The History of Mosquitoes in America

The History of Mosquitoes in America

Mosquitoes have plagued the earth for a very long time and have been around since at least the Jurrasic period, about 210 million years ago. Just like in the movie Jurassic Park, they have been found in fossilized amber, although no one has successfully used them to clone dinosaur DNA — yet. Of the 2,700 […]

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Mosquitoes have plagued the earth for a very long time and have been around since at least the Jurrasic period, about 210 million years ago. Just like in the movie Jurassic Park, they have been found in fossilized amber, although no one has successfully used them to clone dinosaur DNA — yet. Of the 2,700 different known species of mosquito on the planet, approximately 150 varieties call the United States home today and the country has a rich history of trying to control these pesky insects. 

Mosquitoes have been known to cause diseases for centuries. Ancient mosquitoes appear to have carried diseases affecting humans, dogs, and horses, causing sickness and death. In America, one of the first recorded cases of mosquito-borne illness was a case of yellow fever in New York in 1668. Nearly 130 years later, a major epidemic of the disease occurred in Philadelphia in which thousands died and New Orleans faced several outbreaks from the mid-1800s to early 1900s. 

Yellow fever hasn’t been the only disease to rock the American south. Cases of dengue fever were recorded along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida in 1922, becoming one of the more serious mosquito-borne viruses of the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Dengue fever continues to be a problem in the US with outbreaks being reported in Hawaii in 2015, Florida in 2013 & 2020, and is common in the US territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa. 

St. Louis Encephalitis, a mosquito-carried disease that can be transmitted from birds to humans, has also caused outbreaks of illness from Michigan to Florida to California. Florida has historically been hit very hard by this disease with epidemics in 1959, 1961, 1962, 1977, and 1990. While infections have slowed in more recent years, many states have seen a handful of cases in the last 10 years. 

One of the more recent diseases to make its way to America, and Michigan in particular, is Eastern Equine Encephalitis. First identified in Massachusetts in 1933, there were over 36,000 human cases, including 1,500 fatalities in the 15 years from 1999-2014. West Nile has also made its way to the USA with cases having been reported in all 48 contiguous states as of 2006. Zika, a new mosquito-carried disease that causes a variety of issues, especially for pregnant women, has wreaked havoc on tropical areas in recent years.

The American response to mosquitoes was forever changed with the invention and sale of DEET. Invented by Samuel Gertler of the US Department of Agriculture for the US Army for use by military personnel in insect-infested areas. Gertler received the patent in 1946, however DEET was not registered for use by the general public until 1957. Unfortunately, the use of DEET is not without concerns as it can cause skin irritation and even melt through plastic in high concentrations. 

Mosquitoes have caused problems for Americans throughout the history of the country and preventative measures remain the best way to avoid future issues. That’s why Mosquito One is here to help. Our mosquito eradication specialists can treat your yard and other outdoor areas, allowing you to get the most enjoyment out of your property and eliminating mosquitoes. Sign up now!

Do Mosquito Treatments Harm Honeybees?

Do Mosquito Treatments Harm Honeybees?

In recent years, there has been a lot of buzz about the health of the US honey bee population. As hobby beekeeping has taken off, so too has the concern about the effects of pesticide use and mosquito treatment sprays on the bees and honey produced. Dr. Kristen Healy and her colleagues in the Department […]

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In recent years, there has been a lot of buzz about the health of the US honey bee population. As hobby beekeeping has taken off, so too has the concern about the effects of pesticide use and mosquito treatment sprays on the bees and honey produced. Dr. Kristen Healy and her colleagues in the Department of Entomology at Louisiana State University, in collaboration with the USDA Honey Bee lab in Baton Rouge, have set out to document the effects of mosquito control applications and other stressors on honeybee health. 

According to the USDA, honeybees are responsible for the pollination of approximately one-third of all of our food. Recently, instances of Colony Collapse Disorder have caused the disappearance of a record number of hives and led to an increased interest in urban and small-scale beekeeping. These hives are often found in cities and suburbs where pesticide treatments are common, leading to public concern about effects of these treatments on bees and the quality of the honey produced. 

