Filed under: Malaria No More, Mosquito Barrier Spray, Mosquito Dangers, Mosquito-borne illnesses | Tags: Malaria, Malaria No More
Mosquito Squad is proud to be partnered with Malaria No More. We hope in our joint efforts we can begin to combat one of the most plaguing diseases in Africa. Lets begin with some basics for those who aren’t sure exactly what Malaria is or how it affects the population. Malaria is an infectious blood disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted from one human to another via the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Symptoms typically appear 9-14 days after the inital infectious bite. Fever, headache, vomiting and other flu-like symptoms are tell tale signs of Malaria. If left untreated due to lack of available treatments such as drugs or if the strain of parasite has become resistant to the available treatments, this infection will lead to coma, anemia and death. Malaria has killed over 700,000 people to date in Africa alone. So, now that you know what it is, you ask, “What can I do to help?”.
First, Malaria is preventable and treatable! In Africa, 40% of their health resources are used just to treat Malaria, which is why it is more important than ever that we help to fight this disease. Ninety-one percent of Malaria-related deaths occur in Africa, the majority of which are children under the age of 5. One of the most basic ways to help protect the people of this region is a simple tool, one that is inexpensive, it is a basic mosquito net. Here in America, we take for granted that we can close a window or door and safely lay our heads down at night knowing that we are guarded from such pests, but in Africa, most homes don’t offer that same protection. For them, the mosquito net is their protection. Each net is $10 and each net saves a life!
Mosquito Squad of Nashville has committed to help in this battle against Malaria, so for each barrier spray season package purchased in 2012, we will donate $20 to Malaria No More, to save 2 lives. We believe it is important to take care of our neighbors, near and far. So please join us in this effort, in addition to the benefits of being able to enjoy your outdoor spaces, you can save 2 lives.
We look forward to providing you a quality service this year and giving the children of Africa the gift of growing up!
Mosquito Squad of Nashville
615-620-2847
Filed under: Barrier spray, Family, Mini event sprays, Mosquito Barrier Spray, Mosquito Squad Nashville | Tags: Easter, mosquito season, Mosquitoes, spring
As mother nature has reminded us this week, spring is on its way. With recent days temps topping in the mid 60′s here in Nashville, it serves to remind us that in the coming weeks, Spring will be here. As the ground begins to thaw, the tulips will sprout and before you know it, you will be planning spring brunches and setting out eggs in the back yard for your little ones to find. Be sure to plan for the uninvited guests, MOSQUITOES! Most of us think that it is not until we are laying poolside that we need to worry, but in actuality mosquito season begins in early spring. Once temps are warm enough, these pests will be out buzzing around your garden in search of nectar and other sugars which serve as a primary food sources for them. Unfortunately for us, human blood contains many of the proteins that mosquitoes need for egg production, so they will be out and about in search of any source they can find, which includes you and your family. Get ahead of the game and get in touch with us here at Mosquito Squad, your premier mosquito control company here in Middle Tennessee, we will make sure you can focus on enjoying your outdoor spaces and not having to worry about mosquitoes! Call us today at 615-620-2847 to get on our spring schedule!
Filed under: Family, Mosquito Squad Nashville, Standing Water, Uncategorized | Tags: Halloween, Mosquitoes, pest control, pumpkins, trick or treaing
- Keep your halloween free from mosquitoes!
As Halloween approaches, we are still seeing unseasonably warm weather here in Nashville. The closer we get to trick or treat time, the more pumpkins, gourds and other festive decorations we see appearing on front porches and patios. We want to remind you to tip over these spooktacular displays periodically to rid them of any small areas of pooling water. Any standing water will still attract pesky mosquitoes, and thats the last thing you want your favorite ghouls and gobblins to have to deal with while trick or treating! We would love to see pictures of your little ones in their costumes, so please feel free to post them on our Facebook page! All of us here at Mosquito Squad of Nashville hope that you and your family have a save and very Happy Halloween!
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: death from West Nile Virus, Mosquitoes, Tennessee, West Nile Virus
Tennessee Confirms Human West Nile Virus Death
Released on Wed, Oct 05, 2011 – 3:49 pm under Health
People Urged to Take Precautions during Outdoor Activities
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed the first death in Tennessee due to West Nile virus since 2009. The individual is a resident of Shelby County. There have been 14 human cases of the illness in Tennessee so far this year. The Department of Health urges Tennesseans to continue to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites to protect themselves against West Nile virus.
