New Hampshire Resident Contracts Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Mosquitoes transmit Eastern Equine Encephalitis to humans.

Several times this season, Mosquito Squad of Central New Hampshire has cautioned you about mosquito borne diseases. Though we all know they exist, sometimes it is easy to go through life as if they don’t, simply because most of us have never been directly affected by them. But this week, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) strikes close to home, and this time, the disease has not been identified in mosquitoes or horses but rather one of our neighbors. On Friday, the Concord Monitor reported that a Conway resident has been diagnosed with EEE.

 

Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a serious disease that can affect birds, horses, and humans. It is serious, and there is no treatment other than palliative care while the disease runs its course. There is also no vaccine for humans. EEE is transmitted to birds, horses, and humans though the bite of an infected mosquito. It will not pass from birds or horses to humans, and horses can’t get it from bird or other horses. Mosquitoes are the culprit here. Early human symptoms include many flu-like symptoms: chills, fever, joint pain, muscle pain, and feeling “out of sorts”. Encephalitic infections in humans are the most severe manifestation of the disease. They include: headache, irritability, restlessness, drowsiness, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, cyanosis, convulsions, and coma. Typically, an EEE infection will require hospitalization for recovery.

 

It’s more important than ever to to control the mosquito population on your property.

Be sure that you and your family avoid Eastern Equine Encephalitis this season since it is in our local mosquito population. The very best protection from the virus is to avoid being bitten by the mosquitoes that may carry it. EEE is transmitted by several different species of mosquitoes, so the best defense is to control all mosquitoes. On your property, be sure that you are eliminating any areas of standing water – even if it is just a little water. Mosquitoes can use as little as a teaspoon for a breeding ground. Check the screens on your windows and doors. As temperatures cool, you will probably be using the AC unit less, so be sure mosquitoes can’t find their way into your home. When you venture outdoors, use a mosquito repellent, especially during the morning and evening hours when more mosquitoes are active. But do remember that certain species are active during all hours of the day. Long sleeved shirts and long pants can also make it more difficult for mosquitoes to bite you.

 

Finally, be sure to maximize your mosquito control by calling Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire. Our mosquito treatments will effectively eliminate up to 90% of the mosquitoes on your property. They are long lasting, up to 21 days even when it rains. We will even set up a treatment schedule, so you don’t have to worry about mosquitoes for the rest of the season. EEE is serious. Be sure that you and your family are protected. Contact Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire today to get the best mosquito control available.

The team at Mosquito Squad of SoNH

 

 

 

Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire
(603) 373 – 8863

How to Protect Your Southern New Hampshire Horses (and Yourself) from Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Protect your horses from Easter Equine Encephalitis

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) made its way into New Hampshire last week. According to The Eagle Tribune, the State Health Department has found the virus in a batch of mosquitoes in Londonderry (Source). Now that infected mosquitoes have been identified in our area, it is important for horse owners to take precautionary steps that help reduce their horses’ risk of contracting the disease. Though no infected horses have been identified in New Hampshire to date, simple prevention of the disease is best because most horses that contract EEE do not survive.

 

Symptoms of EEE in horses include erratic behavior, head pressing, unsteadiness, and a loss of coordination. Any horse showing these symptoms should be examined by a veterinarian immediately. While it will not help a horse that is already infected, an equine vaccination exists for Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Fortunately, this vaccine can help prevent horses from getting the disease in the first place. If you own a horse, please discuss the vaccine with your veterinarian. While some owners perform routine vaccinations for their own horses, experts within the Entomology Department at Rutgers University advise against this for this vaccine. The EEE vaccine must be administered according to a specific protocol in order to be effective, and if that protocol is not followed, the horse may not be as protected though the owner thinks it is. (Source).

 

Eliminate standing water to help control the mosquito population.

In addition to the vaccine, horse owners can help reduce risk by controlling the mosquito population on their property and around their stables. EEE is spread to horses through the bite of a mosquito. The disease is not communicable between horses, and horses cannot pass the disease to humans. Like horses, humans become infected by being bitten by an infected mosquito. Unfortunately, an infected horse indicates that the disease is present in the local mosquito population, and there is no way of knowing which mosquitoes are infected without testing. As you can see, the best way to control the disease is to control the mosquitoes that spread it.

