matching. That’s over 2,000 nets! You can read more about the partnership here.

World Malaria Day is April 25^th, and what better time to reach out and make a donation! Every 2 minutes a child dies from malaria and nearly half the world’s population is at risk. Visit their website to learn more about Nothing But Nets. We look forward to continuing our work with them this year and with your help, plan on exceeding our donation from last year.

In keeping with our global outlook, we want to make mention of one last celebration this month! Arbor Day falls on April 27^th this year. There are so many activities and ways to get involved that it would be impossible to list them all here. You can visit this link for information specific to Texas and find some local goings-on, including Montgomery, Conroe, Brenham and Bryan.

Arbor Day has its roots in Nebraska when Julius Morton made his way there from Detroit. He became the editor of Nebraska’s first Newspaper and disseminated information on agriculture and trees to his audience. Pioneers who read his paper started planting trees to help protect them from the wind and to provide building material for their homes. These days, Arbor Day is recognized in all 50 states and looks to the future, rather than the past. Arbor Day is about recognizing the vital role that trees play in our world and the needs of future generations.

So this April, replace your plastics, donate a net and plant a tree! Together we can all make the world a better place.

There is a lot of misinformation out there about mosquitoes and the weather. We have folks who call us in August and ask to put their service on hold until the spring, thinking that mosquito season is over or at least that the populations diminish. Nine times out of ten those customers end up calling us back saying “I don’t know what I was thinking!” or “You stopped treating and they came back!”.

It is important to us that our customers make their own decisions about when they want us to service their yard, so we will never pressure someone to continue service if they don’t believe they need it. We don’t have contracts, never tie folks into services and make sure our customers know that they are the boss.

Having said that, this is a great time of year to take a look at what is actually going on down here in the deep south. Unlike the northern and eastern states, things work a little differently in south Texas.

When Mosquitoes Winter in South Texas

Typically, mosquito hibernation starts once we experience three deep freezes in a row or temperatures fall consistently under 50 degrees. As you might have guessed, this rarely happens around these parts. What you might not know, however, is that mosquitoes in the Houston area are thought to have developed an adaptation to our mild winters. Scientists have noted that these local mosquitoes have adapted a hibernation pattern where they awaken on warm days and “sleep” on the few-and-far-between cold ones. Even at temperatures of 50 degrees, female mosquitoes are active and seeking out warm bodies from which to obtain a drink of blood.

Culiseta Inornata and Anopheles Freeborni are two of the species that live in our area and actually become MORE active during the cooler months.  If you have lived in Texas long enough you will remember being bitten on Christmas Day.

Tips and Tricks to Prevent Mosquitoes

So what can you do to help control that population in your yard? Firstly, if you are a customer remember that the longer we treat your yard, the more we prevent eggs from being laid around your home. Mosquito eggs are pretty resilient and can actually sit dormant for ten years before a drop of water can cause them to hatch. Come spring and the wet days of February, you will start seeing the effects of all that egg laying. Of course, it will also take us three services to break that life cycle in the spring. Customers who are treated year-round never have to worry and are able to maintain a yard rid of mosquitoes no matter what time of year it is.

What can you do if you are not a customer? We always tell folks to think like a mosquito. That sounds ridiculous, but I’m sure the majority of you have childproofed your home at some point in time. The number one advice to new parents on how to effectively do that is to get on your hands and knees and see your home from a toddlers perspective. Now we are not suggesting you crawl around your yard like a mosquito, but if you think like one you can act accordingly.

Mosquitoes need water to hatch the next generation of youngsters. The easiest way for them to populate is to lay eggs in stagnant water. Your number one focus should be making sure that there is no standing water in your yard. Remember, just a capful of water is enough for 300 eggs. So don’t keep your focus just on the large puddles or kiddie pools.  Look at kids’ toys and plant pot saucers, soda cans, open garbage containers and blocked gutters. Even cap-less fence posts make a great home for mosquito eggs.

If a female mosquito cannot locate any standing water, she will lay her eggs on moist ground. These are the areas where eggs are most likely to hatch after a rain. Pine needles, debris piles and leaf piles are the most likely areas to be attractive as they keep the ground dark and moist. When the leaves start falling and you get out to clean your yard make sure you get rid of this debris rather than piling it behind the shed.

Finally, remember that the introduction of new mulch also brings the introduction of new mosquito eggs so don’t be surprised if you see more mosquitoes after you finish your winter landscaping.

We are always here to help and treat year-round (with good reason) so don’t hesitate to give us a call at 979-859-5998 if you have any questions!