“You have a lot of attention focused on caring for bees and keeping them healthy,” said Dr. Healy. “They produce honey, but they’re also important because they pollinate crops worldwide.” 

The LSU researchers conducted lab tests using specific insecticides designed to target mosquitoes to find toxicity levels for bees. The research included this laboratory study, as well as semi-field and field components. Previous research had focused solely on toxicity in a laboratory setting, without field testing to account for real-world variables. Healy explained, “We know the concentration that would kill a bee, but is it realistically going to get exposed to that concentration in the field?”

Once the lethal concentrations were determined, semi-field tests were conducted. Six of the most common mosquito control insecticides were sprayed at cages containing bees and mosquitoes from distances ranging from 50 to 300 feet apart, the typical distance insecticides can drift from the treatment spray trucks. 

The researchers found positive results for the health of the bees. “This is the highest possible label rate that mosquito control would ever use out of a truck, and we didn’t see any bee mortality, even at 50 feet,” Healy said. “Mosquitos are 100 times more susceptible to these pesticides than bees are,” she continued, explaining how mosquito control products can use extremely small does and still be effective. 

In the last part of the study, the scientists conducted field tests. They worked with local beekeepers who volunteered to be a part of the study, half in areas with frequent mosquito control treatment and half in areas without. The scientists found no differences in the mortality rates of bees in either group. “…pesticide concentrations used out in the field are not high enough to kill bees,” Healy concluded. Researchers also found no difference when analyzing stress indicator enzymes from bees of both groups.  

Targeted application of mosquito control treatments and science-backed techniques also help to improve their effectiveness without putting bees at additional risk. To have your yard professionally treated by mosquito control experts, please schedule online or contact Mosquito One.

How to Identify Common Bug Bites

How to Identify Common Bug Bites

When summertime finally comes to Michigan, it can be hard to resist. You want to throw on the shorts, hop in the lake, and enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer. Unfortunately, after a long and cold winter, the warm weather can bring some not-so-pleasant plants and bugs back with it. If you notice […]

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When summertime finally comes to Michigan, it can be hard to resist. You want to throw on the shorts, hop in the lake, and enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer. Unfortunately, after a long and cold winter, the warm weather can bring some not-so-pleasant plants and bugs back with it. If you notice itchy or irritated skin during the summer, common bug bites may be to blame. Here are some of the common bug bites you should know about.

Mosquitoes

If you’ve been sitting outside around dusk, you’re likely to come into contact with mosquitoes. They’re a fact of life in Michigan. Preventative measures including wearing long sleeves and pants or using a mosquito spray can help. The bite of these pesky bugs is often red, warm, and swollen thanks to a histamine reaction that takes place when an enzyme in mosquito saliva mixes with your blood.

Ease the itch: There are a variety of treatments include antihistamine creams or natural mosquito bite treatments for babies that can reduce the swelling and itch associated with mosquito bites. Bites should reduce in size on their own and disappear in a few days.

Ticks

Tick bites can cause a variety of diseases in Michigan from the well-known Lyme Disease to lesser-known tick-borne illnesses. Ticks are often carried from place to place by animals and are most likely to be found in thick grass or wooded areas. Tick bites are often difficult to detect as tick saliva contains an immunosuppressant designed to reduce or eliminate antibody reactions. As a result, you may not notice a tick bite unless you see the attached tick. After the tick has dropped off, you may also see a small red bump, which in most cases, resembles a mosquito bite. 

Ease the itch: Most tick bites can be treated with the same itch-relieving products as a mosquito bite. It’s important to keep a lookout for any additional symptoms as an estimated 20-40% of black-legged ticks (the second most common variety in Michigan) are thought to carry Lyme Disease. Talk to your healthcare professional if you suspect you have been bitten by a disease-carrying tick.

Spiders

Out of the estimated 37,000 varieties of spiders in the world, there are only about 500 different types in Michigan. Of these native spiders, only three species are considered “medically important” meaning their bites cause serious or potentially fatal reactions. That’s not to say that more common spider bites won’t cause a reaction, however, severe reactions from these bites are rare. Spider bites often cause pain, itching, and/or swelling, much like a mosquito or tick bite, although some may experience more intense reactions and should seek medical treatment. 