 

In addition to eliminating stagnant water that can easily accumulate in many areas around a stable, owners should treat their property for mosquitoes to have the most effective control. Here at Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire, we are mosquito elimination experts. Our barrier sprays and misting systems can reduce your mosquito population by up to 90%. This means there are far fewer mosquitoes present that could bite your horse or a family member. Protect those you love, both four-legged and two-legged, from EEE by calling us today to talk about your options. You’ll be one step closer to managing the mosquitoes on your property.

The team at Mosquito Squad of SoNH

 

 

 

Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire
(603) 373 – 8863

The Triple Punch from Mosquitoes in Southern New Hampshire

We can keep your backyard free of these this season.

Mosquitoes in Southern New Hampshire are capable of pulling a punch with the diseases they can transmit. In fact, here in Southern New Hampshire, they can actually pull a triple punch with three mosquito-borne illness that can be found in our area. It’s important to know the symptoms of these diseases and how to control the mosquito population in your Southern New Hampshire yard. Let’s start with the three mosquito-borne viruses and their symptoms:

Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Southern New Hampshire

Disease	West Nile Virus	Easter Equine Encephalitis	Chikungunya
Symptoms	Fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash.	Chills, Fever, Joint Paint, and Muscle Pain.   More severe symptoms include headache, irritability, restlessness, drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and coma.	Fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash
Duration of Symptoms	Several weeks to months depending on the severity of infection.	1-2 weeks for systemic infections or longer for more serious cases or the disease may be fatal.	Several days to a few weeks although joint pain can last for years.
Treatment	There is no vaccine or specific treatment for WNV. Over the counter pain medication, fluids, and rest are recommended.	There is no vaccine for EEE for humans. Medication, fluids, and rest are the best treatment. Hospitalization may be required, especially if the infection is severe.	There is no vaccine for Chikungunya although one is in the works. Over the counter pain medication and rest are recommended.

 

While each of the diseases can be painful and eventually can become more serious, each can also be avoided with proper mosquito control by Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire. Our barrier spray reduces the

The team at Mosquito Squad of SoNH

mosquito population in your treated yard by up to 90%, and lasts for 21 days, even through the rain. Call us now for season long protection against Southern New Hampshire mosquitoes and the diseases they can transmit to your family with just one bit. Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire is ready to protect you from the triple punch of mosquitoes.

 

Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire
(603) 373 – 8863

Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire’s Ultimate Protection Against Mosquitoes and Ticks

Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire provides the ultimate protection against mosquitoes and ticks, backed by the ultimate service. We treat your yard with our effective barrier spray to eliminate mosquitoes and ticks on contact and keeps additional pests out of your yard.  For ultimate protection and ultimate service all season long, call Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire.

 

First Locally Transmitted Chikungunya Cases Identified in United States Last Week

The Asian Tiger is one of the mosquitoes that spreads Chikungunya virus.

Just last week, we posted about Chikungunya virus coming to New Hampshire through infected travelers. It would appear our post was right on time. Last week, on July 17^th, the Florida Department of Health announced that state’s first confirmed cases of locally transmitted Chikungunya virus. This means that the persons who contracted the disease had not recently traveled outside of the country. The CDC announced this information that same day. As experts have predicted, Chikungunya virus is now in the continental United States. A mosquito-borne illness, the disease is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, and the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) resides in Southern New Hampshire.

 

While Chikungunya virus is still many miles away, it is important to know its symptoms, so it can be correctly identified. Symptoms typically present themselves 3-7 days after a person is bitten, and the most common are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash. Very young children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from other health conditions are most at risk of developing severe manifestations of the disease. Fortunately, death from Chikungunya virus is rare, but the disease is painful and debilitating. Blood tests are used to diagnose Chikungunya. While there is no cure, the disease typically runs its course in one week, though some continue to experience joint pain for longer periods of time. Treatment includes rest, plenty of fluids, and over the counter pain medication to manage joint pain.

 

Of course, no one wants to get sick. To prevent colds, we wash our hands often and stay away from those who are infected. Chikungunya is not transmitted through person-to-person contact. Being bitten by an infected mosquito is the only way to contract the virus, so let’s all avoid mosquito bites. Wear light colored clothing when outdoors and use a mosquito repellent. To reduce the mosquito population on your property, rid the area of standing water – dump it out when you see it and be sure your property is draining.

