Mosquito and Tick Control: How to Stay Bite-Free This Year
With the return of spring comes the return of everyone’s least favorite visitors, mosquitoes and ticks. Experts predict that due to the moist, mild conditions anticipated this season, the pressure from both of these pests will increase. In order to avoid bites and the potential diseases that come with them, everyone should take preventative measures before spending time outdoors. Here’s what residents in Wilbraham, East Longmeadow, and surrounding areas should know about mosquito and tick control.
DIY to Keep Away Mosquitoes and Ticks!
- Be sure to use an insect repellent whenever you’ll be spending time outdoors. The NPMA recommends an EPA-approved repellent that contains at least 20% DEET, or has picaridin or oil of lemon-eucalyptus. In order for it to be effective, spray it on after sunscreen is used.
- Mosquitoes love water! Eliminate any potential mosquito breeding grounds in and around your property. Mosquitos only need a half-inch of standing water to breed (even something the size of a bottle cap could attract them). Keep stagnant water out of flower pots, baby pools, buckets, tires, toys, and other objects.
- Keep your yard well-groomed to help prevent ticks. Cut grass low and remove weeds and debris, and keep shrubbery trimmed. Ticks like to hang out in the “fringes.” These are the buffer areas between the manicured lawn and woods.
- Wear appropriate clothing. Long pants and sleeves can limit exposure to insect bites, and consider tying back hair or keeping it under a hat. Try wearing light-colored clothing, as it can be easier to spot any ticks hitching a ride home with you.
- Avoid walking through tall grass, as this is a preferred “ambush” spot for ticks.
- Screen all windows and doors, and patch any holes or tears– even tiny ones!
- Inspect yourself, your pets, and your family members carefully for ticks after spending time outside. Be on the lookout for the telltale red bullseye rash around a bite.
Along with these preventative measures, don’t forget to read up on the best way to remove a tick! If you have questions about mosquito and tick control or need help dealing with another pesky pest, give Graduate a call and say hello to a pest-free season!
