Category Archives: Mosquito Control

Do Mosquitos Bite Dogs?

Dog sitting on the back patio where mosquitos can reach them.

Everyday life with pet.

Nearly every person has been bitten by a mosquito at one point in life, making them one of the most nuisance pests in the world today. But what about pets? Do mosquitoes bite dogs, too?

The answer is yes, they do, and mosquitoes can also carry diseases that make dogs sick.

The extermination experts at Precise Termite & Pest Control share information about the risks of mosquito bites on dogs and how to prevent mosquitoes in your yard.

How to Identify Mosquito Bites on Dogs

Mosquito bites on dogs commonly occur on their backs and flanks. They are most likely to bite dogs in the dusk hours of the day, and dogs may not even feel the biting when mosquitoes land on them.

However, observe your dog carefully if you notice uncommon scratching, biting, or licking in a specific part of the body. A dog will often exhibit these behaviors after a bite. Dogs may also rub their nose or ears against rough surfaces.

Check for welts and bumps on your dog’s skin. There may be multiple bites or just a single bite in an affected area, which may last for a few hours or an entire day.

It is easier to see mosquito bites on short-haired dogs than on long-haired breeds. However, the bites on human skin look very similar—less than a centimeter in diameter with a flat, pink surface.

Can Dogs Get Mosquito Bites That Are Dangerous?

Mosquito bites make dogs itchy and uncomfortable, but the risks go beyond this. One of the biggest risks for dogs is the spread of heartworm, which mosquitoes can spread from infected larvae that enter the dog’s skin through bites.

Heartworm can cause permanent damage to a dog’s heart and lung arteries, and it can even be fatal. Although rare, dogs can also be affected by severe mosquito-borne diseases like Zika, West Nile, malaria, and yellow fever.

Meanwhile, mosquito bites on dogs can lead to a hot spot, a red, inflamed, and painful dermatitis skin condition. Some dogs experience anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, after being bitten by a mosquito.

Preventing Mosquito Bites on Dogs

The best way to prevent your dog from getting ill from mosquito bites is to administer heartworm prevention medication on an ongoing basis. This standard, easy, and affordable veterinary practice protects your dog from the most common mosquito-borne illness that affects canines.

You can further prevent bites by removing your property’s stagnant water sources, such as outdoor dog bowls and bird baths. Keep grass mowed where mosquitoes may hide, and use pet-friendly mosquito repellent products as part of your lawn-care routine. You can also install insect lights outside to deter mosquitoes from your porch and keep windows and doors closed or screened so they don’t come inside.

Get Rid of Mosquitos in Your Yard

Now that you have a better understanding of “do Mosquitoes bite dogs?” let’s figure out how to keep mosquitoes away from your yard in the first place.

Precise Pest Control offers professional mosquito control services to eliminate these burdensome pests from your life. We highly recommend treating your backyard in the spring before mosquito season really picks up.

As soon as you notice you or your pet getting bitten by mosquitoes, contact us for a free inspection to see how we can help. We look forward to keeping you and your dog safe from mosquitoes, so please give us a call at 866-971-2847 or contact us online for more information.

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in the House

Mosquito perched on a windowMost mosquito problems take place in the outdoors, whether its in the backyard, in parks, or along hiking trails in the woods. But mosquitos can make their way indoors too, which causes an additional set of headaches for families in the summertime.

 

In this article, we explore how mosquitoes get into houses, how long they can live indoors, and ways to get rid of mosquitoes that have entered your home.

 

How Are Mosquitoes Getting in My House?

Mosquitoes prefer to live near stagnant water and wet areas, which you may have around the inside of your home. Interior water features, pet water bowls, and houseplants are favorite places among mosquitoes. Mosquitos may also live around gutters that aren’t draining properly, toilets, utility sinks, laundry rooms, air coolers, and places that have become damp due to plumbing leaks.

 

These insects enter homes through gaps in doors and windows, which is a good reason to fix your screens and seal up gaps. Repair screens with a patch kit, place a door strip under doors where you can see light coming through, or pick up some weather stripping materials to make repairs. You can prevent mosquitoes from breeding inside your home by eliminating pooled water around your air conditioning unit and by making sure that drains are cleaned regularly and covered when possible.

 

How Long Do Mosquitoes Live Indoors?

