Setting the Record Straight on Preventing Mosquito Bites

From the concerns over the threat of mosquito borne diseases at the Summer Olympics in Rio to the first confirmed Zika virus transmissions in the United States, the news about mosquitoes has left Michigan homeowners with questions and concerns.

Griffin Pest Solutions wants to help answer your questions about mosquitoes: the potential threats they pose and what steps you can take to prevent mosquito bites as you enjoy the great outdoors this summer.

Q: Why are mosquitoes considered a dangerous pest?
A: There are more than 60 species of mosquitoes are found across Michigan and many are known to be vectors (carriers or transporters) of important diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and St. Louis Encephalitis.

According to researchers at Michigan State University, neither of the mosquito species that carries the Zika virus is found in Michigan. The Asian Tiger mosquito, the main vector of Zika, will not establish in Michigan until our climate warms dramatically because it cannot tolerate even mild winter conditions. Therefore, the chance of contracting Zika via local transmission by mosquitoes in Michigan is extremely low to non-existent.

However, the Kent County Health Department recently confirmed that mosquitoes caught in traps near Grand Rapids and East Grand Rapids tested positive for the West Nile Virus but cautioned that no humans have tested positive for the disease.

Q: Where are mosquitoes found?
A: Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a ½ inch of standing water. This reinforces the importance of regularly checking your property for containers that could be collecting water and providing a place for mosquitoes to breed.

Q: Are mosquitoes more prevalent during a specific season?
A: Mosquitoes are considered one of summer’s most active pests, but they also can thrive in the fall and remain active as long as the temperature is above 60 degrees.

Tips to Help Prevent Mosquito Bites

• Eliminate or reduce mosquito-breeding sites around the home. This includes birdbaths, flowerpots, grill covers, children’s toys and sandboxes, baby pools, unopened swimming pools, tires and other objects where water collects.
• Remove unneeded vegetation or trash from around any source of standing water that cannot be changed, dumped or removed.
• Screen windows, doors, and other openings with fine mesh, sealing around all screen edges and keeping doors and windows shut to prevent entry. Use mesh that is 18×18 strands per inch, or finer.
• Minimize outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• When outdoors, wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes.
• Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon-eucalyptus on exposed skin whenever outdoors.

If you have a problem with or have questions about mosquitoes call or e-mail Griffin Pest Solutions at 888/547-4334 or callcenter@https://www.griffinpest.com/.

Celebrate a Pest-Free Fourth of July

crawling insects

Can your Fourth of July be Pest-Free?  Your Fourth of July agenda usually includes picnics, cookouts, fireworks and good times with family and friends. It can also include an “explosion” of unwanted pests that want to spoil your good times.

When people gather for their holiday celebrations it is given there will be abundance of food and beverages available. However, your guests aren’t the only ones angling to fill up their plates! Pests are drawn to the sweet, sugary desserts, fruit and soft drinks that are a staple of holiday functions, as well as the greasy leftovers that can be found on grills, serving trays and garbage cans filled with post-party trash.

Griffin Pest Solutions wants you, your family and friends to have a safe, enjoyable Fourth of July and offers the following tips to keep annoying pests from spoiling your holiday fun.

  • Flies – Flies are a common interloper to almost any backyard cookout or picnic. Keep these filthy insects from spoiling your picnic by covering your food with foil or tight sealing lids or set up the buffet inside a screened in porch or tent. Also, remember to clean up food and beverage spills since they are a major attractant to flies.
  • Ants – Like flies, ants are drawn to food, and food spills and leftovers. Ants thrive on sweet, sugary substances like spilled soft drinks. Cleaning up spilled food and drinks, and rinsing out cans and bottles before they go into the recycle bin or garbage can will deny ants their sought after prize.
  • Stinging Insects – Nothing can ruin a party like getting stung by a bee or yellow jacket. Griffin Pest Solutions recommends homeowners inspect their property before the party for any signs of nests in trees or under awnings and the eaves of your home. Also, cover food and beverage cans/bottled since many stinging insects are attracted to sugary substances and no one wants to swallow a bee that flew into your beverage!
  • Mosquitoes – These nuisance pests are regular holiday party crashers and eliminating standing water and keeping vegetation trimmed in your yard are ways to prevent mosquitoes from nesting. Using insect repellent or yard sprays containing DEET or eucalyptus oil, lighting citronella candles or turning on a ceiling or box fan to literally blow mosquitoes away from your deck or patio (mosquitoes are not good flyers) are ways to toss these uninvited guests out.

If you have a problem with or questions about spring pests call or e-mail Griffin Pest Solutions at 888/547-4334 or callcenter@https://www.griffinpest.com/

Have a happy and safe, pest-free, Fourth of July!

April is National Pest Management Month

pest identification

Celebrate National Pest Management Month With Eight Great Pest Prevention Tips for Your Home

April is National Pest Management Month and Griffin Pest Solutions is joining fellow pest management professionals across the country in celebrating the valuable role the industry plays in protecting the public’s health, food supply and property from pests.

The dangers and annoyances pests bring to our everyday lives cannot be easily dismissed. The list of potential threats pest pose to property, food and people is very real. For example, did you know?

 Rodents can spoil food with their droppings and urine, and their chewing on electrical wires is a leading cause of house fires.
 Cockroaches contribute to asthma and allergies in children and adults.
 Bed bugs invade hotel rooms, dormitories, office buildings, apartment building and homes.
 Termites literally eat the wood – as much as a cup every two hours – in a structure without you ever hearing or seeing them.

That is why Griffin Pest Solutions’ highly-trained technicians work each and every day to help protect both our commercial and residential customers from these sometimes harmful but always annoying pests.

Spring marks a particularly busy time as pests emerge, looking for sources of food, water and shelter.  And, sometimes the simplest home improvements can be all that’s needed to help ward off infestations.  To assist homeowners in pest-proofing their home this spring, Griffin Pest Solutions offers the following

Tips:

1. Eliminate sources of standing water around the house, including birdbaths and in clogged gutters to help reduce biting mosquito populations.

2. Seal any cracks on the outside of the home with a silicone-based caulk, including entry points for utilities and pipes.

3. Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around the foundation and windows.

4. Keep tree branches and shrubbery well-trimmed and away from the house. Overhanging branches can act as highways into the home.

5. Repair fascia and rotted roof shingles.

6. Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation.

7. Keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.

8. Store garbage in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly.

If you have a problem with or questions about household pests call or e-mail Griffin Pest Solutions at 888/547-4334 or callcenter@https://www.griffinpest.com/.

For more information on National Pest Management Month, visit http://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/press-releases/april-designated-as-national-pest-management-month/