Tag Archives: ticks

It’s important to understand the life cycle of a tick and where they lay their eggs so you can help prevent a tick infestation in your yard. Did you know that a female tick can lay up to several thousand eggs at a time? Not only are ticks a nuisance, but they also cause numerous diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

The tick goes through four separate stages if its life cycle: eggs, larva, nymph and adult. Each of these stages can easily be recognized by its special appearance.

The Life Cycle of a Tick

Stage 1: Eggs
After feeding through some of the winter months and spring, adult females will lay their eggs in protected areas of grass. They can lay over a thousand eggs in their lifetime, and the eggs will normally hatch by summer.

Stage 2: Larvae
Once hatched, the larvae begin searching for a host to feed on. They wait on the tops of leaves and tall grass where pet and human activity are normally high.

Stage 3: Nymph
Once the larvae have eaten, they will drop off the host and transform into an eight-legged nymph. The process will then repeat itself where they look for a host. The nymph may also transmit disease.

Stage 4: Adult
Adult ticks will then go for a third quest, looking for a larger host. Successful adult ticks reproduce during the fall, and the female tick will survive through winter to lay more eggs in the spring. This entire process can take up to three years.

What Does a Tick Nest Look Like?

Unlike other social insects such as ants and bees, ticks do not form a communal colony like a hive or nest. Ticks are more likely to crawl into the burrow or hole of a potential host and lay their eggs there, creating a small, lone “nest.” This provides immediate access to a potential host to which the larvae can latch to and feed upon. Ticks may also opt to lay eggs in leaf litter or grassy areas and, in general, any location that is soft and warm.

What Do Tick Eggs Look Like?

Since a female tick is capable of laying thousands of eggs at once, these eggs are often easier to spot than the ticks themselves. They appear brownish-red in color and are translucent. A brood of eggs may look like miniature caviar. The eggs are not yet infectious and can be dealt with by simply coating with salt to dry out the eggs.

How to Prevent Tick Eggs and Tick Bites In Your Yard

• Know where ticks hide. Ticks live in tall grass and wooded areas. Hunting, gardening or spending time in your backyard are all activities where you, your family and your pets could pick up ticks.
• Dress to avoid ticks. Wearing long sleeves and long pants, tucking socks into boots and wearing light-colored clothing can help prevent tick bites.
• Utilize Mosquito Joe barrier treatments as an added layer of defense. Regular barrier treatments from Mosquito Joe eliminate ticks and give you and your family peace of mind.

Don’t Be Ticked Off This Season

To add an extra layer of defense against your outdoor space, contact your local Mosquito Joe today to enjoy a bite-free yard! We have special services that add against ticks and other pests, so let us help you protect yourself and your family throughout the year.

You’re giving your pup a well-deserved back scratch and find a bump. You spread his fur to find a tick embedded in his skin. There’s nothing fun about this experience. Keeping your pet tick-free is imperative to their well-being as ticks are transmitters of Lyme disease and other illnesses. Knowing how to remove a tick from a dog can keep your pet happy and healthy.

Let the experts at Mosquito Joe offer some insight on how to remove that tick and keep your furry friend tick-free!

How to Check Dog for Ticks 

Depending on the thickness and length of your dog’s hair, ticks can be easier to spot than smaller parasites such as fleas. Ticks are relatively stationary as they bury their head into the skin to feed on the host, so you should be able to spot them as you search.

If you come across a small bump (about the size of a pea), stop and investigate to see if it’s a tick. It’s good practice to check your dog for ticks every day, especially after they have been outside.

Places to Check for Ticks on Dogs             

Comb through the fur with your fingers or a flea comb to search for ticks. Work from the head-down, running your fingers or comb over the dog’s body all the way to the tail, legs and paws. Ticks gravitate toward dark, moist, and hidden areas, so pay special attention to under the front legs, groin, and in the ears, as well as under the collar, armpits, and under the tail. Take a minute to also check between your dog’s toes for ticks.