“Our sympathy goes out to the family of the individual who has died from West Nile virus, and this case is a somber reminder of the threat posed by this illness,” said State Epidemiologist Tim F. Jones, MD. “Now that fall is here and the weather is cooling, Tennesseans may think mosquitoes are gone, but the insects are still active in our state. We want residents and visitors to continue to enjoy outdoor activities, but be vigilant in taking steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites that could transmit the virus.”
Mosquito populations in Tennessee are at their peak May through October. There is no human vaccine for WNV; therefore, Tennesseans need to take preventive measures to avoid being bitten by infected mosquitoes. The following tips will help reduce the risk of WNV infection:
• Eliminate standing water near your home, which can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Many containers, even those as small as a bottle cap, can hold enough water for mosquitoes to breed.
• Keep windows and doors closed or cover them with screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
• Use insect repellant containing either DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. Be sure to follow all product guidelines and age restrictions for use of repellants.
• Most mosquitoes likely to transmit WNV bite at dusk and dawn, so avoid being outdoors at these times. If you must go outside during these times, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks to protect yourself.
• For more extensive outdoor activity or overseas travel where other mosquito-borne illnesses are present, consider treating clothing with a product containing the insecticide permethrin. Permethrin is not to be used on skin.
“We have confirmed West Nile virus in mosquitoes across the state. All Tennesseans should take steps to protect themselves, particularly those who are at greater risk for the most serious forms of illness the virus can cause,” said State Medical Entomologist Abelardo Moncayo, Ph.D. “Most cases resulting in hospitalization are in people over the age of 50 and most cases resulting in death occur in people over 75 years of age.”
Tennessee is also seeing an increase in human West Nile virus cases this year. In 2010, a total of only four human cases were reported in the state. In 2009, eight human cases were reported in Tennessee including one fatal case.
Most human WNV infections are very mild and may produce no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include fever, head and body aches, and usually last only a few days. WNV can occasionally cause a brain infection in humans. Severe infections, which occur in less than one percent of human cases, may cause meningitis or encephalitis and result in high fever, neck stiffness, stupor or disorientation. Severe cases may also cause muscle weakness, paralysis or death. The virus cannot be spread from one person to another.
Horses can also be infected with West Nile virus. Tennessee has had three confirmed cases of WNV in horses so far this year, and had a total of three in 2010. Horse owners should be sure their animals are current on vaccinations for WNV as well as for eastern equine encephalitis, which is also carried by mosquitoes.
For more information on West Nile virus, visit the Tennessee Department of Health website at http://health.state.tn.us/CEDS/WNV/wnvhome.asp.
If you are interested in a barrier spray for your business or residence, please call us at 615-620-2847.
Remember to follow the 5 T’s, Tip, Toss, Turnover,Top and Tarp
What we mean is to be sure to TIP any items that may be holding standing water,
TOSS any water in areas which may collect leaves and debris,
TURNOVER these very same items so that new water and leaves don’t begin to fall back into them creating a recurring issue,
note anything with a TOP to it, ie. where slight dips in rooflines exist water can pool, even tops of BBQs or your childs toy left outside, can all contribute to standing water, remember, it only takes a teaspoon for mosquitoes to have a breeding ground.
Lastly, remove all TARPS, they are notorious for holding pockets of standing water which again allows mosquitoes to breed and live right outside your backdoor!
Feel free to call us if we can be of assistance!
Mosquito Squad of Nashville!
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Filed under: Barrier spray, Mosquito Barrier Spray, Mosquito Dangers, Protecting your pets from mosquitoes and ticks | Tags: heartworm, Mosquito control, pest control, pets
Heartworms in Dogs: Facts and Myths
WebMD separates the facts from fiction about canine heartworms.
By Sandy Eckstein
WebMD Pet Health Feature
Reviewed by Audrey Cook, BVM&S
Heartworms in dogs are easy to prevent, but difficult and costly to cure. We asked Sheldon Rubin, 2007-2010 president of the American Heartworm Society, to separate facts from the myths about heartworm infestations in dogs.
Q: How do dogs get heartworms?