Ease the itch: A cold compress can help relieve the pain of a spider bite. It’s important to keep an eye on the bite, especially if you’re unsure what kind of spider bit you. It’s also a good idea to keep up on your tetanus vaccine per CDC recommendation as spider bites can become infected with tetanus spores.

There’s a better way to avoid the pain and annoyances of mosquito, tick, and spider bites. Call Mosquito One to schedule your yard treatment and say “goodbye” to pesky insects and “hello” to a bug-free yard you’ll love to enjoy. Schedule your mosquito treatment online or contact Mosquito One today!

A Better Way to Live Life Mosquito-Free

A Better Way to Live Life Mosquito-Free

Let be honest. You haven’t had much time to enjoy that new outdoor space you so carefully created. You have been at war with mosquitos. Shooting them. Spraying them. Struggling to enjoy the sanctuary of your yard. At Mosquito One, we are focused on making your outdoor living space yours again. Our mosquito-eliminating treatment concentrates […]

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Let be honest. You haven’t had much time to enjoy that new outdoor space you so carefully created. You have been at war with mosquitos. Shooting them. Spraying them. Struggling to enjoy the sanctuary of your yard. At Mosquito One, we are focused on making your outdoor living space yours again.

Our mosquito-eliminating treatment concentrates on the areas where you spend most of your time. This includes your deck, pool, and the perimeter of your house where your family plays and your pets roam. In doing this, we will get you a bigger result no matter what size your yard is. 

As the area’s leading and most trusted mosquito control experts, we strive to provide effective and efficient solutions to combat mosquitoes and mosquito problems. Mosquito One is committed to being environmentally responsible and we prioritize the health and safety of our staff and customers. We service residential, commercial, and municipal locations. Have an outdoor event coming up? Ensure your guests can enjoy the festivities without the annoyances of mosquitos, spiders, and other pests. 

Mosquito One is a locally owned and operated mosquito control company based in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan. We treat your yard for a limited period of time so you can enjoy the moments you work so hard for without dealing with the mosquitoes that plague your outdoor spaces. Our treatments typically take 10-15 minutes, depending on yard size, with an additional 30-45 minute wait period to allow the treatment to dry. Effects generally last 35-40 days. We recommend scheduling your treatment sprays for every 21 days to ensure total mosquito-free coverage. 

Mosquito One is the premier mosquito control company in the region, offering affordable and reliable services to customers throughout the Metro Detroit area and nearby counties in Northern Ohio. Wherever you live in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties in Michigan or Lucas and Wood counties in Ohio, we come to you.

We offer affordable prices for single applications or get the best deal by purchasing a treatment package to cover your yard for the summer. Special rates are available for subdivisions with a minimum of 5 homes to qualify for special subdivision mosquito treatment pricing

Keeping your yard free from mosquitos has never been easier. Contact Mosquito One today for a customized quote or schedule online to lock in your yard treatments and spend more time enjoying your yard this year!

5 Diseases You Can Get from Ticks

5 Diseases You Can Get from Ticks

Mosquitoes get the most hate for being the biggest summertime pests and its often deserved. They are, after all, the world’s deadliest animal and the most annoying guest at any Michigan backyard barbeque. Ticks, however, are also quite problematic and can spread disease to animals and humans. These are five diseases you can get from […]

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Mosquitoes get the most hate for being the biggest summertime pests and its often deserved. They are, after all, the world’s deadliest animal and the most annoying guest at any Michigan backyard barbeque. Ticks, however, are also quite problematic and can spread disease to animals and humans. These are five diseases you can get from ticks in Michigan.

Lyme Disease

In the state of Michigan, tick-borne diseases are considered “reportable diseases” which means there is data on the prevalence and risk associated with ticks and tick-related illnesses. In southeastern lower Michigan, there have been at least two confirmed cases of Lyme Disease in Washtenaw and Livingston counties and surrounding counties are considered at risk. In general, counties in the north and west of the state have the most Lyme Disease activity.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is still rare in Michigan, with the south and southeast, particularly North Carolina, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Missouri having reported the most cases. The tick-borne illness is curable with antibiotics, but can be fatal if not treated. While not a prominent threat in Michigan at this time, this is a disease experts are keeping an eye on as it is transmitted by the American dog tick, the most common tick species in Michigan.

