“I’m Canadian and tough. Mosquitoes are just part of summer!”  I hear this comment every season and it makes me laugh.  In reality, mosquitoes are annoying and there are plenty of risks associated with Mosquito bites.

Mosquitoes are vectors of numerous diseases including malaria, yellow fever, dengue, encephalitis, Chikungunya, West Nile virus and Zika. Zika being the newest mosquito-borne disease of growing concern.

KNOW YOUR ENEMY –  MOSQUITO BASICS

1. Mosquitoes are small insects that bite. Because their bites can also cause itchiness and irritation, many people try to avoid them.
2. Some mosquitoes will lay their eggs on the surface of the water and will grow in still or very slow-moving water. They lay between 100 and 400 eggs at one time!
3. The eggs hatch in 1 or 2 days into larvae, which look like small worms. The life cycle from egg to adult can take less than 10 days if the temperature is right. The ideal temperature is between 22° and 27°C.
4. Did you know: Only female mosquitoes feed on animal or human blood. They need blood to produce eggs. Nasty!

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AND YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITO BITES?

In most parts of Canada, mosquitoes are common from May to September. Mosquitoes can bite at any time of the day, but they tend to be more active between dusk and dawn.

Tools to help you stay safe and protect your family

• Use a fly swatter to kill mosquitoes in the home.
• Use an approved insect repellent with a PCP registration number on the label.
• ALWAYS read and follow all label directions.
• Wear loose clothes made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from your skin. Such as nylon or polyester.

(Mr. KnowBugs Pro Tip!): My favourite tool is a high-velocity fan. I always have a few around my patio furniture and BBQ.  The fast-moving air pushing the mosquitoes away!

• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors, use netting to protect infants when outdoors.
• Wear long pants and sleeves as well as shoes and socks. You should do this if you’re going to be outside when mosquitoes are most active.
• Fix or replace old and torn screens in doors, windows and vents. Inspect all other possible access points into your home and fix them as needed.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR YARD FROM MOSQUITOES BITE?

ELIMINATE TOP BREEDING SITES. Mosquitoes will breed in almost anything that can hold water, from a large, neglected swimming pool to something as small as a bottle cap, so take your time and examine the premises thoroughly. Watch Mr. KnowBugs walk through a typical yard.

Common mosquito breeding sites includes:

• Tires
• Plastic bags and tarps
• Buckets,
• pet dishes,
• birdbaths,
• bottles and cans,
• children’s toys,
• flower pots and drain saucers,
• wheelbarrows,
• kiddie pools or unopened pools for that matter.

Not so obvious mosquito breeding spots:

• Check out any in-ground value boxes for sprinkler and irrigation systems

(Mr. KnowBugs Pro Tip!): Check corrugated plastic drainpipes used to divert water away from downspouts.  The accordion/flex rivets tend to collect water.

• Clogged gutters and tree holes are often overlooked breeding sites.
• Chances are during your inspection you might get bitten by mosquitoes. Stop and take a look around you: Why are they biting you there…..why are they attracted to that spot? Often there is a breeding site nearby!

COMMONLY USED INSECT REPELLENT BASICS:

(Information cited from Health Canada)

There are a lot of products, sprays and gimmicks when it comes to mosquito control. My advice is to do your research, ask yourself:

• Is it registered for use in Canada?
• Does it have scientific, peer-reviewed research that proves it works and is safe?
• If it’s too good to be true…..it’s probably a scam.

The ingredients commonly found in insect repellents include:

DEET

Insect repellents containing DEET can be used safely when applied as directed and in the right concentration, depending on age.

The right concentration of DEET for:

• adults and children older than 12 years old is up to 30%
• children aged 2 to 12 years is up to 10%
  • you can apply the product up to 3 times daily
• children aged 6 months to 2 years old is up to 10%
  • you should not apply the product more than once a day.
• For children younger than 12 years old, do not use a DEET product on a daily basis for more than a month.
• For infants younger than 6 months old, do not use an insect repellent containing DEET. Instead, use a mosquito net when babies are outdoors in a crib or stroller.

ICARIDIN

Icaridin, also known as picaridin products repel mosquitoes and ticks. These products should not be used on infants younger than 6 months old.

Some other common products that you might have heard about:

• permethrin
• soybean oil
• citronella oil
• metofluthrin
• p-Menthane-3,8-diol
• a mixture that is a combination of essential oils:
• lemon
• camphor
• pine needle
• It is important to always read the entire product label carefully before use and follow all directions.

Take back your yard with a multifaceted triple threat mosquito management program:

GreenLeaf Pest Control has a proprietary triple threat program that is specially designed to create a barrier around your property, allowing you to safely enjoy your time outside with friends and family, reducing the annoyance of mosquitoes.

Our highly trained and licensed Toronto exterminators will treat the following areas of your property where mosquitoes hideout, including:

• Shrubbery and ground cover areas
• Hedges and landscape plant materials
• Under decks and stairways

We offer two programs: natural or synthetic control products are applied to your yard and surrounding landscape, creating a barrier to repel, control and eliminate mosquitoes. It’s a proven way to enjoy the comforts of your property, without having to deal with uninvited guests. To find out more about mosquito control, mosquito service, mosquito bite prevention, please contact us.

 

About the Author:

Daniel Mackie, the Quality Assurance Director at Greenleaf Pest Control, is a King City and Caledon pest control expert.  Daniel is well-known as an industry go-to guy, an innovator of safe, effective pest control solutions, and is a regular guest on HGTV. Mackie, along with business partner Sandy Costa, were the first pest control professionals in Canada to use detection dogs and thermal remediation for the successful eradication of bed bugs. In his free time, he is an avid gardener and beekeeper.