A: Only by the bite of an infected mosquito. There’s no other way dogs get heartworms. And there’s no way to tell if a mosquito is infected. That’s why prevention is so important.
Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states. And the bite of just one mosquito infected with the heartworm larvae will give your dog heartworm disease.
Heartworm disease has not only spread throughout the United States, but it’s also now found in areas where veterinarians used to say “Oh, we don’t have heartworm disease.” Areas like Oregon, California, Arizona, and desert areas –where irrigation and building are allowing mosquitoes to survive. And if you have mosquitoes and you have animals, you’re going to have heartworms. It’s just that simple.
It takes about seven months, once a dog is bitten by an infected mosquito, for the larvae to mature into adult heartworms. They then lodge in the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels and begin reproducing. Adult worms can grow up to 12 inches in length, can live 5-7 years, and a dog can have as many as 250 worms in its system. When left untreated, heartworms are fatal to their hosts.
Call our offices today for a free quote on our barrier spray services!
Mosquito Squad of Nashville
615-620-BUGS
Filed under: Equine encephalitis, Horses, Mosquito Dangers, Mosquito Species, Mosquito-borne illnesses, Protecting your pets from mosquitoes and ticks, Standing Water | Tags: equine encephalitis, mosquito control in barns, St. Louis encephalitis, West Nile Virus
Mosquito control misting system in Nashville barn
Mosquitoes on and around your horses and other areas of your barn are both a nuisance and a hazard. Mosquitoes can carry several diseases that can be transmitted to horses including Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus. If left untreated, these diseases can lead to serious illness or even death. They symptoms of early disease are so common with other illnesses that these diseases could easily go untreated. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms such as fever, drowsiness, and inability to swallow.
Mosquito Squad of Nashville has a mosquito control system designed specifically for barns to protect your horses and other animals. The system is a misting system that’s installed to mist automatically at pre-scheduled times. The mist is made of safe ingredients including Permethrin which is a synthetic form of the natural insecticide in flowers.
With the misting system, hoses are installed over every stall, over the common areas, and over the entry ways. A fine mist is dispensed at intervals throughout the day and night to control mosquitoes. Our misting systems can be up to 90 or 95% effective!
In addition, our systems kill ticks and also prevent other flying insects.
Now is a great time to install a misting system in time for next spring. Give us a ring.
Filed under: Malaria No More | Tags: Malaria No More, mosquito control Africa
We hear the word cancer and we get a shiver down our spine. We find out that a friend or family member has cancer and we tremble knowing there’s a good chance they won’t live. In Africa, the cancer is Malaria. But, unlike cancer, Malaria is preventable and treatable. Then why is it killing so many people? Of the million people in Africa who die of Malaria each year, most of them are small children.
Here in the United States, we eradicated Malaria back in 1951. It’s completely treatable if it’s caught early. But, as we know prevention is the best cure. Malaria is carried by mosquitoes. These mosquitoes feed mostly at night while families and young children sleep. For only $10, you can buy a bed net that covers children’s beds to keep the Malaria-spreading mosquitoes away.
At Mosquito Squad, we’ve partnered with Malaria No More to help fight this disease. You’ve probably heard of the Malaria No More organization on shows like American Idol which is also a big contributor.
Here’s how to contribute. Just test SWAT to 85944. You will receive a message asking you to confirm your $10 contribution. Or, feel free to send a check to our office or drop by our office with a check. Make the check to Malaria No More. Each net is only $10. We will forward your payment to Malaria No More. Your donation is tax deductible.
Filed under: Misting System, Mosquito misting, Tick misting | Tags: barrier spray, DEET free insect control, DEET-free tick control, Mosquito Control Nashville, mosquito fogging, mosquito misting, Nashville mosquito control, Nashville mosquito problem, tick control, tick misting, tick-borne illnesses
Mosquito misting system pipe and nozzle
Mosquito Squad is the Nashville-based company that provides safe and effective mosquito and tick control for your yard. It’s a revolutionary way to get pests out and keep your family and friends safe. Instead of spraying everyone who goes in your yard every time and instead of constantly inspecting your pets for ticks, we just spray your yard and you don’t have to worry about anything. No citronella candles. No DEET. No messy sprays and re-applying. No worries about insect-infected dinners outside.