A child dies from Malaria every two minutes. That is a stark reminder of just how deadly mosquito-borne diseases are, and just how much work we need to do. While we at Mosquito Joe are focused on making your outside fun again, we also want to raise awareness and give back. During Mosquito Control Awareness week, we will be partnering with Nothing But Nets to do just that.

Nothing But Nets is a campaign created by the United Nations in 2006. Inspired by sports writer Rick Reilly, this campaign has raised over $60 million to help provide mosquito nets for families in need.

The first step in our partnership was reaching out to our customers for donations to this worthy cause, setting a goal of 500 nets. With each $10 donation, an insecticide-treated bed net will be provided to a family in sub-Sahara Africa who are at risk for the disease and lack the resources to protect themselves. Mosquito Joe promised to match donations to deliver 1,000 nets and boy did you guys come through! We have already surpassed our goal and our customers are continuing to give. If you would like to donate please visit this page to do so.

The second part of our partnership happens during Mosquito Control Awareness Week (6/25 – 7/1) when we will be donating $10/one net for every customer who signs up for service. If you have ever considered a mosquito service for your yard, now is a great time!

If you would like to learn more about Nothing But Nets, please visit them at www.Nothingbutnets.net. 

Every year the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) designates a week in June as Mosquito Control Awareness Week. This year that week runs from June 25^th to July 1^st. This will be the 21^st annual MCAW and there is a great need to bring awareness to mosquitoes. From West Nile to Malaria, Dengue Fever to, most recently, Zika, mosquitoes are responsible for several dangerous and deadly illnesses worldwide. In fact, as noted by the World Health Organization, more than half of the human population is at risk to mosquito-borne diseases.

Mosquitoes are ranked as the world’s deadliest animal (at least if we take humans out of the mix). With over 3,000 species located on every continent of the world other than Antarctica, they collectively affect an estimated 700 million people and are responsible for over 725,000 deaths worldwide per year.

Mosquito Joe of NW Houston wants to take this opportunity to help educate our community both about the importance of mosquito control and help guide you on how to combat the mosquito population in your yard. Mosquito control plays a huge role in managing the spread of these diseases.

The AMCA simplifies their recommendations into the “3 D’s” – drain, dress and defend. Check out the cheat sheet to the right! Part of what Mosquito Joe does in every yard we service falls into the category of “drain” and we have become well versed in locating some unexpected spots of stagnant water. Remember that mosquito eggs need water to hatch! While they can sit dormant for over 5 years until a drop of water hits them, the less water you have in your yard the better:

• Make sure your gutters are clean – those leaves can cause water to accumulate up there and make a very nice place for mosquitos to lay eggs.
• While French drains help move water off your roof and out of your yard without leaving trenches in your mulch, the corrugated pipe makes a terrific spot for eggs. Just one capful of water is enough for 300 eggs!
• Aerobic septic systems are another favorite spot. Make sure that your caps are on correctly and fully shut.  Spot check for cracks that might enable a mosquito to crawl through (they don’t have to be very big).
• Tires, recycling containers, trash cans without lids – these are all great places for water to accumulate and create an issue.
• If you have a kid’s play area in your backyard make sure that any toys are left upside-down (or better yet bring them inside) and that kiddie pools are dumped and filled regularly.
• Many of our customers like to leave water out for the deer. Make it a point to dump and refresh the water once a week.
• Finally, remove piles of leaf and yard debris when they are created.  The more potential homes you give these guys the more they will likely make their home with you.

Finally, we don’t want to let June go by without a mention of the “World’s Largest Swimming Lesson” happening at the Conroe Aquatic Center on June 22^nd at 10am. Created to bring awareness to the importance around making sure all our kids know how to swim, this free event is great fun for the whole family. The lesson is held in conjunction with other sites worldwide simultaneously! Head out and participate and help break the Guinness Book of World Record (that they achieved last year) of over 40,000 people. That’s 40,000 people all taking a swimming lesson together! Visit the City of Conroe website for more information.

Mosquito Joe Breaks Down Mosquito Control Options

As the mosquito population grows and the diseases they carry hit the headlines, many folks are looking for an affordable and effective way to control mosquitoes in their yard. Misting systems have gained popularity over the past several years, but how do they stack up to the newer barrier treatment technology (sometimes known as “mosquito spraying”)? The crew at Mosquito Joe of NW Houston & S Brazos Valley has created a quick sheet to shed some light on the differences of the mosquito eliminating technologies.

What is the Difference?