How to Remove a Tick From a Dog            

If you do find a tick, resist the urge to pluck it out by hand. Get a pair of tweezers (thin surgical tweezers work best) or a tick-removal tool, such as a tick key. Grip the tick by the head as close to the skin as possible. Pull the tick straight out with constant, slow pressure, being careful to avoid twisting the tweezers while pulling.

Place the removed tick in rubbing alcohol to kill it and rub a disinfectant or antibiotic ointment on the site where the tick was removed. Ticks embedded in your dog’s skin can be hazardous to their health. Regular inspection and the use of preventative medicine can help keep your dog happy and tick-free. Ticks can spread disease upon latching to a host in as little as 36-48 hours, so regular tick inspection is imperative for a healthy pet.

Keep Your Yard Tick-Free

Eliminating ticks from the yard is a great way to decrease the number of ticks your pets get. If you are ready to take more proactive steps toward a tick-free yard, call 1-855-275-2563 or contact Mosquito Joe today!

At Mosquito Joe, we pride ourselves on being able to make outside fun again. For us, that means ridding properties of outdoor pests so families and furry friends aren’t itching and scratching. Our barrier treatments allow families and friends to gather in their backyard to enjoy a cookout without being the main course. They also give parents peace of mind knowing their children can play without getting bitten by mosquitoes, ticks or fleas. Whether our customers are mosquito magnets or under attack by ticks, Mosquito Joe technicians provide customized treatments in order to transform their backyards into a bite-free oasis.

Don’t believe us? Let these customers speak for themselves! 

Playtime is Back

• “I absolutely love Mosquito Joe! We have used them for the past five years, we haven’t had one bite that’s pretty amazing. My kids play outside all day long, I don’t have to worry. I would recommend them to anyone that loves a bite-free lawn. Thanks guys!”
• “My daughter loves playing outside and around our Koi pond, but she would get eaten up by mosquitoes after being out there for 2 minutes. Thanks to Mosquito Joe, we can go out and play and relax, even around our pond, without getting attacked by mosquitoes! Thank you Mosquito Joe!”
• “I am VERY pleased with the services! We played basketball for over an hour without one single bite! Before MoJo, we would have not lasted 10 minutes without at least a dozen bites. We have been outside daily now and cannot extend my gratitude enough. My kids are extremely excited to see him pull up for treatment! Tell the technicians not to be surprised if my children ask “Joe” for his autograph.”

Bye-bye Mosquito Bites

• “I’m very pleased with this service. I have never been bitten by a mosquito in my yard the entire time I have used Mosquito Joe! That is amazing for this mosquito magnet.”
• “I have always been a target for mosquitoes. I like to be outside and work in the yard. I had to use insect repellent every time I went out. After I called Mosquito Joe, it has been such a relief. I get to sit and enjoy all my hard work. You won’t regret giving them a call.”
• “It was great to be able to enjoy our deck this past summer. Anytime I get a mosquito bite, my bite swells up to a quarter size and itches for days. Thanks!”
• “I love that I can be outside, on my property, without worries from biting insects. I have autoimmune problems and bites turn into infections that potentially send me to the hospital. But now, I am able to sit outside and read or work on the flowers and shrubbery with no worries. It is great to be able to do these things again. I am so appreciative.”
• “This service really works! I’ve been a mosquito magnet for years. I’ve been working in the garden and not one bite since they started spraying. It is so nice to be able to eat outside again. Best money spent. Thank you!”

Pet Parents Love MoJo! 

• “I will always use these services. The staff was always friendly and flexible. They always accommodated my schedule and were mindful that I had a pet. Also, we could really tell a difference in the reduction of mosquitoes. It made our summer so much better!”
• “We loved being able to enjoy our pool area without bites. I especially loved the extra care that was taken in covering up my dog’s bowls when I forgot to. That shows the care and attention given to clients and we really appreciate it! We will see you again in spring!”
• “Service is great and your product does everything as promised! Techs are so trustworthy and responsible, my dog loves when you visit!”

