Custom Pest Control
(800) 464-6533
Fighting Mosquitoes

Who is at risk for getting West Nile encephalitis

• All residents of areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis; persons over 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease. It is unknown if immunocompromised persons are at increased risk for WNV disease. Center of Disease Control web site 6/04
  (Immunocompromised: weak or compromised immune systems)

Inside your home

• Check plant trays and pet’s water bowl closely- automatic type pet watering devices are more susceptible to mosquito breeding
• Run water in sinks not used very often

Outside your home

Sprinklers

• Monitor your sprinkler system by walking around your yard after sprinklers have finished a watering cycle and look for any puddles of water or any leaking sprinklers.
  
  Tips: Correct any defect in landscaping by adding additional soil or correcting slope and repair any leaking sprinklers.

Yard

• Look for standing water in old tires, around edges or under metal sheds, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other containers that can hold water, such as trashcans or recycling bins.
  
  Tips: Remove water and cover items in a manner that would eliminate water accumulation. Inspect children’s yard toys regularly. The base of metal shed edges should be caulked or filled with sand to prevent water accumulation.

• Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools and potted plant trays at least once a week if not more often.
  
  Tips: Add an inexpensive moisture meter to plants to avoid over watering or consider adding a drip system to potted plants in yard. Add a small amount of birdseed instead of water to birdbaths.

On the home

• Make sure window and door screens are "bug tight"
  
• Replace your outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights
  
• Find your Air Conditioning condensation line/drip Line and make sure there’s no standing water
  
• Inspect water heater for leaks and water heater trays for any moisture
  
• Check gutters for moisture from roof-top drip lines or standing water
  
• Check for standing water in sump pump or in access vents to crawl space

Tips: Add “gutter screens” over rain gutter to avoid accumulation of leaves and water.

Swimming Pools

• Keep swimming pools treated and circulating
  
• Check pool equipment and toys for water
  
• Do not keep floating devices in the pool when not in use
  
• Check for standing water in pool drains with a flashlight

On the Body

• Use mosquito repellents when necessary and follow label directions and precautions closely.  Remember- children are smaller and require lesser amounts than adults!
  
• Use head nets or hats, tightly woven long sleeves, collared shirts and long pants if you venture into areas with high mosquito populations, such as salt marshes, rivers or hiking trails where water is present
  
• If there is a mosquito-borne disease warning in effect, stay inside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
  
• Be aware that West Nile Virus can be transmitted through breastfeeding. Consult your doctor or West Nile Link Below

What to ask a Professional

• Do you have a preventive program to control mosquitoes for Residential Properties?
  
• Do you use residual products such as Talstar One in your programs or shorter residual products?
  
• Does your mosquito service include reporting breeding sites to homeowner?
  
• Are all your technicians specifically trained to identify mosquito problems around my home?
  
• Does your mosquito service include other pests around the home?
  
• How many applications a month are included in your service?
  
• Does your company have any state or local violations with pesticide use? 
  
• Can I have the phone number to the State Agency in charge of licensing your company to check on your standing?
  
• Who will be the State-Licensed Person coming out to my property?

Downloads and Links

• Download a comprehensive checklist for Mosquito Prevention around your home PDF file here»
  
• West Nile Virus Link here»