It’s rained here in Texas for what feels like forty days and forty nights, and our great state has been through some major heartache with the massive flooding throughout Texas. My thoughts and prayers are with those affected and impacted by the flooding, and my hearts aches with those who have lost loved ones as a result.
And as if we haven’t been through enough over the past few weeks, we are left with a lingering problem that can bring with it some major issues as a result… Mosquitoes.
All this rain means that we are gearing up for a terrible, terrible, mosquito season which is, unfortunately, upon us. And I’m not just talking about plain ol’ flying insects — I’m talking pterodactyl-sized mosquitoes. And they’re not just super-annoying — they can deeply impact our health. Many people each year are infected with West Nile Virus as a result of the mosquito population. West Nile Virus can be deadly, especially to young infants and to the elderly, and researchers are discovering more and more about the long term effects of West Nile Virus for the survivors who live through it. These latent effects are just as scary, especially those West Nile Victims who are presenting kidney failure about five years after the acute illness.
All that said, nothing rips the fun out of summer quite like mosquitoes can. They leave us with few options. We can just stay indoors and forget about enjoying those summer nights out and about…we can spray chemicals on us and our kiddos to keep those whelping and itchy away…or we can call in our sponsors at Mosquito Squad to save the day.
Obviously, I’m going with option numero three. You with me?
Mosquito Squad provides a safe, effective, and affordable treatment option that can AND has left my family to enjoy our summer evenings outdoors with far fewer bites. They use a natural solution of distilled essential oils that repels mosquitoes without harming our children, fur babies, or friends of nature {think butterflies or honeybees}. In fact, they use the same natural treatment near bodies of water because it’s THAT safe. After all, it’s all about reducing those pesky insects without harming others in the process.
And since we are facing a monumental mosquito season as a result of all the water mother nature has dumped on Texas, here are a few more tips to help you say so long to mosquitoes…once and for all!
1. TIP
Did you know that a bottle cap filled with water holds enough water for mosquitoes to breed {aka multiply!}? Since mosquitoes breed in standing water, try to get rid of any lingering water in and around your house and yard. Mosquito Squad technicians report that yards with bird baths, play sets with tire swings, tree houses, portable fireplaces and pits, as well as catch basins to recycle water should ALL be checked regularly and have any excess water tipped out.
2. TOSS
Also, by keeping your yard clean, you can remove a major breeding area for both mosquitoes and ticks as well. Try to get rid of excess grass clippings, leaves, firewood, and piles of mulch, and especially take note underneath decks, in gutters, and at roof lines – as debris and trash can gather there too.
3. TURN
Walk the yard every few days and turn over items that could hold water and trash. Look for children’s portable sandboxes, slides, or plastic toys; underneath and around downspouts; in plant saucers, empty pots, light fixtures, and dog water bowls. It doesn’t have to be a major event – just do a scan as you’re out playing with your kiddos in the yard.
4. REMOVE TARPS
Do you have a tarp covering something in your backyard? If it’s not stretched taut, then it’s probably holding water. Problem areas noted most by Mosquito Squad technicians include tarps over firewood piles, portable fire places, recycling cans, boats, sports equipment, and grills. So keep a keen eye on those!
5. TAKE CARE
Home maintenance can be a deciding factor in property values…and mosquito bites. Keep lawn height low and weed areas. Regularly clean out gutters and make sure the downspout is properly attached. Level areas in your yard where water stands for more than a few hours, and make sure that all fallen branches and hollow trees or logs are removed. Also, irrigation systems can cause a breeding haven if they are leaking – so if you’ve got a system, be sure to keep that well maintained too.
6. TEAM UP
Despite taking all precautions in your own home, talking with neighbors is a key component to mosquito control as well. Small lots and townhomes mean that mosquitoes can breed at a neighbor’s home, but then buzz right over to your yard and bite YOU.
7. TREAT
And our favorite…utilize a mosquito elimination barrier treatment, like the one Mosquito Squad offers, around your home and yard. I can’t say enough great things about how this has changed my family’s time outdoors. {Well maybe I can – keep reading below.} Because most of all, I love that using a barrier treatment at home reduces the need for using DEET-containing bug spray on my body and the precious little bodies that fill my home.
At their first visit, a Mosquito Squad technician came and went within about 15 minutes. He sprayed the entire yard, the perimeter, the bushes, the house, the fencing, the garage door, everything. Its was quick and easy. Not only did I love that we saw a dramatic reduction in the number of mosquitoes after just the very first treatment {even with all the rain of Memorial Day weekend}, but I also loved that the solution he sprayed smelled fresh and clean instead of having that awful, bug spray odor to it. And if you’re not overly impressive by the reduction you will notice after the first treatment, then know that Mosquito Squad will come to your house and/or property every 2-3 weeks for continuous and consistent treatments with the mosquito population to dwindle more and more with each visit. Bring it on!
I’m telling you…this treatment will completely change your approach to summer and finally allow you to make sweet memories with your family outdoors. Which is why I am so excited that Mosquito Squad is treating one VERY lucky mama to a “Summer Mosquito Treatment Package”, consisting of 4 mosquito barrier spray treatments* to keep you mosquito free all summer long! {*Valued at $450 and applies to 1/2 acre area or less.} Simply enter below to win…
Winner :: Leslie M.
Please Note :: While this may be a sponsored post, we at Houston Moms Blog are raving fans of Mosquito Squad and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I despise the itchy bites that my daughter and I get from mosquitos! Ours get huge and painful. I would love to win this!
I hate mosquitoes! We have been searching for a way to keep them at bay without having to install a system. Definitely looking into this.
I was just thinking about ways to get rid of all these mosquitoes!!! We live along the green belt in spring tx and you’re not kidding they are huge this year! I wanna spend more times outside and actually fix up our deck but we are getting bit like crazy! I love that this product is all natural too since I have a two year old and two dogs.
So timely – I’ve been looking for someone to come spray for Mosquitoes – thank you!!!
What a great giveaway!
Thanks for sharing. We are having the WORST time with mosquitoes!
Mosquitos are the worst! I’m so worried about my baby getting bitten this summer.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen as many mosquitoes in my life as I have this year.
We used to have a home mosquito spray system until I wanted to plant a butterfly garden. The more research I did the more I learned how bad the spray is for the environment. The don’t just target mosquitos but other ecologically helpful insects like bees and butterflies. We quit using the spray and now use cedar oil based repellent when we go outside. A little anti-itch cream helps with the few bites we do get. I have to say, I love how many butterflies and bees I have seen since we stopped spraying! I know most people don’t care too much about the bees and butterflies but there numbers are being drastically reduced from insecticide use.
I really liked reading your comments about removing sources of standing water like tarps and water bowls as a way to reduce mosquitoes living on and around your property. I would imagine that most professional pest services would follow a similar protocol as part of their treatment plan. It couldn’t hurt to have the home professionally treated as well though, to make sure that no passing bugs try and make it their home.
You’ve got great tips for getting rid of mosquitoes. I had no idea that a tiny bottle cap full of water was enough for these bugs to breed. If that’s the case, we really need to look at our property and get rid of standing water! We also want to hire a pro.