 

The team at Mosquito Squad of SoNH

And finally, contact Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire at (603) 373 – 8863. We are mosquito-elimination experts, and our approach to mosquito control is strategic and effective. You can expect to see up to a 90% reduction in the mosquito population once we have visited. Our sprays are registered with the EPA and handled by trained professionals. Let us help keep your family safe from all mosquito-borne diseases, including the recently arrived Chikungunya virus.

Chikungunya Virus Arrives in New Hampshire

Travelers have brought Chikungunya virus back from the Caribbean.

About a month ago, we posted about Chikungunya virus and its arrival in the Western Hemisphere. At the time, the CDC was concerned about travelers bringing the virus back from vacations in the Caribbean, and they still are. Within the past few weeks, the CDC’s predictions have begun to be realized. The Nashua Patch has reported that Chikungunya cases have now been identified here in New Hampshire. New Hampshire residents are much more likely to vacation in the Caribbean rather than the other areas of the world in which Chikungunya outbreaks have occurred. These first cases are the result of travelers being infected overseas.

 

So what do we have to worry about? Immediately, there is little cause for concern. However, as the number of imported cases rises, it becomes more likely that mosquitoes will bite an infected person and subsequently transmit it to a healthy individual. This is typically the way mosquito-borne diseases move into new areas. 2014 has already brought more Chikungunya cases within the United States than have ever been seen before. As of July 8^th, the CDC has confirmed 138 cases within the continental US. In the past, only about 28 cases were confirmed here each year. As the number of Chikungunya cases increases, so does the need for vigilance.

 

Protect your family from mosquito-borne diseases by eliminating mosquitoes in your yard.

If you are traveling to the Caribbean for vacation this season, be sure to protect yourself and your family by wearing mosquito repellent and light colored clothing and ensuring that mosquitoes are unable to enter your sleeping quarters. Not only will you decrease your risk of getting sick, you will also decrease the risk of sharing Chikungunya in your neighborhood once you return. At home, we should simply control the mosquito population by eliminating standing water on our properties and by treating our yards for mosquitoes. Here, Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire can help. Our barrier sprays are applied to the vegetation, which is a mosquito food source, in your yard. They last for 21 days, and even if it rains, they are a highly effective way of eliminating mosquitoes and continuing to repel them. We also offer organic options and mosquito misting systems.

 

The team at Mosquito Squad of SoNH

So call Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire today at (603) 373 – 8863 to get control over the mosquito population on your property. The best way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases, like Chikungunya, is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in the first place. We can help.

Don’t Let Mosquitoes Take Advantage of Hurricane Season

Hurricane season can bring standing water that become mosquito breeding grounds.

With hurricane Arthur dumping massive amounts rain on our neighbors in Maine and Rhoda Island over the weekend, we are reminded that hurricane season is now upon us. Here in Southern New Hampshire, we may have dodged the severe weather that Arthur brought, but it’s only matter of time before the intense rain from another summer hurricane comes falling on our heads. Of course, we all know that summer rains are great for the garden, but they also bring mosquitoes out in droves. Why? Because mosquitoes thrive in warm, wet weather. It provides optimal conditions for their reproduction, and mosquitoes reproduce at alarming rates.

 

Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in still, standing water. In as few as seven days after eggs are laid, hundreds of tiny mosquitoes can emerge from as little as one teaspoon. The rains that hurricanes bring dump far more than a teaspoon in our lawns, and little pockets of water can be hard to detect. Water gathers in puddles, toys that have been left out, saucers underneath potted plants, buckets, wheelbarrows, and tarps that may be lying around. Even depressions in your grill cover can quickly become a mosquito nursery after an intense rainfall. Additionally, hurricane weather can increase humidity for days after it has passed, making water less likely to evaporate.

 

Let Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire fight mosquitoes for you.

So as we enter hurricane season, remember to fight mosquitoes by eliminating standing water wherever you can, and be sure your property is draining. Even when you take these precautions, the middle of mosquito season is often itchy and painful. So treat your property for mosquitoes, and your family will be able to enjoy evenings outdoors, mosquito-free. At Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire, we specialize in stopping mosquitoes. Our barrier sprays are highly effective at reducing the number of mosquitoes in your yard (up to 90%), and they last 21 days even if it rains. Of course, there are more than 21 days left of mosquito season, so we will set you up on a spray schedule that continue to repel mosquitoes all season.