In an indoor environment, mosquitoes can live for quite a while, typically about four to 30 days. The average lifespan of a mosquito is approximately two to three weeks. But a larger concern is if a female mosquito lays eggs and gives birth to baby mosquitos to cause a full-blown infestation.

 

Ways to Get Rid of Indoor Mosquitoes

While many homeowners use pest control sprays in the outdoors to handle mosquito problems, some people are more hesitant to use certain products indoors because of the close exposure to humans and pets. Therefore, it may be worth trying one or more natural ways to repel mosquitoes inside your home, such as citronella, lemon eucalyptus oil, lavender, cinnamon, or Greek catnip oil.

 

It may also help to place mosquito-repellent plants inside your home, such as marigolds, mint, or lemongrass. Other home remedies to try for interior mosquito problems include putting sliced lemons and cloves around your home and laying out a dish of soapy water to attract and kill mosquitoes. For a DIY approach, there are also mosquito zappers that are suitable for indoor use and that are typically smaller and quieter than the loud and bright devices that are used in outdoor spaces.

 

How Our Exterminators Can Help

However, the best way to prevent interior mosquitoes is to control them outside before they even have a chance to come indoors. Precise Termite & Pest Control offers Bergen County, Passaic County, Morris County, Sussex County, and Essex County mosquito control services and can get your outside mosquito problem under control so that you don’t even have to worry about these insects being inside your house. We can help you determine the source of your mosquito issue, safely exterminate them, and take precautions to ensure that they don’t come back again.

 

For a free mosquito inspection, contact Precise Termite & Pest Control at 866-971-2847 or fill out our online form. We look forward to helping you get mosquitoes off of your property and out of your life for good.

Natural Ways to Repel Mosquitos

Close up of Mosquito biting someoneMosquitos are part of our summer experience here in New Jersey, so there’s really no way to completely avoid these pesky insects. You can protect yourself with commercial mosquito repellent whenever you go outside or try natural mosquito repellent to limit your exposure to chemicals on your skin and that you breathe in.

 

Here’s an overview of natural bug repellents so you can make the best choice for yourself and your family. And if those solutions aren’t keeping the mosquitos away, Precise Termite & Pest Control can help.

 

Citronella

One of the most well-known solutions for DIY mosquito control is citronella. Citronella is a natural, herb-based essential oil that comes in the form of candles and sprays. Studies have shown that citronella can be as effective as DEET when formulated right and used every couple ours.

 

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

Many people love the smells of lemon and eucalyptus, but mosquitos hate these scents. The CDC has proven that lemon eucalyptus oil can repel mosquitos, and this is a tried-and-true natural remedy that’s been around for generations.

 

Lavender

Lavender has a scent that is pleasing to humans but that mosquitos dislike. Plant some lavender around your yard to produce this natural fragrance to repel mosquitos in areas you spend time in. You can also apply lavender oil to mosquito bites that have already happened because lavender’s antiseptic and antiseptic qualities help soothe the skin.

 

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been used in research studies and found to repel certain types of mosquitos. You can combine cinnamon oil with water to dilute it and spray the solution onto your skin or just in the air to help prevent mosquito activity.

 

Greek Catnip Oil

Another natural way to fight mosquitos in your yard is to grow Greek catnip in your yard or purchase the ready-made oil from the plant. The best part of the plant comes from the leaves that oil can be extracted from. Studies have found that this variety of catnip can actually be more effective than DEET for keeping mosquitos away.

 

Other Ways to Repel Mosquitos

In addition to natural solutions to protect your skin, there are also physical measures that you can take to keep mosquitos at bay. These include installing mosquito netting around your porch or patio and placing a fan next to you. These mosquito repellent ideas work to provide physical barriers between you and insects, while keeping the air moving and not stagnant. Eliminating standing water in your yard will also help deter mosquitos. You can also create an environment in your yard to attract the natural predators of mosquitos to let nature take its course, such as frogs and dragonflies.

 

How to Repel Mosquitos Most Effectively

Natural mosquito repellent options are definitely worth a try and work well for many people who love spending time outdoors. But if these natural bug repellents aren’t getting the job done and you still have stinging insects in your yard, it’s time to call Precise Termite & Pest Control. Not only are mosquitos a nuisance, but they can also transmit diseases and put your health at risk.

 

Contact us at 866-971-2847 to take back your summer and enjoy more mosquito-free days in your backyard.

