Mosquitoes in Massachusetts and Rhode Island

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Mosquito-Borne Diseases:

Many of us view mosquitoes as more of an annoyance than a threat, but the tiny insects are far and away the deadliest animals on earth. The World Health Organisation estimates that 725,000 people are killed each year by mosquito-born diseases. Between 1915 and 1921, 550 cases of malaria were reported in Massachusetts, 31 of which resulted in death. In 1938 Eastern Equine Encephalitis was recognized for what it was when an outbreak in Massachusetts resulted in human and equine deaths. In 1945 it was feared that returning war veterans would reintroduce malaria into Massachusetts but this proved not to be the case.

The chance of acquiring a mosquito-borne disease in Massachusetts is extremely rare. However, the species which are believed to transmit Eastern Equine Encephalitis include some of the most numerous species, which on given nights can be caught on any suburban or rural property in eastern or central Massachusetts. West Nile Virus has been introduced into our area in the year 2000, and continued research is showing many species of mosquito, including human biters, adept at carrying and possibly transmitting this disease. Mosquitoes also transmit animal diseases, and the probability of a pet dog or cat acquiring heartworm is not so remote. It is recommended that a veterinarian monitor your pet and administer the proper preventative medication.

West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE or “Triple E”) are viruses that can cause illness ranging from a mild fever to more serious disease like encephalitis or meningitis. They are spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. There are no specific treatments for either virus, but steps can be taken to protect yourself from illness, including:

• Using insect repellents

• Wearing long-sleeved clothing

• Scheduling outdoor activities to avoid the hours around dawn and dusk

• Repairing damaged window screens

• Removing standing water from the areas around your home

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Mosquito Yard Treatments:

When you contact Scarecrow Pest for mosquito control, a trained technician will treat your yard with an effective barrier spray that eliminates biters for 3-4 weeks. Using a backpack sprayer designed for precise application, your technician targets shrubs and plants with a barrier spray that kills mosquitoes on contact and bonds to foliage, where it acts as a mosquito repellent for weeks to come. Within 30 minutes of spraying, your yard is ready for family and pets to come out and play.

Our barrier spray is also an ideal solution for commercial and recreational areas! Responsible mosquito pest control solutions that target biting insects help municipalities and businesses keep visitors at outdoor spaces comfortable and helps protect from insect-borne disease. Our barrier spray provides an ideal environment for outdoor activity and mosquito control allows continued enjoyment during warm weather months when demand is highest. Parks, sports fields, fairgrounds, tennis courts, campgrounds – where people expect to enjoy their public spaces, Scarecrow Wildlife and Mosquito can help.

We also inspect your property for active larvae populations and treat them accordingly. Your technician will help you identify potential mosquito breeding grounds in your yard and recommend ways to eliminate standing water. These notes will be left on the post-service door hanger at the end of the treatment. Every three weeks, our team will return to treat your yard to ensure that the barrier we create stays strong and so that new mosquitoes don’t start breeding.

All of the barrier spray chemicals we use are synthetic forms of pyrethrins called pyrethroids. Pyrethrins are insecticides that are derived from a naturally occurring compound called pyrethrum found in the chrysanthemum flower. Pyrethroids are used in numerous commercial products that consumers use to control insects such as household pest insecticides, pet shampoos and sprays, and even lice shampoos applied directly to the scalp. The standard barrier spray treatment is effective on other pests such as fleas, ticks and some flies as well which makes it ideal for not only kids but pets as well.

All mosquito control services can be scheduled at your convenience, whether you are at home or not. As long as your property is accessible, you can trust your technician to let you know your yard has been treated.

Not sure what you need? Contact our team and we can recommend the best mosquito and pest control treatment that will fit your outdoor needs. Contact us for more information or Book it Now!

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