Tips for Getting Rid of Mosquitoes in North Texas

Aedes_Albopictus Many customers are asking me if I think this year’s mosquito season will be easier since we had such a hard winter. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but a hard freeze doesnt’ kill mosquitoes…at least enough of them to make a difference. Which is why the Dallas County Health and Human Services kicked off its West Nile virus awareness campaign before county commissioners earlier than ever for the 2014 season. This year, county health officials are anticipating more West Nile cases (because the rules for diagnosing the disease have changed.) 

You can protect your yard, and the community at large, with these  5 tips to help control mosquitoes.

  1. Get rid of any standing water on your property. Check your gutters, drains and flowerpots.  Anywhere water stands is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Drain it!
  2. Use insect repellent when you are going to be outside (especially true from dusk until dawn when mosquitoes are most active.)  Repellents that include DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus are the most effective.
  3. Wear light, long sleeve shirts and pants when you are going to be outside for an extended amount of time (especially from dusk until dawn.)  Mosquitoes are drawn to heat and carbon dioxide (which is why it is important to wear lighter clothing so your heat signature isn’t too great.) 
  4. Use air conditioning or make sure there are screens on all doors and windows (and they are in good repair) to keep mosquitoes from entering the home.
  5. If there are any green-water pools nearby, report them to the local health department.

It is important for everyone to do their part, because mosquito control truly is a community effort.  If you have questions on any of these tips, give us a call at 972-495-6990 or email our Founder and President, Ken Hyatt at [email protected].  We’d be happy to answer your questions if you want to do it yourself.  Or if you want to save time and have us do it, we’d be happy to give you an estimate on what it would cost for our Mosquito Assassin Program.  Our program is safe, yet effective.  It kills up to 90% of your mosquitoes and keeps killing them for a month after we leave (which is great if your neighbor isn’t doing their part.)  It only takes a five-visit program to keep them gone all season long.  

Good luck fighting the bite!

Below is information from the Village Green Resource Center, helpful links we’ve compiled to benefit our customers. 

Mosquito Resources

West Nile Virus

 

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