2017 Zika Outlook

Last year, Zika was covered by news agencies across the country, and rightfully so. Zika is a virus that is directly connected to microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. But, as mosquitoes are the prime vector for this virus, the winter has caused a lull in cases, as well as news coverage. And, many people are asking, “What does 2017 look like?” Are we going to have a repeat of last year? Will it be worse? Will it be better? We have some good news and some bad news.

The Good News

Here in the U.S., we have been mostly spared from the devastating impact of this virus. While Zika continues to be a scourge for Latin America and countries to the south of us, the United States has seen only small outbreaks. Most reported cases have been connected to travelers returning from countries with high infection rates. And, local cases that have been found here in the states, like those documented in Brownsville, Texas, which is near the border of Mexico, have been closely monitored by the CDC and local state health organizations. On top of this, Congress has approved $1.1 billion dollars to combat this dangerous threat and to work toward developing a vaccine. All good news, indeed.

The Bad News

You may have noticed that we had a fairly mild winter. While it was certainly nice to have fewer cold days, that warm winter weather did nothing to reduce mosquito populations and will, almost certainly, lead to a faster developing and more tormenting mosquito season. If itchy bites were the only threat, there would be nothing to worry about. But increased mosquito populations are a fertile soil for the quick spread of an outbreak.

People come into the United States from Latin America, and points south, all the time. If an infected traveler is bitten by an Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito, an outbreak could spread like wildfire in a mosquito-rich environment.
Mosquito abatement services are one of the first-line defenses the U.S. government relies on to protect its citizens from mosquito-borne viruses. When mosquitoes are reduced, it is harder for viruses to find a vector. If we are to keep our states and our communities safe, it is vital that we increase our mosquito reduction efforts to meet the threat of this coming mosquito season. This cannot be accomplished by government agencies alone. It is up to private property owners to take part in mosquito abatement to ensure the coverage necessary. Reach out to us today to learn more, or to schedule mosquito services.

Get Smart About Bug Spray

Sunscreen, a cool pair of shades, and yummy food are backyard essentials for summer — but don’t forget about the bug spray. With so much information out there on Zika virus, Lyme disease, and other issues with backyard bugs, as well as the concerns about repellants, it can be hard to know what to use and how. To avoid common mistakes that minimize your repellant’s benefits, use the tips below.

Top 3 tips to get the most out of your bug spray while keeping you and your family safe:

1. Spray On All Uncovered Skin
Just be sure to avoid your nose, eyes and mouth, as well as any open cuts, scrapes or burns. Bugs love sweaty skin and are drawn to body heat so be sure to coat your pulse points, too. (Around your waistband, inside your elbows, behind your knees, and the bottom of your feet are often overlooked.)

2.  Apply AFTER Sunscreen
The CDC recommends getting the most out of your skin protection by applying bug spray AFTER sunscreen. The fragrances in some sunscreens may attract mosquitoes and other pests if applied on top of bug spray. And no, those combo products aren’t as effective.

3. Reconsider DEET
Paying attention to how your body reacts to any type of product is the best way to stay safe. However, DEET is proven effective against mosquitoes and ticks, as well as fleas, chiggers, biting flies and more. While the CDC says you’re safe using a product containing up to 50% DEET, those with 15-20% will still keep bugs away — just don’t forget to reapply every few hours.

Looking for more ways to keep backyard bugs away? View our services for more info or call (678) 808-2038.

ZIKA VIRUS INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

With increasing media attention regarding confirmed cases of the Zika virus in the United States, we are providing a list of resources with more information about your health and safety concerns.

Important Things to Remember:

  • The Active Pest Control Mosquito Control plan includes a property inspection and treatments tailored to your family’s needs.
  • Active Pest Control’s current treatments DO reduce the population of mosquitoes known to carry the Zika virus.
  • The best way to prevent bites from mosquito and other insects is to wear a bug spray with DEET or a natural repellant, along with long sleeves and pants, while outside.
  • The U.S. already has strong mosquito control protocols in place; air conditioners, window screens, and vigilant chemical treatments by local governments help reduce the population of disease-spreading mosquitoes throughout the country.

Additional Health and Safety Resources:

Insect Bites in Rome, Georgia

There are a lot of things that can bite your kids in Rome. As a parent, it is important to know how to recognize signs of something serious and how to treat bites, so that your kids–and you–can get back out to play. This is by no means a comprehensive article on the topic of insect bites. Our focus is to cover the three types of bugs that will bite you most and give you some tips on how to lessen the impact these bugs can have on a beautiful summer day.

Stinging Insects

Here are some things you and your kids need to know if you get stung by anything.

