Mosquito Squad of Central Middlesex and Monmouth County, the largest mosquito and tick control franchise in North America, strongly urges homeowners to implement mosquito control measures in their own yards this summer to reduce pest populations and exposure to any vector-borne illnesses.
The company offers a barrier protection treatment program that, when applied around the home and throughout the backyard, eliminates mosquitoes on contact and continues working for up to 21 days.
Each year, more than 1,000 Americans experience serious illness or death as a result of a mosquito bite. In the U.S., mosquito season varies by location, but typically runs from April to September with peak season running from May to June.
“The only good mosquito is a dead one. Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance – they can make you very sick,” said Karen McCulloch, Mosquito Squad of Central Middlesex and Monmouth County franchisee. “At Mosquito Squad, we highly recommend being proactive when it comes to mosquito control to protect you and your family from devastating illnesses like Zika, West Nile and encephalitis.”
Founded in 2005, Mosquito Squad specializes in eliminating mosquitoes and ticks from outdoor living spaces so that homeowners can enjoy their yards, and outdoor living and dining spaces. The company operates in more than 200 locations in 39 states and the District of Columbia, and has protected more than 100,000 backyards across the country.
Based on experience, Mosquito Squad developed “The 7 T’s” – do-it-yourself steps to help homeowners eliminate mosquitoes:
• TIP over anything that holds or collects water. A bottle cap can hold enough water for mosquitoes to breed. Since mosquitoes breed in standing water, the elimination of standing water decreases a mosquito’s breeding ground. Mosquito Squad technicians report that yards with bird baths, play sets with tire swings, tree houses, portable fireplaces and pits and catch basins are the biggest offenders.
• TOSS any yard trash including clippings, leaves and twigs.
• TURN over items that could hold water and trash. Look for children’s portable sandboxes, slides or plastic toys; underneath and around downspouts; in plant saucers, empty pots, light fixtures and dog water bowls.
• REMOVE TARPS that can catch water. If not stretched taut, they are holding water. Check tarps over firewood piles, portable fire places, recycling cans, boats, sports equipment and grills. Mosquito Squad suggests using bungee cords to secure tarps in the yard.
• TAKE CARE of your home. Regularly clean out gutters and make sure downspouts are attached properly. Mosquito Squad recommends re-grading areas where water stands more than a few hours, and to regularly check irrigation systems to ensure that they aren’t leaking and causing a breeding haven. Keep lawn height low and areas weed-free.
• TEAM UP with neighbors. Despite taking all precautions in your own home, talking with neighbors is a key component to mosquito control. Townhomes and homes with little space between lots mean that mosquitoes can breed at a neighbor’s home, and affect your property.
• TREAT your yard. Utilize a professional mosquito elimination barrier treatment around the home and yard. Using a barrier treatment at home reduces the need for using DEET-containing bug spray on both humans and pets.
Mosquito Squad uses the latest EPA-registered mosquito control barrier treatments, larvicide and all-natural substances to eliminate mosquitoes from yards and outdoor spaces. The brand protects families and pets from the nuisance and danger of mosquitoes and ticks by offering top-of-the-line services that help customers take back their yards.
For more information, visit middlesex-monmouth.mosquitosquad.com or call 732-238-1393.