Tularemia

Like many tick-borne illnesses, Tularemia is extremely rare and most common in the southern US. It can cause fever, chills, headache, and nausea. Tularemia is also caused by the bite of the American dog tick, also known as the wood tick, and the Lone Star tick, but can be caused by a variety of other exposure methods and more commonly affects animals. Female ticks can spread Tularemia while they are active, often between May and July.

Anaplasmosis

Blacklegged ticks, also known as Deer ticks, are about 15% of the tick population in Michigan and can cause Anaplasmosis. While rare overall, the disease is most commonly reported in the Northeast and upper Midwest. Anaplasmosis is cured with a strong antibiotic but can be fatal if not treated.

Babesiosis

Babesiosis is a parasitic infection transmitted by a tick bite. Ticks often transmit this disease when they are in the nymph stage, and therefore very small, so infected people may not even remember being bit. The Babesiosis parasites infect the red blood cells of the host and because of this, are especially dangerous to people without a spleen, however many cases are asymptomatic and treatment is available.

Preventing tick-borne illness and diseases is easier than you may think and it starts with preventing ticks. Keep your yard free of ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, and other pests this year by scheduling tick repellent yard treatments today.

Mosquito Bite Treatments for Babies

Mosquito Bite Treatments for Babies

Mosquito bites are itchy and uncomfortable for babies and adults alike. While adults can seek relief in various oils and ointments, many of these treatments are too strong or harsh for a baby’s delicate skin. If your baby has a mosquito bite that’s causing discomfort, try these gentle at-home remedies. Soap It’s a good idea […]

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Mosquito bites are itchy and uncomfortable for babies and adults alike. While adults can seek relief in various oils and ointments, many of these treatments are too strong or harsh for a baby’s delicate skin. If your baby has a mosquito bite that’s causing discomfort, try these gentle at-home remedies.

Soap

It’s a good idea to wash your baby’s mosquito bite with soap and water and keep the skin clean and dry. Cleaning and disinfecting the area will help to remove irritants and prevent infection.

Ice

Mosquito bites cause the skin to be inflamed and itchy because of the allergic reaction to an enzyme in the female mosquito’s saliva. Use ice or a cold compress over the raised bite for a few seconds or minutes and you should see a reduction in the size of the bite.

Breast Milk

You may already know some of the amazing properties of breast milk, but did you know it can help ease the sting of mosquito bites as well? According to one study, breast milk was as effective as hydrocortisone at relieving itch and irritation in infants.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal baths have long been seen as a way to calm and soothe skin irritation. They’ve been suggested to help ease the itching and dryness associated with chickenpox, shingles, sunburn, poison ivy, and more. To get the benefits of oatmeal, simply grind regular uncooked oats in a highspeed blender or food processor until it’s a fine grain. Then, make a watery paste and apply.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is another pantry staple that can help to reduce inflammation and itching associated with mosquito bites. To use, mix baking soda and water to form a paste and apply to the skin. Baking soda can be a little drying, so it’s important to apply only to the affected area.

Sleep Mittens

While it won’t necessarily provide relief, it may be a wise idea to dress your baby in sleep mittens or onesie that covers their hands. Baby fingernails are quite sharp and they can scratch themselves in their sleep leading to more discomfort and potential infection, but covering their hands can help.

It’s never fun to see your baby uncomfortable and mosquito bites aren’t fun for anyone. Protect your baby and your family from mosquito bites with mosquito treatment sprays from Mosquito One. Our professionals use state-of-the-art technology to eliminate mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other pests that threaten your outdoor fun. Contact us or schedule mosquito treatment for the upcoming season today!

SIT Mosquitoes

SIT Mosquitoes: The Future of Mosquito Control?