· Most bites are benign, but if you or your child has an allergy, things can go from irritating to dangerous, fast. If they have trouble breathing, issues swallowing, wheezing, or facial swelling, seek medical attention immediately. Severe allergic reactions can even lead to anaphylactic shock.

· Stay calm. Frantic movement can cause the insect to sting again.

· Move away from the insect that stung you. Many stinging insects have the ability to swarm.

· Get the stinger out as soon as you can. When bees sting, they leave their stinger and venom pouch on the wound. The venom pouch will continue to pump venom for over a minute. Scratch it off; don’t pinch. Pinching can cause the rest of the venom to deploy.

· After the initial scratch, stop scratching. Scratching a bite can cause infection.

· Elevating a limb and applying an ice pack for at least 15-20 minutes each hour will reduce swelling.

Tick Bites

There are a whole ton of diseases that can be spread by tick bite but, by far, the worst is Lyme disease. Contrary to what you may have heard, Lyme disease can be found in Georgia and should never be ruled out when dealing with a tick bite. Here are the three things you need to know most about ticks.

· Lyme disease does not always leave a recognizable bullseye rash on the skin. This can throw some doctors off.

· Lyme disease takes 24 to 48 hours to transfer from the tick.

· If you or one of your children get bitten by a tick, it is important to catch the tick and bring it in with you to the doctor. Lyme disease can cause extended medical complications. Knowing if Lyme disease is a factor will lead to quicker treatment.

Mosquito Bites

With increased travel and more deadly viruses getting into the United States from other countries, it is becoming more important to protect ourselves. But, if you get bitten, here are some things to remember.

· Avoid scratching the bites. This will only make the itching worse.

· You can alleviate the itching of a mosquito bite by using 1% hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for dosage and usage for all first aid products.

· An ice pack can help to relieve itching.

· If you develop flu-like symptoms after being bitten by mosquitoes, consider consulting a doctor. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

For protection from stinging insects, ticks, and mosquitoes on your property in Rome, Georgia, give us a call at Active Pest Control. Fewer biting insects in your backyard mean fewer bites. And that is always the best way to go.

Summer Pests In Tennessee

Summer is finally here. That can mean many things to many people. To students, it could mean a break in the monotony of daily studies. For seniors, it may mark the beginning of a life of possibilities. For builders and subcontractors, it has the potential to mean business opportunity. For a large variety of bugs, it means: “Time to make the babies!” But to make babies, some bugs need blood. Your blood. And that is not okay. If you would rather not have your blood used to increase the number of biting insects in the world, here are a few pests to watch out for, and some ways to keep them from making you their next meal.

Ticks: This parasite not only eats blood, it can spread disease. Here are a few things you need to know.

Ticks love an unmaintained lawn. If you have tall grass and weeds you will invite this pest to leave eggs in your yard. Tall grass also makes tick-carrying wildlife more interested in being in your yard. Your goal should be to give wild animals fewer reasons to pass close to your home. You can do this by sealing and securing trash cans, by putting up a fence, or by removing food sources, like bird feeders.

Fleas: If you own a pet, this parasitic pest can be quite a problem. But pet owners aren’t the only people who suffer with fleas. Here are a few things you need to know.

Fleas and mites are small enough to live on a field mouse. If your home has gaps, cracks or other entry points, you are inviting rodents to bring fleas into your home. Use a caulking gun to seal rotted areas and gaps around pipes and fixtures.

Mosquitoes: If you look beyond the itchy welts this insect leaves on your skin, you will see a vector for dangerous flu-like viruses, like West Nile and Dengue fever. Here is what you need to know about these frustrating little biters.

Protecting yourself and your family from mosquitoes starts in your own backyard. Pest control companies have treatments that will reduce mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and other insects that leave eggs in your yard. They will also find and remove the conditions that invite these insects to breed. If you plan on going out into nature, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Use DEET to ward off the less motivated biters. And always use netting to protect areas where you sleep and eat.

Bed Bugs: Though not specifically a summer pest, this blood eater is much more active during the summer months. It loves the summer heat and it loves to travel. Here are some ways you can keep it from making you a part of its travel itinerary.

Bed bugs are hitchhikers. When you travel anywhere, even a 5-star resort, always check for bed bugs. This insect will leave black residue on mattress seams and corners. It can be found in between sheets and covers or on upholstered furniture in a room. And, you can detect them by examining sheets and pillowcases for tiny brown blood stains. Before you head home, always check your suitcases and bags for uninvited guests.

In summer, all pest bugs become more active, but you don’t have to let them make a meal out of you. Keep a watchful eye and protect your home from summer pests with help from the pest control professionals at Active Pest Control.

Give us a call or submit a form online for more information!