Mosquito Squad eliminates mosquitoes in your outdoor living spaces.

Here at Mosquito Squad, we specialize in eliminating mosquitoes from your outdoor living areas.  But whether you use our services here in the Triad of North Carolina or not, mosquito control is an important issue for many families.  Besides the obvious itching that these pests cause, there are significant diseases that can result from their bites.

This article is an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system we call SPLAT that  will effectively control mosquitoes.  Remember, the goal is to significantly reduce the unwanted mosquitoes and respect the environment.

Source Reduction—Walk your property and make a survey of potential breeding sites.  TIP over, TOSS out, FILL in, or DRAIN any site you discover.  Remove trash and containers that my accumulate water–remember it only takes a bottle cap of water for mosquitoes to breed.

Public (consumer) Awareness–read up on mosquitoes and their habitats.  There are articles across the web.  Knowledge is power when it comes to eliminating these pests.

Larvicide–utilize larvicides to keep mosquitoes from becoming adults.  Remember it is only the adult females that bite humans, but the come from larve. Benign larvicides can be added to standing water–many last over 100 days.

Mosquito Larve before becoming an adult.

Adulticide–Foggers and misters are available in home stores.  These are somewhat effective.  Sometimes this is enough.  However, to further reduce the population, you will need a professional with the knowledge and access to pesticides to treat your property.

Timing–mosquitoes live in cycles.  From the egg, to larva, through pupa, and finally adult there is a life-cycle that is affected by habitat and weather.  Knowing about this and breaking this cycle with the above recommendations is an important part of any IPM.

Try SPLAT yourself.  If you have comments or questions we encourage you to contact us at Mosquito Squad.

Since 2004, Children’s Home Society  and our corporate partners have raised over $460,000 through the Beach Music series to help support our vision to transform families and communities so children can thrive.

The 2012 BB&T Beach Music Concert series will run every Thursday from May 10 to June 28 at Kathleen Price Bryan Park (Festival Park) from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

On opening night, May 10, please join us to meet the Budweiser Clydesdales! The Clydesdales will parade down Elm Street to our Beach Music location begining at 4:30 p.m. Come follow us to Beach Music! Arrive before 6:30 p.m. for a chance to see the gentle giants up close. Also on tap for opening night, Lacy Green will sing the national anthem.

We are extremely excited to have the Budweiser Clydesdale joining us on opening day, along with Lacy Green singing the National Anthem.  Come see the eight-horse hitch of Clydesdales as they parade Downtown Greensboro and then follow us to BB&T Beach Music In The Park!  Parade will begin at 6:00 pm on Davie Street (gates open at 5:30 pm) S. Elm Street back to Davie Street for BB&T Beach Music In The Park.  All proceeds raised will benefit Children’s Home Society of NC.

Since 1902, Children’s Home Society has been one of North Carolina’s leading resources ensuring that every child has a permanent, safe, and loving family. CHS works with public social service agencies and many community partners to help parents create a safe, positive setting for children to grow and thrive, to preserve families, and when necessary, to provide children with a healthy family setting through foster care or adoption. CHS is committed to our vision of being a leader in transforming families and communities so children can thrive. For more information, please visit www.chsnc.org or call 1-800-632-1400.

Come out each Thursday night to shag up a storm and help transform families and communities so children can thrive!

May 10 – Part Time Party Time Band

May 17 – Special Occasions

May 24 – Band of Oz

May 31 – The Embers

June 7 – The Craig Woolard Band

June 14 – Eric & The Chill Tones

June 21 – Carolina Breakers

June 28 – Sleeping Booty

Be prepared for this on your wedding day.  Call Mosquito Squad of the Triad now for a free quote, and to schedule your treatment date.

(336). 617.5268

Dog heartworm is a disease common in canines throughout most of the United States. It is caused by a nematode (roundworm) that belongs to the family Filariidae. The worm, discovered in 1856 by the American parasitologist Joseph Leidy, has been given the scientific name Dirofilaria immitis. The adult worms live primarily in the heart and large vessels of the lungs. Adult female Dirofilaria measure from 9 to 16 inches in length. The males are a little more than half as long and are characterized by the cork screw turns of the posterior end often referred to as the “pigtail.”

Both male and female live within the chambers of’ the heart, usually extending through the valves. The worms prohibit proper valve closure as blood is pumped from one chamber to the next, seriously impairing the operation of the heart. In heavy infestations the worms migrate up the pulmonary artery and clog the blood vessels of the lungs. The results are loss of body weight, dropsy, chronic cough, shortness of breath, muscular weakness, disturbances of vision, chronic heart failure, and eventual death.

What is the role of the mosquito?

