2018: The Summer of Pests?
Memorial Day Weekend usually signifies the unofficial start of summer. It’s the start of barbecues, baseball games, and pool parties. But there is one thing that could prevent you from really enjoying your backyard this summer. This summer could end up being one of the buggiest we’ve seen in years.
Due to a very wet winter and spring, pest populations are on the rise. All that excess moisture has created many breeding grounds for mosquitoes and ticks. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water and they only require about an inch. That means there could be mosquito eggs all over your yard, including in tire wells, toys or grill covers! This March we also had unprecedented warm temperatures for a period of time. Those temperatures are adding to an especially buggy spring. With the warmer temperatures coming in the next few months, the number of mosquitoes and ticks are only going to increase.
With an increase in temperature and bug population, there also comes an increase in illness. Warmer temperatures extend the time that mosquitoes are able to spread diseases. The CDC has reported illnesses from ticks and mosquitoes has tripled from 2004. These illnesses and diseases include Lyme disease, yellow fever, and west nile. And more recently the Lone star tick, known to frequently bite people, can carry ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and STARI, according to the University of Rhode Island. They’re common in New Jersey, so be sure to keep a close eye out for them when you come home from that next trek in the woods. Lone Star’s are easy to spot because they have a white dot on their back. Many cases of these diseases go unreported or underreported, so the numbers could be even higher.
As the summer warmth continues, these pests are just going to get more comfortable in your yard. So how can you win the battle of the pests this summer? Get rid of any standing water in your yard; clean out gutters and any flower pots that are collecting excess water. Make sure that your hose faucets aren’t leaking and creating puddles anywhere. Be sure to mow your lawn frequently to cut down on ticks as well. An added benefit of implementing these tips is a beautiful yard!
But the best way to stay on top of the pest population this summer is to contact one of our Mosquito Joe of Wayne professionals today. Give us a call at 973-435-0747 so we can talk to you about your mosquito and tick spraying needs. Or fill out the form to the right to get a free quote! We also offer all natural for those of you that prefer option. Believe us when we say, this is the way to win back your yard and enjoy summer!