Outside is Fun Again for these Outdoor Enthusiasts

• “This is money well spent! We live in the woods and with Mosquito Joe taking care of my property, we had no mosquitoes this season and could enjoy the yard and pool all season long. The staff is extremely friendly and professional and always go the extra mile to ensure I was happy and my yard was taken care of. Could not be happier!”
• “When we moved into our house right by the Bay we could not be outside in the evening. Once our yard started being treated by Mosquito Joe we have enjoyed the outside, not to mention beautiful views of the bay at sunset!”
• “I cannot say enough about Mosquito Joe and how they make my yard habitable! I can garden, enjoy campfires, landscaping and lounging in the great outdoors only because of Mosquito Joe. Also, the technicians are so polite, respectful and personable. They always have a smile. Thanks, Mosquito Joe!”

To Grandma’s MoJo Protected House We Go! 

• “Love having my yard sprayed. For the last 3 years we have had our yard sprayed. Before spraying I could only spend 10-15 minutes outside before getting bit by mosquitoes. Now we spend hours in our yard with the grandkids or just sitting on our back porch enjoying the evening.”
• “So nice to be able to enjoy being outside with my grandson and not get bitten by mosquitoes. Thank you Mosquito Joe!”
• “The Mosquito Joe crew bent over backwards to make sure my yard was ready for our 10 grandkids to spend the week with us. The owner himself came out to make sure everything was right. I call that SERVICE!”

Planning the Perfect Event? Mosquito Joe Makes it Itch-free!

• “I used Mosquito Joe for our backyard wedding….it worked perfectly! We are surrounded by woods and our backyard area is usually infested with mosquitoes at night. We had mosquito spray out for people, just in case, but nobody needed it! I would definitely use again!”
• “Great service. I use their service at my house. I also had them spray for a special event at another venue. People were amazed that we had zero mosquitoes as compared to previous years.”
• “We contacted Mosquito Joe just 2 days before a big family event because the mosquitoes were fierce. They came the very next morning and saved the evening for us. I appreciate the extra effort provided by this small, local operation, the friendliness, and effectiveness. Highly recommended.”

If you want to be itch-free like these satisfied customers, it’s time to add some MoJo to your backyard! For more information or to request a free quote, give us a call today at 855-ASK-A-JOE. With no contracts and the MoJo Satisfaction Guarantee, our work isn’t done until you’re happy. Visit us online to find your local outdoor pest control expert. With Mosquito Joe, outside is fun again! 

Mosquito-Proof Your Campsite

A camping trip is the perfect way to spend time with family and friends and de-stress. Here at Mosquito Joe®, we love getting outside and enjoying nature. That’s why packing up the car — or RV — and going camping is one of our favorite ways to unwind and spend time outdoors too.
Whether you and your family are chilling by the campfire, grilling out, playing by the pool, or relaxing in the backyard, mosquitoes and ticks can easily ruin your fun time. But Mosquito Joe knows that pesky outdoor insects aren’t confined to your backyard. While you might be familiar with how to make sure mosquitoes and ticks don’t impose on you and your family when you’re in your backyard, you might not know the best ways to deal with them when you decide to take the family on a road trip. We’ll explore how to keep mosquitoes away while camping so you and your family can spend less time trying to avoid these pesky biters and more time enjoying the great outdoors.

How to Keep Mosquitoes Away While Camping

Camping is a great way to experience nature, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with each other. However, troublesome mosquitoes can quickly turn a great camping experience into an itchy and uncomfortable one. Luckily, there are effective methods of mosquito control for camping that you can deploy to the good times rolling. We explain the best ways to keep mosquitoes away while camping, the types of insect repellent to keep on hand, and even the best type of clothing to wear.

Steps to Mosquito-Proof Your Campsite

Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water, dense vegetation, and warm environments. By taking measures to mosquito-proof your campsite, you can significantly reduce their presence and likelihood of annoying you.

Here are some of our top tips for campsite mosquito control.

