Tag Archives: outside fun

Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP)

 

At Mosquito Joe, we care about making your outdoor spaces something to be enjoyed. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, having fun with the kids, or playing a game of fetch with Fido, outdoor pests such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas should be the least of your concerns. To show our commitment to improving the lives of our customers, we’re excited to announce our partnership with the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program.  Established by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1994, the program seeks to decrease the amount of risks associated with pest management in areas where people live, work and play. 

This partnership provides an opportunity to showcase the ways that Mosquito Joe seeks to protect the communities we serve. Keep reading to see some of the initiatives Mosquito Joe has in place!

Integrated Pest Management

The Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program encourages members to use an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to find innovative solutions to common pest management challenges. This approach to pest management takes into consideration the life cycle of pests as well as the environment. Mosquitoes go through four life stages; egg, larvae, pupae, and adult. Once fully matured, mosquitoes are able to breed and wreak havoc. While male mosquitoes can live up to 10 days, female mosquitoes can live as long as 6 weeks. In addition to eliminating mosquitoes on contact, our treatment schedules interrupt the life cycle of mosquito populations which make treatments more effective. We also offer an all-natural treatment that aligns with the goals of Integrated Pest Management. Applied every 14 days rather than 21, this treatment option is ideal for those that seek an alternative to synthetic products.  

Customer Education

A major aspect of our partnership with PESP is educating customers on the importance of mosquito, tick and flea control. While these pests are known as common nuisances, they can also pose a number of health risks. Vector-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease are frequently reported throughout the summer and fall months. Mosquito Joe makes customer education a top priority to ensure the communities we serve are made aware of reported cases of vector-borne illness in their local area. Sharing tips on how to maintain an itch-free backyard provides another level of protection for yourself, your family and your pets!

In addition to regularly sharing educational information, Mosquito Joe works to raise awareness about the prevalence of vector-borne illnesses abroad. Each year we partner with the Nothing but Nets foundation to provide treated bed nets to families in regions where malaria is prevalent such as Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. We’re proud to announce that Mosquito Joe has been able to raise over $67,000 and contribute over 6,700 bed nets to families in need. 

Mosquito Joe’s partnership with the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program demonstrates the pride we take in not only making outside fun again, but in working to improve the communities we serve. With our satisfaction guarantee, Mosquito Joe aims to provide an itch-free environment for our customers. Click here to find a Mosquito Joe location in your area and get on the schedule today!

For more information on the PESP program, click here to visit the official website.

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Lyme Disease in Pets

Mosquito Joe provides mosquito, tick and flea control treatment to residential and commercial customers across the country. We ensure outside is fun again for our customers’ families and pets by eliminating swatting and scratching. We can all agree that our four-legged friends are near and dear to our hearts so we want to make sure they can enjoy the backyard with their favorite humans without avoiding any health risks or concerns. While we certainly make customers’ yards itch-free with our mosquito barrier treatment, this same service also effectively rids the property of ticks and fleas. This is important for our furry friends as ticks carry Lyme disease, the most commonly reported vector-borne illness in the United States.

Transmitted through tick bites, the disease can be difficult to detect and can cause serious and recurring health problems for our pets. Deer ticks, carriers of Lyme disease, are found in forests or grassy, wooded, marshy areas near rivers, lakes or oceans. People or animals may be bitten by deer ticks during outdoor activities such as hiking, camping or while spending time in their backyards. It’s best to be proactive in preventing infection by taking appropriate measures to prevent tick bites, and for dogs, that means vaccinating against the disease. Always remember to ask your local veterinarians office to establish a monthly treatment program.

How to Prevent Lyme Disease

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, “The best way to protect pets from Lyme disease is to take preventive measures to reduce the chance of contracting the disease. Even during the last few weeks of summer, it’s important to remember that pets and people are at greater risk of being infected with Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases such as anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.” Here are a few additional tips to prevent ticks in your backyard:

  • Avoid wooded and tall grassy areas where tick activity is high.
  • Keep your grass cut short and bushes and trees trimmed.
  • Remove wood piles from the home.
  • Move swing sets, sandboxes and other play areas away from wooded areas.
  • Upon returning inside your home after enjoying time outdoors, always check yourself, your children and your pets for ticks. Wash clothing immediately.
  • Use tick-preventative products – check with your veterinarian to find the right products for your pets.
  • Protect your property with a Mosquito Joe barrier treatment so your furry friends can roam your yard worry-free. Our long-lasting treatment works up to 21 days and protects your family and pets from mosquitoes, ticks and fleas.

Symptom in Pets

Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria can travel to different parts of the body and cause problems in specific organs or locations, such as joints, as well as overall illness. Other symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Reduced energy
  • Stiffness, discomfort or pain
  • Swelling of joints

If you see that your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to take them to the veterinarian so they can be tested and treated for Lyme disease.