It really does sound too good to be true but it’s not. We protect your yard and then your family, pets and guests are protected.
We have two different products. Our first product is a misting system that we install in your yard. We use a small discreet tank, hoses, nozzles and a timer. We set the timer with pre-set times for releasing the mist into your yard for full yard protection. The spray is set to go off about 3 times each day – in the early morning, late evening and around 2AM or so. It only sprays for 30 seconds to one minute at a time and approximately 95% of the mosquitoes and ticks in your yard are either killed on impact if they’re already in your yard or killed as they enter your yard at a later point. Our mist is micro-encapsulated. It adheres to the leaves, shrubs, grass and other greenery around your home. Pests land on these areas and pick up the capsules which then burst and kill the insects.
The remote control for pests is here!
What’s even better is we give you a remote control to do an additional spray if you are having guests over or need additional protection at an alternate time of the day.
We use the misting systems from the early spring though early fall. Give us a call to have yours set up now to be ready to go for the mosquito and tick season.
Filed under: Cedar Oil, Ehrilchiosis, Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tick Control, Tick-borne illnesses | Tags: cedar oil tick prevention, DEET free insect control, DEET-free tick control, ehrlichiosis Nashville, Lyme Disease Nashville, nashville tick control, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Nashville., tick-borne illnesses
Cedar oil is an all-natural tick prevention
Cedar!
We have a completely natural solution for tick control. Our solution is a cedar oil solution that is completely DEET-free and completely pesticide or chemical free.
Here’s how it works. At Mosquito Squad, we know the best way to protect you from mosquitoes and ticks is to protect your yard – where you spend the most time. We know how expensive and frankly toxic it can be to try to spray yourself, your loved ones and pets every time you go to spend time outside in your yard. That’s why we spray your yard in a similar manner to how you spray your home for termites.
With ticks and mosquitoes, they are seasonal pests – and they are really more than pests. They are disease carriers. To use our yard-control tick solution, we come spray your yard every 2-3 weeks. Of course our product cannot completely eliminate all the ticks and mosquitoes in your yard but it will eliminate most of them.
Mosquito Squad protection from ticks and tick-borne diseases
Give us a ring to find out more about our all-natural tick control spray for your yard. Tell us you read this article and we will give you a free 4 oz. bottle to take with you on your outdoor events when you sign up for one of our yard protection services.
Filed under: Mosquito Dangers, Standing Water | Tags: Mosquito Dangers, Standing Water
Are you inviting mosquitoes to take up residence at your home?
Believe it or not, if you have any standing water in your yard or around your home, you are inviting mosquitoes to take up residence. Mosquitoes need standing water to breed. That’s the only place they breed. And, they don’t need something as large as a bird bath. They can breed in soda caps, the pooling basin of an outdoor plant or even in an open outdoor candle. Even if you have your Nashville-area yard sprayed for mosquitoes and ticks, you still need to do everything you can to eliminate standing water so you are not inviting them right back in.
Here is a list of the places in your yard where water might pool that you wouldn’t naturally think of:
- upcapped fence posts from chain-linked fences
- garden furniture
- pet water bowls
- play sets
- rain gutters
- recycling bins
- open garbage cans
- outdoor umbrellas
- wheelbarrows
With the list above, the best thing to do when walking through the yard is the 5 T’s:
- Tip – tip any vessel that holds unintended standing water
- Toss – toss any items in your yard that could collect water that can be discarded
- Turn Over – turn over any potentially water-holding items or containers
- Tarps Eliminated – If at all possible, eliminate all outside tarps.
- Treat Your Yard – use a mosquito and tick control expert to spray your yard with safe and effective mosquito spray to protect your family and pets
This past week I came across a couple areas that also were perilous mosquito breeding grounds due to their standing water. The first one is in the picture you see above. This area was adjacent to the yard of one of my customers. She was doing everything right to keep mosquitoes at bay but this area was a veritable standing invitation to the mosquito motel.
Now in the picture you see above, this area actually sits on a rock ledge which makes the entire area very impervious to natural drainage.
So, standing water is something you can try to guard against by being aware of the areas of your yard to regularly empty. Be aware of other areas where water will pool that you cannot control. Have those areas treated for mosquitoes and arrange your sitting and furniture areas farthest from those outdoor water pools.