What would a summer without mosquito bites mean to you? Wouldn’t it be great to go play at the park or sit by the fire without having to douse yourself or your children in mosquito repellant? While mosquito treatments continue to be some of the best ways to repel pests, science is getting on the […]

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What would a summer without mosquito bites mean to you? Wouldn’t it be great to go play at the park or sit by the fire without having to douse yourself or your children in mosquito repellant? While mosquito treatments continue to be some of the best ways to repel pests, science is getting on the action with genetically modified mosquitoes.

It all starts with SIT

Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is a term used in the mosquito control industry to refer to the releasing of sterile male mosquitoes. Mosquitoes, while annoying, are an important part of many ecosystems as they are an important food source for many other animals. Since “kill them all” isn’t a viable strategy, the next best option is to manage their populations by releasing altered male mosquitoes that produce no offspring or only offspring that won’t survive to adulthood.

Does SIT work for all mosquitoes?

There are 1000s of species of mosquitoes in the world spanning nearly every continent. SIT and similar tactics are currently being used to target Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, two invasive mosquito species in the U.S. that are capable of transmitting dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika, and chikungunya.

How are SIT mosquitoes created?

The first SIT mosquitoes were the product of radiation-based sterilization, but new techniques have been introduced. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, and private companies have been working together to find the best release strategies for mosquito control in the United States.

Traditional SIT techniques use X-rays or radioactive materials to sterilize males. The sterile males are released in the field to mate with local females, producing non-viable offspring. This method requires no genetic engineering and has an extensive history of being used in other organisms as well. Another method relies on a bacteria called Wolbachia, which occurs naturally in about half of all insects, but not in the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. When this bacterium is introduced to the mosquitoes, it causes a form of sterility known as “cytoplasmic incompatibility”. Likewise, a similar effect can be seen when a different strain of Wolbachia is introduced to the Aedes albopictus mosquito. This method also avoids the need to genetically engineer mosquitoes, however, this method is different than the release of Wolbachia-infected females that is currently being used in Australia, Brazil, and other countries to reduce the ability of female mosquitoes to transmit deadly pathogens.

A third SIT strategy involves genetically modified mosquitoes from the company Oxitec. For more than 10 years, Oxitec has been pioneering the field of mosquito genetic modifications and is currently the only company approved to release genetically modified mosquitoes in the United States. First released in the Cayman Islands, these sterile mosquitoes have been used in the fight against mosquito-borne illnesses in other countries, including in the Florida Keys and Texas, but are controversial due to the use of genetic modifications.

Why bother with SIT mosquitoes?

Male mosquitoes don’t bite humans or any other animals. They feed on nectar and generally don’t bother people so using them to create non-viable offspring will reduce the overall impact of mosquitoes on people. Because males do not bite humans, no additional precautions need to be taken in areas where SIT mosquitoes are released.

Will SIT replace the use of mosquito repellants?

While SIT has been deployed with success in a number of areas, there are a variety of factors limiting its broad use. Only time will tell how SIT mosquito technology will be adopted around the world. Mosquitoes continue to be the world’s most deadly animal and it’s important to take measures to protect against mosquito-borne diseases.

While a lot of scientific progress has been made with SIT mosquitoes, keeping your property free of mosquitoes now is easier than ever. Contact the professionals at Mosquito One to provide excellent service with guaranteed mosquito-free results for your Michigan property. Book 2021 service online and enjoy a mosquito-free yard this year!

Michigan Backyard Staycation Ideas

Michigan Backyard Staycation Ideas

We’re all hoping that summer 2021 is going to be much more activity and vacation-filled than last year, but we’re already making plans in case our most exotic destination is our own backyards again this summer. While you’re probably not going to set up a full backyard amusement park, there are a lot of low-cost, […]

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We’re all hoping that summer 2021 is going to be much more activity and vacation-filled than last year, but we’re already making plans in case our most exotic destination is our own backyards again this summer. While you’re probably not going to set up a full backyard amusement park, there are a lot of low-cost, low-effort ways to make your backyard a staycation destination for your family.

Miss the Movie Theater? Hold an Outdoor Movie Night!