Top Summer Pests and Prevention Tips

Young woman at home using air spraySummer is a time when many of us start getting more active and spending extra time outdoors. But humans aren’t the only ones with these good ideas! Here in New Jersey, you’ll encounter many more bugs in summer, which can put a damper on your fun outside plans.

Since common insects are a bigger problem during the warm summer months, here are some tips for keeping your season as bug-free as possible.

 

Ants

Ants are a bigger issue in the summer than during other times of year because they come indoors seeking water and moisture to cool off and hydrate. Ants can get into cracks and holes in the exterior of your home, including fire ants that can even bite and sting you. To keep ants away in the summer, you can try commercial ant repellent, set pet-safe ant traps, or call a professional exterminator.

 

Mosquitoes  

Mosquitoes are perhaps the most notorious of all summer bugs. They thrive on hot and muggy summer days and leave you with red and itchy bite marks after spending time at a park or hiking a trail. To control mosquitoes in the summer, eliminate standing water from your yard and cover your skin with lightweight fabrics so they are less likely to come in contact with your skin.

 

Bees and Wasps

You might notice more bee and wasp activity in the summer too, especially as these common insects are busy pollinating flowers. Some of these summer bugs are harmless, while others are aggressive and can cause severe stings that result in allergic reactions. Some easy and natural repellents that you can try for bees and wasps around the house include dryer sheets, mothballs, and cloves because they hate the smell of all of these things!

 

Fight Back Against Summer Bugs

Summer is a time that we must learn to coexist with insects, but only to a certain extent. You deserve to have as bug-free of a summer as possible, which is why Precise Termite & Pest Control is here to help. No matter what common insects you’re dealing with, we have the most experienced exterminators in the industry to get the situation under control.

Contact us at 866-971-2847 for a free inspection so that you can enjoy the rest of summer!

When Are Mosquitoes Most Active and How Can You Prevent Them?

father spraying mosquito spray on son's leg

Mosquitoes are among the very peskiest insects that we have here in New Jersey, which is why Precise Termite & Pest Control offers backyard mosquito control services to our local customers. Since mosquitoes are picky about temperature, location, and even the time of day, it’s important to be aware of their habits so that you are best prepared for them.

Here is some information about when mosquitoes are most active and how to prevent them from laying eggs on your property and putting your health at risk.

Dangers of Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are notorious for causing itchy, red, and irritating bites that make you very uncomfortable. However, they also pose greater risks because of their disease-carrying and transmitting capabilities. Mosquitoes are known to carry Zika virus, malaria, West Nile virus, yellow fever, tularemia, and other diseases.

When Are Mosquitoes Active?

Contrary to popular belief, mosquitoes are not seasonally specific, but they do prefer temperatures consistently over 50 degrees. Here in New Jersey, this typically means they are most active in the spring and summer. Meanwhile, more southern regions of the U.S. often see mosquitoes sooner in the year.

Some species of mosquitoes are more active during the day, while others are more active at night. In general, the dusk hours around sunset tend to be the most active time for mosquitoes in our region.

Where Do Mosquitoes Lay Their Eggs?

Mosquitoes often lay eggs in places where there is standing water, which is why ponds, bird baths, and pools often pose mosquito problems for homeowners. This is also true for rain buckets and puddles after spring storms. Mosquito eggs usually hatch within one to three days after being exposed to water. Female mosquitoes can make up to 500 eggs in her first brood and have as many as 10 broods during their lifetimes to create offspring.

How to Prevent Mosquitoes from Laying Eggs During the Active Period

Curbing mosquito breeding is an essential component of mosquito control so that an existing pest problem does not become exponentially worse. Especially once our temperatures warm up as winter transitions into spring, eliminate sources of stagnant water from your yard and promptly throw away yard debris. You can do this by repairing leaks, cleaning bird baths each week, maintaining your swimming pool, and keeping rain gutters clean. It also helps to keep bushes trimmed, grass mowed, and to plant mosquito-repelling plants, such as lavender, marigolds, and citronella.

Help with Mosquitoes in New Jersey

The exterminators at Precise Termite & Pest Control are your local experts in mosquitoes and understand these insects’ patterns and susceptibilities better than anyone. We are fully licensed and insured, we offer free pest control inspections, our results are backed by a warranty, and we offer seasonal pest control packages.

Contact us now for mosquito prevention so that your yard doesn’t soon become a breeding ground for harmful diseases!

