A Fine Mist Could Kill Mosquitoes for Good

Mosquitoes are a bane in almost every part of the world, no thanks to human activity that allowed them to spread literally everywhere except Antarctica. Practically speaking, it is impossible to eliminate them from every house permanently, but a new technology may provide just that. As of August 2012, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) permitted the use of mosquito misting systems in US households. Misting systems regularly blanket the surrounding area with mosquito-repelling pesticide.

Depending on the manufacturer and/or service provider, these systems may be activated manually or automatically. Moreover, the EPA recommends that homeowners check if their home state has specific regulations regarding the use of pesticides. The EPA also tells people that, although effective, misting systems shouldn't be solely relied on for warding off mosquitoes. Instead, the agency recommends using these systems in tandem with other mosquito control practices (e.g. eliminating sources of stagnant water, yard maintenance, etc.).

Still, the efficiency of misting systems can't be denied and they are a useful addition to any community-based mosquito management program. Permethrin and pyrethrins, the primary ingredients in pesticides used by most residential misting systems, are highly effective in killing mosquitoes while remaining relatively safe for humans. However, these chemicals also have the potential to kill beneficial insects such as honeybees and butterflies, so the EPA recommends care in their use.

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Tick Tock Ticks: Slow, but Deadly Killers

Ticks are parasitic arachnids that usually feed on the blood of mammals, although there have been cases of ticks living on the blood of birds, reptiles, and even amphibians. Like their fellow bloodsucker, the mosquito, ticks alone are nuisances and their bites can be painful. However, it's their role as carriers of a variety of diseases that makes them very dangerous to humans.

Perhaps the most well-known illnesses that's attributed to these little creepy crawlies is Lyme disease. Those suffering from Lyme disease will experience fever, headaches, fatigue, depression, and skin rashes. If left untreated, the disease can start to affect the joints, nervous system, and even the heart. In rare cases, Lyme disease may cause psychological disorders, such as frank psychosis, delusional behavior, and anxiety attacks. There have also been reports that Lyme disease can be chronic; forever keeping its victims debilitated.

Lyme disease can thankfully be treated and cured, especially if detected in its early stages. There are also vaccines that can be introduced into the body which can help fight off Lyme disease. However, prevention remains the best cure, as households are encouraged to control possible tick infestations in their backyard to avoid getting bitten by the pests and suffering the consequences.

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Enjoy Gardening This Summer Safely

What better season to enjoy gardening than summertime? Your seedlings can get all the sunlight they need and you don't have to worry about rain ruining your day. Besides, if you have a thing for summer blooms, such as petunias and marigolds, you could start planting them in the first few days of the season and watch them blossom after a few months.

When gardening, however, ensure that you're completely protected against mosquito-borne diseases by relying on professional mosquito control instead of merely using the insect repellents you buy from the grocery or supermarket. Such specialists can provide mosquito control that is especially designed for backyards like misting systems and barrier sprays. In the past, most cases of mosquito-borne diseases were found in Southeast Asia, Central America, and other tropical regions, but scientists surmise that climate change have made it possible for these diseases to come to the United States, giving you all the more reason to consider professional mosquito protection.

You can also avoid gardening habits that could make your property more prone to mosquito infestation. Be sure to turn over pails or unused pots that hold stagnant water. If you have ornamental ponds, birdbaths, or fountains, see to it that you regularly change and keep the water clean; if you have uncovered containers or buckets in your yard, make sure that they are cleared of water. Indeed, having fun while gardening means adapting good habits and even employing the services of mosquito control specialists.

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Learning Basic Mosquito Control

Mosquitoes are said to be responsible for the death of around half of the human population. Thanks to science, humans have learned to deal with them and the deadly diseases most of them carry like malaria and the West Nile virus. Hence, here are basic steps to eliminate mosquitoes flying around your home, just waiting to do you and your family harm.

One way to get rid of mosquitoes is to get rid of their breeding areas. Inspect your home for the presence of any standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs. Remove all the water stored in uncovered containers and see to it that your roof gutters are always dry.

After eradicating the potential living space of mosquitoes in your home, start installing indoor defenses such as screen on your windows and doors. Remember that regular yard maintenance is important, too. Keeping your surroundings clean equates to less dirty spots where mosquitoes can hide and reproduce.

While mosquito repellents and natural bug sprays may work to significantly reduce the number of blood-sucking insects in your home, you may still need to call in mosquito control experts who can provide you with long-term solutions and valuable advice. Even more, such professionals could also help you in dealing with other bugs that could threaten your health and safety.

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