Watching a movie is a great way to have a family-friendly experience, but to make it even more special, take it outside! A small projector, laptop, and blank wall or large canvas tarp are all you need to create magical memories right in your backyard. Make it feel like an extra special event by adding string lighting, surround sound speakers, and themed-snacks for a real staycation feel. Before scheduling your movie night, make sure to test out your projector. Most inexpensive projectors require it to be fairly dark outside which may not work if you’re looking to show an afternoon Michigan vs Ohio State game but will work just fine for a showing of Frozen 2 after dark.

Craving Competition? Supersize Your Games!

Standard-sized board games may help you beat boredom for the winter, but summer is all about the outdoors. Take your favorite games outside by increasing the scale. Jumbo Jenga and Jumbo Yahtzee are some of the easiest DIY projects requiring some leftover lumber and a saw, but plans can be found online for everything from a life-size Connect 4 board to a jumbo version of Kerplunk. Enlist the help of your kids to decorate the blocks, boards, or other game pieces when creating the game boards and pieces for a backyard board game that is uniquely yours. It may not be just like Tokyo, but once you have a few outdoor games created, you’ll be ready for a friendly neighborhood Olympics!

Looking for Nostalgia? Add Fire!

Campfires are one of the most iconic parts of summer. Whether you’re sitting around a thrown-together crackling campsite fire or you’re lounging in front of your fire glass table, there’s something about having friends or family around a fire that makes it feel like summer. If you’re looking to make your fire feature a permanent fixture, an in-ground option with brick pavers is a classic choice, but make sure to check your local codes to ensure you place it in a proper location. Enclosed above ground or raised fire pits are a great way to be able to safely enjoy a fire with a smaller space or even from your driveway. No matter where you place it, grab a bag of marshmallows, some chocolate, and grill up some staycation s’mores!

Plant a New Garden

Spending more time than ever at home? Why not try your hand at gardening? From fruits and veggies to herbs and flowers, Michigan has a wonderful climate for gardens. Novice growers can enlist the help of local greenhouses to find hearty plants that work well for newbies while experienced gardeners can challenge their skills with interesting and exotic new varieties. Plants and seeds can be easily purchased online, but it’s important to make sure that any plants you choose are not invasive or prohibited in Michigan. Convinced you can’t grow anything? Consider creating an art garden where collected objects can have a new life as interesting yard ornaments.

Summers in Michigan never last long enough which is why it’s important to make the most of them and enjoying your Michigan yard starts with protecting it from mosquitoes and other pests. Schedule your 2021 yard treatment service with Mosquito One and don’t miss a moment of this summer.

5 Things that will make you hate mosquitoes even more

5 Things that will make you hate mosquitoes even more

It’s no secret that mosquitoes are pests. They tend to swarm in to ruin a good time right when the party is getting started and there’s no amount of citronella or bug spray that can work fast enough. Many Michigan homeowners have chosen to prevent this scenario altogether with professional mosquito treatments, but if you’re […]

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It’s no secret that mosquitoes are pests. They tend to swarm in to ruin a good time right when the party is getting started and there’s no amount of citronella or bug spray that can work fast enough. Many Michigan homeowners have chosen to prevent this scenario altogether with professional mosquito treatments, but if you’re still looking for a reason to eliminate these unwelcomed guests, here are 5 things that will make you hate mosquitoes even more.

1. Mosquitoes are the most dangerous animal in the world

It may seem hard to believe, but these tiny creatures, weighing just a few milligrams, are the deadliest animals on the planet. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, mosquitoes spread malaria, dengue fever, West Nile, yellow fever, Zika, and more, leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths around the world each year. In 2017, 435,000 people died of malaria with millions becoming ill, including approximately 2,000 U.S. travelers who had returned home with this virus.

2. You’re not imagining it, they really are flying at your face

Have you ever noticed how mosquitoes seem to swarm at your face? It’s not a coincidence. Mosquitoes are biologically programmed to be attracted to carbon dioxide, the same gas that humans exhale. If this wasn’t enough, it’s thought that certain foods like bananas and beer can actually increase a person’s attractiveness to mosquitoes.