Adult worms living within the heart produce minute organisms known as microfilariae that circulate in the blood stream of the dog. Microfilariae, so named because they are microscopic, are actually larval heartworms that are incapable of reaching the adult stage without first passing through a developmental stage in the mosquito.

Mosquitoes feeding upon an infected dog take up a number of these microfilariae with the blood meal. The freshly acquired microfilariae migrate from the digestive tract of the mosquito to the abdominal region where they undergo a transformation. Within 2 or 3 weeks they reach the infective stage. At this time the larvae are actually miniature adults that are small enough to live within a mosquito.

Next, they break into the body cavity of the mosquito and migrate to the mouthparts. By this time the mosquito is ready for its second blood meal. As the mosquito feeds upon its host, the infective larvae are deposited on the skin. These small worms burrow into the host animal and lodge in the tissue where they remain for several months. Worms that enter hosts other than canines generally die within several days.

After an increase in size, the worms leave the tissue and enter the blood stream through the wall of a small vein. Then they travel through the blood stream and eventually lodge in the chambers of the right side of the heart where they develop into mature heartworms. The entire cycle takes approximately 9 months. Remember that the microfilariae cannot complete their life cycle without first passing through a mosquito. Of the millions of microfilariae that are produced by the adult worms, only a very few ever get a chance to pass through a mosquito. The remainder circulate through the blood of a dog where they eventually die and disintegrate; however, they are continually being replaced with fresh microfilariae supplied by the breeding adults living within the dog’s heart.

How do infected dogs react to the disease?

Since symptoms of dog heartworm vary considerably in different animals, a veterinarian is the only person qualified to give a proper diagnosis. Many dogs show the first visible indications of infection only after the disease has progressed to the point where treatment is no longer feasible. Active dogs generally show a tendency to tire easily. Shortness of breath or repeated coughing are usually positive signs of heartworm infection. Hunting dogs are often no longer able to keep up the rapid pace of the chase and frequently drop from exhaustion. Jaundice, convulsions, and disturbances of vision may occur in extreme cases. Emaciation often precedes death. All dogs with adult heartworms should show some microfilarial activity in the peripheral blood. A blood test made by a veterinarian is the only way to determine whether or not your dog has heartworm disease. Since microfilariae generally appear in the blood within 9 months after an infection occurs, mild cases of the disease can and should be detected and treated long before any symptoms are evident.

What can you do?

Protecting dogs from mosquito bites may be necessary in areas where mosquito populations are high. Screening the dog’s sleeping quarters is essential to prevent repeated bites.  Additionally, you may also consider receiving monthly yard treatments from a reputable specific mosquito treatment service.  Preventative medication should be used, especially in areas of known infection.

A periodic blood test is the most dependable precautions measure because it will reveal an early infection in an apparently healthy animal. Because a pet appears healthy is no reason to believe that it does not have the disease. Your dog could be the carrier responsible for an entire local outbreak.

Purebred, or mix breed, isn’t your dog’s well-being worth protecting it from pesky, biting, life threatening mosquitoes?

Asian Tiger Mosquito

Arriving 1985, the Asian Tiger Mosquito arrived in Houston, Texas inside of tires imported from Japan.  Since then, it has spread across the entire Southern US, and up the East coast to New Hampshire.

This mosquito is a significant pest because it closely associates with humans, and typically flies, or rather hops from bush to bush, and feeds in the daytime in addition to at dusk and dawn.  Many of the other 150 mosquito species common to the US feed at dusk and dawn, a time where humans can frequently avoid them.

So if you are attacked while playing tennis at lunch, you can probably thank the Asian Tiger.  Hit during a round of afternoon golf, likely the Tiger.  Laying out by the pool with friends in the early afternoon, consider yourself lunch for the Aedes albopictus.

And the Asian Tiger’s ultimate legacy may be that it can transmit viruses such as Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus.

So if you feel like you are attacked more frequently now than a few years ago, you are probably correct, thanks to the Asian Tiger Mosquito.  It flies when humans are most active.

