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Prevent Mosquito Infestation

Western Pest offers tips to prevent and control mosquitoes

PARSIPPANY, NJ, June 21, 2008 – Summer weather encourages people to get outdoors for work, recreation and relaxation.  Pests like mosquitoes become very active in the summer, increasing a person’s risk for bug bites and illness.

“Mosquitoes are more than just an annoying insect that can leave an itchy or sometimes-painful welt on your exposed skin,” said Phil Pierce, Technical Services Manager at Western Pest Services.  “These insects also increase your risk for exposure to disease as they travel from person to person, and animal to animal, spreading sometimes harmful or deadly diseases as they go.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are over 170 different species of mosquitoes in North America.  Female mosquitoes, depending on their species, can live up to 100 days, laying between 1,000 and 3,000 eggs during their lifespan. 

In the United States, mosquitoes spread several types of diseases such as West Nile virus, encephalitis, dog heartworm, and malaria, and are responsible for more human deaths than any other pest.  According to the CDC, heat, carbon dioxide and light have been shown to attract mosquitoes. 

A few ways to prevent and control mosquitoes:

• Mosquitoes breed in areas with standing water or high moisture levels.  To avoid a mosquito nest, clean birdbaths and fish or serenity ponds regularly, and if possible, add a small fountain to keep water moving.

Mosquitoes

• Water that becomes trapped in gutters due to excess debris buildup is another area that mosquitoes may target to nest.  Clean gutters regularly to remove excess debris and prevent water buildup.
• Mosquitoes take refuge in high grass and untended gardens and flowerbeds.  Keeping a trimmed lawn and shrubs removes a potential mosquito-resting place.

If a person suspects their home or property of mosquito infestation, they should contact their nearest Western Pest Services and schedule a free home inspection immediately.

Western Pest Services, a subsidiary of Rollins, Inc., has locations across the eastern seaboard and is dedicated to providing high quality pest control solutions to its customers. 

For more information, or to schedule a free home inspection, contact Western Pest Services at 1-877-250-3857 or visit www.westernpest.com.