3. You can’t escape mosquitoes

With more than 3,000 different species, mosquitoes are found on every single continent on the planet, except Antarctica. While mosquitoes can cause their share of problems for Michiganders living in the lower peninsula, they pose a major threat in South America and Asia. It’s Africa, however, that continues to suffer the most number of mosquito-related illnesses each year.

4. Mosquitoes are greedy

Mosquitoes, while small, have voracious appetites. Male mosquitoes don’t bite humans and instead dine on nectar, but female mosquitoes can eat up to three times their own body weight in human or animal blood. Female mosquitoes need to feed every two or three days on average, with some species needing twice daily feeding.

5. Mosquitoes could bring back the dinosaurs

If you recall in the movie Jurassic Park, the DNA that was sequenced to re-create the dinosaurs came from a fossilized mosquito. It turns out, this bit of science fiction is rooted in science fact. There is real-life evidence to suggest that mosquitoes have been around since the Triassic Period. While this possibility currently remains solely a product of Hollywood and imagination, it doesn’t feel out of character for mosquitoes to be the creature that would bring us all down.

Mosquitoes have no place in your Michigan or Ohio property. Ready to make sure your yard stays mosquito-free this year? Contact the professionals at Mosquito One or schedule mosquito treatment online for this upcoming season!

3 Bugs You Might Want in Your Yard

3 Bugs You Might Want in Your Yard

When we think about having bugs in our yards, we tend to think of the most annoying, painful ones. Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks seem to all serve the purpose of ruining good times and causing itchy, and sometimes deadly, problems. Hornets are just jerks. But the fact is, some bugs in our yards serve some […]

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When we think about having bugs in our yards, we tend to think of the most annoying, painful ones. Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks seem to all serve the purpose of ruining good times and causing itchy, and sometimes deadly, problems. Hornets are just jerks. But the fact is, some bugs in our yards serve some very important purposes. These are 3 bugs your want in your Michigan yard or garden.

Soldier Beetle

There are a variety of different kinds of soldier beetles, but most should be considered welcome guests in your garden. The bugs of the Cantharidae family, more commonly known as solider beetles, are often found in the garden and help to protect and pollinate. In Mid-Michigan, the Goldenrod Soldier Beetle can be found in mid-to-late summer and fall. These handy beetles feast on nectar and pollen as adults, but the larvae actually help rid your yard of other bugs by eating the larvae and eggs of other insects. Other varieties of Solider Beetles enjoy eating aphids and are ideal for protecting marigolds, zinnias, and other plants that are often ravaged by aphids.

Hover Fly

Hover flies, also known as syraphid flies, are one of nature’s most clever imposters. These small flies share the black and gold coloring of bees and hornets, but these stinger-less bugs have an entirely more cheerful manner. Like bees, adult hover flies will eat pollen and nectar, but you can tell a hover fly from a bee (or hornet) by watching it fly. Hover flies are able to remain flying while not moving in a direction, while bees and hornets cannot. In addition to helping pollinate your yard, hover fly populations have the added benefit of helping to reduce aphid populations. Female hover flies will lay their eggs amongst an aphid population so that when the eggs hatch, they have a waiting snack in their aphid neighbors. Hover flies do have a tendency to swarm and put a damper on a good time so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on their population in your yard and control it, if needed.

Dragonfly

Dragonflies are part of the experience when you’re fishing in Michigan. Michigan has 162 species of odonata, the order that makes up both dragonflies and damsel flies. Dragonflies can benefit property owners by controlling the population of other flying insects like flies, gnats, and especially mosquitoes. Dragonflies are attracted to water and can be found near ponds, lakes, and marshy areas. In addition to being seen as a sign of goodluck in some cultures, dragonflies are expert predators. A single dragonfly can eat more than 100 mosquitoes in a day.

Not every insect or bug in your yard is a friend. Don’t let your outdoor space go unused because of pesky mosquitoes, ants or other nuisances. Mosquito One provides professional, targeted mosquito treatments sprays to your outdoor spaces allowing you to have an enjoyable, bug-free experience. Schedule your mosquito treatment online or contact us today to learn more!