For more information on the Mosquitoes, check out this Wikipedia article.  Or for data on the Asian Tiger Mosquito,  check out these sources:

	Federal GovernmentInformation on Aedes albopictus DHHS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Introduction History; DistributionAedes albopictus in the United States: Ten-Year Presence and Public Health Implications (Emerging Infectious Disease, Vol. 3, No. 3, 1997) DHHS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Introduction History; Impacts; Habitat; Distribution; Dispersion; Legal Aspects Aedes Albopictus Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Taxonomy Mosquitoes – Integrated Pest Management Manual DOI. National Park Service. Identification/Description; Impacts; Life Cycle; Dispersion; Controls; Special Note: Excellent references section Aedes albopictus Article Citation Search – AGRICOLA Database USDA. National Agricultural Library. Research; Special Note: NAL Catalog Search (resources)
	State GovernmentAsian Tiger Mosquito: Prevention and Control Illinois Department of Public Health. Environmental Health. Identification/Description; Illustrations; Impacts; Life Cycle; ControlsThe Asian Tiger Mosquito in Maryland Maryland Department of Agriculture. Plant Industries and Pest Management. Identification/Description; Photographs; Illustrations; Introduction History; Impacts; Life Cycle; Habitat; Distribution; Dispersion; Controls; Special Note: Public Health Importance and Surveillance of Tiger Mosquitoes Asian Tiger Mosquitoes Brochure (PDF | 95 KB) North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Public Health and Pest Management. Illustrations; Introduction History; Impacts; Life Cycle; Habitat; Controls
	University/AcademicAsian Tiger Mosquito, Aedes albopictus University of California – Riverside. Center for Invasive Species Research. Identification/Description; Photographs; Introduction History; Impacts; DistributionAsian Tiger Mosquito – Featured Creatures University of Florida. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Taxonomy; Identification/Description; Photographs; Introduction History; Impacts; Life Cycle; Distribution; Controls; Special Note: References The Asian Tiger Mosquito in Florida University of Florida. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Identification/Description; Introduction History; Distribution; Controls West Nile Virus and the Asian Tiger Mosquito Maryland Cooperative Extension Service. Maryland Master Gardeners. Charles County. Photographs; Introduction History; Impacts; Distribution; Controls Aedes albopictus (Skuse) and The Asian Tiger Mosquito in New Jersey (PDF | 88 KB) Rutgers State University of New Jersey. Entomology. Taxonomy; Identification/Description; Impacts; Habitat; Distribution; Dispersion Asian Tiger Mosquito Ohio State University. Extension. Identification/Description; Illustrations; Life Cycle; Habitat; Distribution; Controls; Legal Aspects Asian Tiger Mosquito – Entomology Insect Information Series (PDF | 101 KB) Clemson University. Cooperative Extension Service. Photographs; Impacts; Life Cycle; Controls The Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus): Spatial, Ecological, and Human Implications in Southeast Virginia Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Digital Library and Archives. Identification/Description; Photographs; Illustrations; Introduction History; Impacts; Life Cycle; Distribution; Dispersion; Controls; Research; Legal Aspects; Special Note: Diffusion maps of the Asian Tiger Mosquito via U.S. major Roads/Interstates from 1986-1997

Warmer-than-usual spring weather with some rain has promoted the early breeding of mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes can carry dangerous diseases for people, horses and pets. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks can reduce exposure to mosquitoes, especially when hiking. Insect repellents also can be helpful, against mosquitoes. Contact a local business and look into getting your frontyard and backyard treated for mosquitoes, this will reduce their numbers greatly and make your outdoor areas safe and more enjoyable.

“We are thankful for the rain, but standing water can create mosquito breeding areas. We must remember to empty this water from containers around our homes,” said Guilford County Health Director Merle Green. “This rainfall also gets our grass growing, so it’s important to mow our yards regularly to reduce ticks.”

Take these steps to reduce insect breeding conditions :

• Mosquitoes: Empty all outdoor containers at least every seven days. Keep gutters clean and in good repair. Repair leaky outdoor faucets. Screen or cover any outside rain barrels used for water conservation.

• Horse owners should discuss their annual vaccinations with their veterinarians to protect their animals against EEE and West Nile virus. The vaccinations initially require two shots, three to four weeks apart, for horses, mules and donkeys that have no prior vaccinations. Neither vaccination fully protects the animal for several weeks, so it is best to vaccinate as early in the mosquito season as possible, said State Veterinarian David Marshall. Marshall also recommends a booster shot every six months because of the extended mosquito season.

Filed under: Mosquito Control in North Carolina, Mosquito Free Outdoor Living, The Mosquito, The Mosquito and Your Family's Health Tagged: breeding of mosquitoes, nature, west nile virus ]]> http://triadmosquitosquad.com/2012/04/09/early-showing-for-insects-2012/feed/ 0 36.091692 -79.814953 36.091692 -79.814953 mosquitosquadgso http://triadmosquitosquad.com/2012/03/26/mosquito-squad-the-cost-of-protection/ http://triadmosquitosquad.com/2012/03/26/mosquito-squad-the-cost-of-protection/#comments Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:11:59 +0000 Hugh Jones http://triadmosquitosquad.com/?p=227 ]]> We are often asked, “How much does protection from mosquitoes cost?”  Here are a few different ways to look at the answer:

45 Seasons of Mosquito Protection = 1 Case of West Nile Virus

20 Seasons of Mosquito Protection = 1 Screened Porch Addition to Your Home

8 Seasons of Mosquito Protection = 1 Mountain Home Vacation Rental to Avoid from the Bugs

1 Season of Mosquito Protection = 20 Meals at Outback Steak House trying to Outrun the Backyard BBQ Bugs

Mosquito protection by Mosquito Squad: when you consider the big picture, it’s a great way to keep your family and pets healthy, and enjoy your outdoor living.