How are Dogs Tested and Treated?

Once you arrive at the veterinarian, you will need to give a thorough history of your dog’s health and any symptoms they are having. Your veterinarian will run the necessary tests to determine what illness your pet has.  According to the American Kennel Club, “The two blood tests used for Lyme disease testing are called C6 and Quant C6, which can both be performed by your local veterinarian’s office. The C6 antibodies can be detected three to five weeks after an infected tick bites your pet. The next step would be the Quant C6, along with urinalysis to help determine if antibiotics are necessary.”

If the diagnosis is Lyme disease, your dog will be treated as an outpatient and given antibiotics for at least four weeks.

Did you know that ticks will arrive before mosquitoes and hang around after the mosquitoes are gone? Ticks arrive once ground temperature is above 45 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s important to have a plan in place in advance, and to follow through during the fall.  Mosquito Joe ensures families and their pets are protected from mosquitoes, ticks and fleas. Don’t get ticked off this year – give your local office a call today to get on the schedule.

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Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites

Some of the most exciting moments of the summer occur outdoors. Between sports, backyard barbecues, and sunbathing, there’s never a shortage of things to do! One of the most annoying things about enjoying the outdoors are mosquito bites. Who wants to spend the first few innings of their baseball game swatting? And nothing ruins an outdoor wedding like taking your eyes away from the bride and groom to relieve the itch from a bite. We know how awful mosquito bites can be, so here’s some information on how you and your family can ditch the itch this summer.

Why do mosquito bites itch so much?

Mosquito bites appear when a female mosquito draws blood from a host. (Fun fact: Only female mosquitoes bite!) These bites can appear as small read bumps on the skin or as larger swollen areas. When mosquitoes draw blood, a protein is released into the blood system, causing general irritation of the skin and of course, itching.

We all know the automatic reaction to a mosquito bite is to scratch, however, this can lead to further irritation as scratching can damage the skin and lead to infection. So, what can you do? Here are some DIY remedies you can use:

One of the simplest ways to alleviate the itch of a mosquito bite is to apply a cold compress to the affected area. A small bag of ice can help reduce swelling and redness as well as temporarily soothe any itching. If you don’t have ice, a bag of frozen peas is a great alternative. Don’t worry, we’re not judging!

If you frequently get sunburned, you likely have the next ingredient in your cabinet. Aloe vera is a great, natural anti-septic that can help ease the pain of mosquito bites. You can use aloe vera gel which is available in most supermarkets or, you can get an aloe vera plant and scoop out the fresh gel. Another method is to remove the gel from the plant, blend until it reaches a smooth consistency, pour into an ice tray, and freeze. This makes for an easy application with less mess and a satisfying cooling sensation.

Another remedy that you may have at home is honey. While it’s most famous for being a natural sweetener, honey also has a number of antibiotic properties that can help combat irritation from mosquito bites. Using this ingredient, you can get rid of the itch fast and protect the area from infection.

Typically used in skincare, witch hazel is another household item that can be beneficial for fighting the itch of mosquito bites. Because it is an astringent, witch hazel helps lessen the irritation at the location of the bite.

Using essential oils to treat mosquito bites is a trendier solution. Natural oils such as lavender and tea tree oil help take out the sting and unpleasantness of mosquito bites, not to mention the added benefit of making you smell amazing. Be mindful when using essential oils, as a little goes a long way! You only need a drop or two diluted with a carrier oil (such as jojoba or coconut) or water to do the trick. Using too much can result in further skin irritation. To make this solution a little more convenient, you can create your own essential oil roller!

The most common ways to combat mosquito bites are applying common over-the-counter items such as hydrocortisone or calamine lotion. Both of these medicated creams help to relieve itchiness on contact and provide relief almost instantly.

The best way to protect yourself from mosquito bites is to make sure that your outdoor spaces have been treated by Mosquito Joe! Don’t let mosquito bites ruin your summer. Call Mosquito Joe today to ensure that you can enjoy your backyard without worrying about bites from mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.

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Spring is weeks away, call us and pre-pay!

The days of warmer weather and blooming flowers are right around the corner…and so are mosquitoes, ticks and fleas.  As the temperature begins to rise, pest activity will too. Did you know that mosquitoes, ticks and fleas become active once the temperature reaches and stays above 50 degrees consistently? Spring into action by making sure you are prepared to enjoy your outdoor space as soon as possible!

Being able to sit outside and enjoy your outdoor space, instead of swatting at those pesky mosquitoes, is one of the great reasons to give your local Mosquito Joe a call.  Another exciting reason is the opportunity to pre-pay for the entire season!

What are the benefits of pre-paying?

