Tips to Limit Mosquito Invasion

Editors Note: A version of this appeared on Fenton Patch.

Here are ways to keep your yard mosquito and tick-free:

1. TIP. Reduce standing water to eliminate mosquito threats, including those in children’s sandboxes, wagons or plastic toys; underneath and around downspouts, in plant saucers and dog bowls. Other hot spots include tarps, gutters, and flat roofs.

 2. TOSS. Remove excess grass, leaves, firewood and clippings from yards.

 3. TURN. Turn over larger yard items that could hold water like children’s portable sandboxes or plastic toys.

4. REMOVE TARPS. If tarps stretched over firewood piles, boats or sports equipment aren’t taut, they’re holding water.

5. TREAT. Utilize a mosquito elimination barrier treatment around the home and yard. Using a barrier treatment at home reduces the need for using DEET-containing bug spray on the body. Mosquito Squad’s eliminates up to 90 percent of the mosquitoes and ticks on a property.

While generally a nuisance, mosquitoes and ticks can carry dangerous diseases such as West Nile and Lyme disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that nearly 300,000 Americans have been sickened with West Nile Virus since it arrived in the U.S. 11 years ago.

*Information provided by Mosquito Squad.