Knowledge doesn’t necessarily lead to action when it comes to many things, including mosquito control. According to a new survey, a vast majority of Americans are aware that mosquitoes can carry life threatening diseases, but don’t take steps to eliminate that risk.

Mosquito Squad eliminates mosquitoes like this one.

Fielded in early June by TNS Worldwide for Mosquito Squad, the survey reveals that more than 70% of American homeowners know mosquitoes can carry dangerous diseases such as West Nile Virus (WNV), but only half (51%) eliminate standing water in their yards, an easy way to reduce the mosquito population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that nearly 300,000 Americans have been sickened with WNV since it arrived in the U.S. 11 years ago.

“Beyond the irritation of mosquito bites, these pests can carry illnesses that can seriously impact ones’ health,” said Hugh Jones of Mosquito Squad of the Triad. “By practicing good mosquito control habits, homeowners can protect themselves, their families and pets.”

Other survey results:

• Mosquito bites can also lead to heartworm in dogs and cats, but unfortunately, just 16% of American homeowners know this;
• Despite knowing the risks, only 37% of American homeowners are concerned with getting bit by mosquitoes;
• Less than a third of Americans know that mosquitoes can carry Encephalitis.

To help eliminate mosquitoes, Hugh Jones at Mosquito Squad offers the following strategies:

1. TIP. Reduce standing water to eliminate mosquito threats. Check children’s sandboxes, wagons or plastic toys; downspouts, plant saucers and dog bowls. Other hot spots: gutters, and flat roofs.

2. TOSS. Remove excess grass, leaves, firewood and clippings from yards.

3. TURN. Turn over larger yard items that could hold water like children’s plastic toys.

4. REMOVE TARPS. If tarps stretched over firewood piles, boats or sports equipment aren’t taut, they’re holding water.

5. TREAT. Utilize a mosquito elimination barrier treatment around the home and yard. Using a barrier treatment at home reduces the need for using DEET-containing bug spray on the body. Mosquito Squad’s eliminates up to 90% of the mosquitoes and ticks on a property.

For additional tips and information, visit triad.mosqitosquad.com.

1. Turn over pots, buckets, or wagons that collect water–especially around your pool, garden, or patio.
2. Cover garbage cans with lids that fit well.
3. Stock your pond with some fish that will eat the mosquito larvae.
4. Trim shrubs and vines that touch or overhang your property.
5. Rake and remove piles of leaves or brush that can collect even small thimble-size pools of water.

These simple tips can become part of an integrated pest management plan that can have you and your  family enjoying your outdoor living spaces all summer.

Mosquito Squad sponsors the Beach Music series in Greensboro to assist the Children's Home Society.

All proceeds raised will benefit Children’s Home Society, North Carolina’s leading resource in adoption and foster care with the mission to promote the right of every child to a permanent, safe, and loving family.

Childrens Home Society of North Carolina

The 2012 BB&T Beach Music Concert series will run every Thursday from May 12 to June 30 at Kathleen Price Bryan Park (Festival Park) from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm.  The 2011 season will feature the following bands:

May 10 – Part Time Party Time Band

May 17 – Special Occasions

May 24 – Band of Oz

May 31 – The Embers

June 7 – The Craig Woolard Band

June 14 – Eric & The Chill Tones

June 21 – Carolina Breakers

June 28 – Sleeping Booty

Beach Music in the Park, Greensboro, NC

Since 1902, Children’s Home Society has been one of North Carolina’s leading resources ensuring that every child has a permanent, safe, and loving family.  CHS works with public social service agencies and many community partners to help parents create a safe, positive setting for children to grow and thrive, to preserve families, and when necessary, to provide children with a healthy family setting through foster care or adoption.  CHS is committed to our vision of being a leader in transforming families and communities so children can thrive. CHS staff and programs serve children and families in 60+ North Carolina counties each year. For more information, please visit www.chsnc.org.

Beach Music, Sponsored in part by Mosquito Squad

Come on out to dance, see your friends, and help Mosquito Squad of the Triad raise money for kids in need in NC.