1. A mosquito misting system is installed in specific areas of the yard that are used frequently by homeowners. At predetermined times, the misting system releases product into the air to kill mosquitoes and prevent them from breeding. The mosquito misting system runs periodically, from a tank, in much the same way a sprinkler system does. The products have a shelf life and need to be stored, replenished, and/or replaced periodically. The hoses require upkeep and the nozzles can often block and require replacement.
2. Mosquito fogging uses heated products that eliminate any adult mosquito in its path when released.  It does not remain in the air, nor affect the area treated after fogging is complete. It is intended to be a short-term method of eliminating active adult mosquitoes.
3. A barrier treatment, on the other hand, is applied by a certified structural pest control technician and is completely customized to the yard. The homeowner never needs to have bulk products stored on site.  The treatment is effective for 21 days and is designed to break the life cycle of mosquitoes in the property by removing adult mosquitoes and developing larvae.

Effective Treatment Area

A mosquito misting system treats the immediate area (10’ around each nozzle typically) and can often be affected by wind, drifting the chemical to an area outside the desired treatment area. Fogging will eliminate adults in its path only briefly. Barrier treatments typically treat the entire yard, allowing full use of the property.

How Long Do They Work?

Misting system sprays are generally effective for a couple of hours after each spray.  Most systems are programmed to spray several times a day.  Fogging lasts only for the duration of the treatment.  Barrier treatments last up to 21 days with the most effective products. Barrier treatments include management of the water on the property, directly affecting the source of the population.

What Do They Eliminate?

Misting systems are useful for eliminating active adult mosquitoes within immediate range of the nozzles. This means that mosquitoes out of range will not be affected. Mosquito larvae are not impacted by this system. They also kill many other insects in the area, which can include butterflies, bees, and other pollinators important to the environment.

The barrier system also eliminates active adults, but additionally prevents future adults from emerging. The service is usually combined with larva control treatment so both the adults and larvae are destroyed. The technicians are trained to avoid flowering plants and bodies of water that may contain fish. Other natural products are generally used in these areas to repel mosquitoes towards areas where they can be killed without impacting the pollinators and beneficial insects.

How much does it cost?

Mosquito misting systems have a significant up-front cost that involves equipment and installation by a certified individual. Once installed, maintenance of hoses and nozzles will be required as well as chemical fills as the product is used up.

Home foggers start at about $200.  Because fogging is not a long-term solution to the problem, most homeowners who try this route expend a lot of time and energy before giving up.

Mosquito control barrier treatments are provided as a service and require no maintenance or involvement from the homeowner.  In most cases, the homeowner doesn’t even need to be home. A payment is charged after each treatment or even on a yearly basis. Homeowners are encouraged to keep their yard free of stagnant water, but the technicians will remove what they can at each service.

Safety and Environment

There are some concerns with mosquito misting systems:

• Misting systems are automatic and can spray while people and pets are outside. Barrier treatments require that humans and pets be out of the area during treatment and 30 minutes afterward to allow the products to dry.  Once dry, the yard can be used as normal.
• Automatic misting occurs no matter the wind speed, wind direction and weather – often causing a waste of products. Barrier treatments are controlled by the certified technician applying it and never happen in the rain or when the wind is excessive.
• For a typical area, a misting system may use up to 165 gallons of mixed product per year. For the same property, barrier treatments use approximately 34 gallons FOR THE ENTIRE YARD during that same year.
• Misting systems are not a part of an Integrated Pest Management System. They simply spray, killing adult mosquitoes for a short period of time. Barrier treatments combine product placement, standing water control and treatment, environmental protection, eliminating the adult mosquitoes, and ridding and prevention of larval mosquitoes.  This all occurs only in the presence of a state tested and certified technician.

Which should I use?

The EPA has cautioned against misting systems as the components are not classified as ‘application equipment’. They also are generally not as effective as other systems, like barriers, and can be hazardous to the environment. Fogging is ineffective and short-lived. Mosquito barrier treatments are proven to work more effectively at eliminating and preventing mosquitoes. The environmental impact can be much less due to the decreased overall amount of product being used, and they also cost less up front and require no maintenance.

How Can Mosquito Joe Help?

The good news is, Mosquito Joe of NW Houston & South Bravos Valley offers many outdoor pest control options to keep those pesky insects at bay. Effective mosquito control barrier treatments, special event sprays, all-natural barrier treatments, commercial treatments and more. We would love to talk to you further about any questions you have about mosquito barrier sprays, misting systems or fogging treatments so please give us a call at 281-815-0228 or send over an email to nwhoustonbrazos@mosquitojoe.com