Assess Your Campsite

When considering how to keep mosquitoes away while camping, the number one thing to look for is standing water. Mosquitoes breed there, so make sure to eliminate any standing water from your campsite. A bottle cap full of water alone can breed over 300 mosquitoes. By removing stagnant water, you will ensure that more mosquitoes won’t appear.

Additionally, set up your campsite away from marshy areas, slow-moving rivers and streams, leaf debris, and heavily wooded areas. These landscapes are more attractive to mosquitoes and ticks; mosquitoes prefer damp areas, while ticks like taking shelter in shady spaces and areas with tall grass.

Choose the Right Equipment

If you’re roughing it and spending your camping trip in a tent rather than an RV, having the right tent works wonders for keeping mosquitoes at bay. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a tent for your next camping trip:

1. Purchase a tent with fine mesh screens. These screens have a tight weave that will keep mosquitoes out while still allowing for proper ventilation.
2. Choose a tent with a rainfly. A rainfly not only offers protection against the elements but also provides an additional layer of protection against pests. Ensure the rainfly extends beyond the mesh screens for added protection.
3. Consider a mosquito-proof entrance. Some tents are specially designed with entrances with double zippers and mesh layers. You can also get a tent with built-in bug repellent.

Keep Campsite Bug Repellent on Hand

Insect repellents line the shelves of drugstores during the summer months. Purchasing a bug spray that contains DEET will keep mosquitoes from biting while you’re pitching your tent, hiking, or biking.

For even more protection against these pests, pick up an insect repellent that is made with coconut oil compounds. A recent study showed that the fatty acids in coconut oil may be more effective at repelling mosquitoes and ticks than DEET.

You might also consider using essential oils. These extracts not only help you smell fresh while outdoors but can also repel annoying mosquitoes. Rosemary, thyme, eucalyptus, lavender, mint, and tea tree oils are effective insect repellents. These essential oils can act as a natural remedy for itchy mosquito bites. Check out our blog to learn more about how you can use these home remedies to relieve uncomfortable bites!

Wear the Correct Gear

If you plan on hiking, horseback riding, or fishing on your camping trip, be sure to pack and wear clothing that will protect you from mosquitoes and ticks. White and light-colored clothing will make you less attractive to mosquitoes. These pesky insects see dark colors better than light, so stay cool and avoid mosquito bites with light-colored clothing. When roaming in high grasses or heavily wooded areas, wear long pants tucked into socks and closed-toe shoes to prevent insects from attaching to your exposed skin.

Minimize Odors

One of the best tips for how to keep mosquitoes away while camping is to minimize odors. Certain odors emitted by our bodies and various camping items are natural attractants for mosquitoes. Here are some ways to minimize these odors:

• Avoid fragrant products – Mosquitoes can be drawn to perfumes, scented lotions, and soaps. Use unscented personal care items on your camping trip to avoid drawing mosquitoes to you.
• Keep your campsite tidy – Keep garbage tightly sealed (or better yet, get rid of it immediately) to prevent odors from attracting mosquitoes. Store food in tightly sealed containers and wash dishes immediately after meals.
• Use natural mosquito repellent – Certain scents naturally repel mosquitoes. Essential oils such as citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender can help deter mosquitoes. Use them as a bug repellent or set up diffusers around your campsite.
• Use citronella candles or torches – Assuming you are allowed to burn at your campsite, these candles or torches can be great for keeping mosquitoes away and provide you with a more enjoyable camping experience.

Mosquito-Proof Your Campsite

Camping can be fun and a great experience for the entire family. Taking the steps outlined above will help ensure your camping experience is memorable for all the right reasons. And when it’s time to relax in your outdoor spaces at home, following our advice can help keep mosquitoes and other pests away. If you’re looking for an easier, more efficient way to keep pests away for your outdoor fun, request a free quote from the local bug experts at Mosquito Joe. Because no matter where you spend your time outdoors, we know how to make it fun again!

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.