  • Save 10% on mosquito, tick and flea control so your family can enjoy being outside again.
  • You can relax during the summer months without worrying about ongoing pest control payments.
  • Enjoy an itch-free yard all summer long. A night on your back porch without any mosquito bites? Yes, please!
  • Get the kids (and pets) outside – who needs a babysitter with an itch-free yard?

To take advantage of this great offer, request a quote to the right or give us a call at 855-ASK-A-JOE!

New here? No problem! We offer a wide range of services that will keep you protected all season long. Our barrier treatment protects you and your family from mosquitoes, ticks and fleas for 21 days after application. Using a backpack sprayer designed for precise application, an expertly trained and licensed technician targets shrubs and bushes with a barrier spray that outdoor pests on contact. The solution bonds to foliage, where it acts as a repellent for weeks to come. Within 30 minutes of treatment, your yard is ready for family and pets to come out and play!

As an alternative to our longer-lasting synthetic treatment, Mosquito Joe offers an all-natural pest control solution.  Our all-natural solution repels mosquitoes, ticks and fleas immediately but has less adhesive properties than our synthetic treatment.  Because of this, we require spraying on a 14-day cycle to ensure adequate protection.

Our technicians are trained pest control experts dedicated to one thing: getting rid of mosquitoes, ticks and fleas so you can enjoy being outside again.  We do not require customers to sign contracts, which gives you the flexibility you need to fully enjoy your outdoor space.

And if you’re a returning customer, we’re glad to have you back! Thank you for an amazing 2018 and letting us make outside fun again for you and your family. If you have any questions about the pre-pay program, just give us a call and we’d be happy to get you on the path to an itch-free 2019!

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Share the Mojo

Want even more MoJo? Refer a friend and get a $25 credit! Our Share the MoJo program allows you to refer up to 20 friends a year, which could get you $500 in account credits. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and text, call or post on their Facebook and share this one-of-a-kind deal.  Visit our dedicated website, SharetheMoJo.com, so you and your friends can start saving today!

At Mosquito Joe, we take our job of keeping your yard itch-free seriously.  With our licensed technicians and a passion for making outside fun again, our job is not done until you and your family are happy. Save yourself some bucks and a lot of bug bites, give us a call today to kick-start your spring with pre-pay!

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Don’t Cancel Your Mosquito Control Service Too Early!

 

Although the weather is warm and the sun is shining, fall is just around the corner. Summer months coming to an end does not necessarily mean we’re saying goodbye to warmer temperatures, or those mosquitoes, just yet. Canceling your mosquito control service might be on the top of your to-do list since cooler months are ahead and kids are back in school, but don’t let dropping temperatures trick you into ending your mosquito control service early! It’s important to continue with your barrier spray treatments so you can maintain a protected outdoor area for you and your family. After all, the air will be cooler and the humidity will subside; making it the perfect time of year to sit outside and enjoy a glass of wine or watch the kids play in the backyard after school. We wanted to share some information around the importance of completing the full season of barrier spray treatments before you consider canceling service.

If fall is quickly approaching, why continue service?

The last few sprays are some of the most important for a couple of reasons. Mosquitoes can be tricky creatures. They lay eggs, hibernate, and can survive some pretty frigid temperatures. The only things necessary in order for eggs to hatch are water and temperatures consistently above 50 degrees. This means mosquitoes may be continually living and breeding in your yard all year long. If you end your season early, female mosquitoes will have a chance to not only make your yard a home, but also to lay more eggs before the first freeze. Up to 300 eggs at a time to be exact! It is absolutely vital that our technicians get rid of those mosquitoes and mosquito larvae, by treating unavoidable areas of standing water which will keep your yard winterized. This will also keep ticks and fleas at bay.

It’s important to continue your barrier spray treatment as long as possible so you can continue to enjoy your yard as long as possible and ensure an itch-free start to 2019. If you have any questions about your season, contact your local Mosquito Joe, and they’ll be happy to explain the process to you.

Fall sports or events coming up? We’ve got you covered.

We offer commercial and special event sprays which could be great for fall sports and events. If your kiddos play football or soccer and you’d like an itch-free playing field, don’t hesitate to give us a call this fall! Because let’s face it, there is nothing worse than trying to cheer on your kids and enjoy a good game of ball while swatting away those pesky mosquitoes. We’d love to continue to partner with local sports leagues in our communities and ensure everyone’s eye is on the ball, not their ankles. Have an outside wedding or birthday party on the horizon? We can help keep mosquitoes off of your guest list so you can enjoy that special time together with family and friends. Call your local Mosquito Joe for more details!

Don’t let those mosquitoes trick you into ending service early or overlooking any commercials or special event sprays that may be necessary. You’ll thank us later!

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