The Sting Of Old Man Winter Will Still Be Felt This Spring

The snow has melted and winter is long gone, but Old Man Winter isn't done with our area yet. Mosquitoes are back- with a vengeance. The unusually moist ground combined with the warm spring temperatures have created the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Our offices from Atlanta to Dallas are being inundated with calls from customers requesting one of our seasonal mosquito treatments, and it is only May!

Mosquitoes are active from dusk until dawn, and will travel a long distance for a blood meal, up to 14 miles. In addition to the itchy, red bumps we're used to receiving from mosquitoes, they can also spread diseases, such as West Nile Virus and malaria.

Mosquitoes love to breed in areas with stagnant water, such as birdbaths, old tires, storm drains and wading pools. Once mosquitoes lay eggs, it only takes 10-14 days for them to mature into adults.

Here are some suggestions to prevent mosquitoes from ruining your spring fun:

• Eliminate sources of standing water or replace standing water once a week.
• Screen windows and doors with mesh to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside homes.
• Be alert when going outdoors during dusk or dawn, when mosquitoes are at their peak.
• Avoid wearing dark colors and floral prints, loose-fitting garments, open-toe shoes and sweet-smelling perfumes or colognes.
• Cut back or get rid of unnecessary vegetation around the home where pests can breed or nest.