The Many Types of Bug Bites and Stings & How to Differentiate Them

Getting bitten or stung by an insect is never pleasant, but some bites and stings are more serious and uncomfortable than others. Furthermore, if you didn’t see the actual insect land on your skin, you might not be sure exactly what caused symptoms like itching, pain, swelling, and redness.

Here is some information about the different types of bug bites and stings and how to differentiate them to pursue the best course of treatment.

Spider Bites

Many spider bites are harmless, but others are dangerous and require immediate medical attention. Spider bites typically look like two small puncture marks and have a single raised papule or pustule. Spiders, such as brown recluses and black widows, are very dangerous when they bite. Meanwhile, some people have allergic reaction to even the most common spiders. The symptoms of a spider bite may be unnoticeable at first but worsen after two to eight hours.

Tick Bites

If you’ve been bitten by a tick, you’ll likely notice swelling and pain at the affected area. You may also notice blisters forming, a rash, and a burning sensation. Since ticks can remain attached to skin for long periods of time, it is best to remove the entire tick with tweezers. A skin reaction at the site of a tick bite can be symptomatic for several days or even weeks.

Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites appear as small, round, and swollen bumps that appear very soon after you’ve been bit. They may occur as a single bite or occur in clusters. Mosquito bites are usually very itchy, but the itch should subside within a few days.

Bee Stings

After being stung by a bee, the skin develops a white spot where the stinger went into the skin. You may experience itching, pain, swelling, and redness after being stung by a bee. The symptoms of a bee sting typically peak after about 24 to 48 hours and may last for several days after that.

Wasp Stings

Unlike bees that only sting one time, wasps can sting multiple times if they become aggressive. Wasp stings can be itchy and result in swelling, sharp pain, and redness. You’ll also notice raised welts around the place you were stung. With wasp stings, the redness and swelling will typically increase for two to three days after being stung and then subside after that.

One of the best ways to prevent these types of bites and stings (and many others too) is to keep your home and yard pest-free. At Precise Pest Control, we offer effective, prompt, safe, and affordable pest control solutions to help you minimize your risks. At the first signs of a pest problem or as a preventative measure, contact us for a free inspection.

Best Practices for Backyard Mosquito Control

suburban backyard that is mosquito freeAs anyone in New Jersey will tell you, summer is the prime season for mosquitoes. Not only are mosquitoes annoying when you’re trying to spend time outdoors, but they can cause painful bites and carry harmful diseases.

Here are some recommendations for safe and effective backyard mosquito control to help you get through the summer with minimal bites and itching.

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Easy Solutions for Backyard Mosquito Control

Mosquitoes are a natural part of the summer experience. Protect yourself today

Summer is a time for hot temperatures, lots of sunshine, backyard barbecues and…mosquitos.

Unfortunately, in many parts of the country, mosquitos and mosquito bites are a natural part of the summer experience. As we spend time outdoors, they make us irritated, itchy, and even nervous about potential diseases they might be carrying. Homes that are located near a natural or manmade body of water are likely to attract mosquitos. But these pests are also drawn to stagnant water in birdbath fountains and garden puddles. Mosquitos lay eggs on the surface of the water, thereby multiplying and causing even more of a nuisance for your summer parties and romantic outdoor evenings.

To help you enjoy your backyard this summer, here are some of the most effective solutions for backyard mosquito control in New Jersey.

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Mosquito-Repelling Plants to Add to Your Yard

e are committed to keeping our neighbors mosquito-free in Bergen County

There are many different ways that homeowners can protect their yards from mosquitos, including traps, nets, and sprays. However, there is a simpler and more natural approach that may help to deter these pests as well. Gardeners and landscaping enthusiasts will enjoy learning that there are many plants that can be incorporated into a backyard to keep mosquitos away.

This article will explore the various plants that naturally repel mosquitos and why each of these plants is useful for mosquito yard control.

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Diseases Commonly Transmitted by Mosquitoes & Preventative Tips for Homeowners

Family wading in their backyard pool

Last summer, we wrote an article addressing Zika virus concerns and how Bergen County mosquito control can help keep your family safe. However, Zika is just one of many diseases than can be spread by mosquitos, and some of these are much more common.

This article will discuss other diseases that can be spread by mosquitos and springtime actions that homeowners can take to prevent these pests from breeding on their properties.

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