 

The team at Mosquito Squad of SoNH

Hurricane weather may bring more mosquitoes, but there is no need to let them ruin your summer. Don’t wait until the next hurricane creates breeding grounds and you’re getting bit. Call Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire today at (603) 373 – 8863 and sign up. The sooner you call, the sooner your family can enjoy evenings in the yard without swatting, slapping, and still ending up with pain and itching.

Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire Keeps Residents Safe from All Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Mosquitoes are swarming and there no way to know which are infected and which are not.

CHIKV, WNV, EEE. What are all these acronyms and why should you be aware of them? They are all mosquito-borne virus and they are being transmitted at record pace. That’s why now is more important than ever to be aware of mosquitoes in your yard and have your yard treated by Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire.

 

Of the three viruses, CHIKV, or Chickungunya is of the highest concern to us right now. That is because it is spreading so quickly throughout the United States and while no cases are thought to be spread by mosquitoes in the U.S. at the moment, the concern is that it will begin soon. What is happening is that U.S. residents are traveling to places where mosquitoes are spreading the disease, specifically the Caribbean. When bitten on their luxury vacations, they return home with symptoms of the disease. Officials believe that the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are present in the United States, could bite an infected person and begin the transmission to others here in Southern New Hampshire as well as throughout the United States.

 

Symptoms typically begin four to eight days after transmission. Here’s what to look for if you believe you have been bitten:

• Abrupt onset of fever frequently accompanied by joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Rash

 

The good, the bad and the ugly:

Good: Most patients recover fully but the joint pain they experience may last several months or even years.

 

Bad: There is no vaccine or cure for the disease although the symptoms can be treated.

 

Ugly: Symptoms are very common to another mosquito-transmitted disease and can be misdiagnosed as dengue fever. Additionally, cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported but serious complications are not common.

 

So, what can you do to protect your family? Have your yard treated by Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire. Our barrier spray treatment has three levels of protection for the most effective mosquito control around. The barrier spray first eliminates mosquitoes on contact when they land on the treated vegetation in your yard. It then continues working efficiently for 21 days to eradicate any additional mosquitoes. Third, it creates a barrier around your property to keep other mosquitoes out. Our barrier spray is so effective it will eliminate up to 90% of mosquitoes in your treated area.

 

With Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire’s season long protection, you be able to freely use you yard without the worry of any mosquito borne illnesses and you’ll feel confident your family is safe all season long. Getting started with our barrier spray treatment is as easy as calling our office at (603) 373 – 8863. One call will set up our barrier spray treatment every 21 days so you’ll be protected all season long. It’s the assurance you can trust from the best mosquito eliminators in Southern New Hampshire.

The team at Mosquito Squad of SoNH

Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire’s Tips on Mosquito Elimination During National Mosquito Control Awareness Week

National Mosquito Control Awareness Week is this week and while it may not appear on your calendar, mosquitoes all over Southern New Hampshire and worldwide should be on high alert. With the new mosquito-borne illness, Chickungunya, spreading so rapidly across the United States as well as a handful of other mosquito illnesses, elimination in your yard and worldwide is now more important than ever.

Mosquito bites are not just painful; they are also the paths to virus transmission. National Mosquito Control Awareness week is the perfect time to follow Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire’s seven tips on eliminating mosquitoes:

TIP.  Tip over tire swings, portable fire pits and catch basins and other areas that hold water.

TOSS.  Toss out yard waste like grass clippings, leaves, firewood and piles of mulch that create mosquito breeding grounds. Be sure to check the borders of your property as well as underneath your deck where debris tends to accumulate

TURN. Turn over portable sandboxes, slides or plastic toys; downspouts, plant saucers, and dog water bowls that capture water.

REMOVE TARPS.  Loose tarps over firewood piles, portable fire places, boats, and grills trap water and are often overlooked. Make sure you remove those potential breeding grounds.

TAKE CARE. Taking care of your home can increase your property values and decrease your chance of mosquito bites.  Include areas like gutters, downspout in your efforts. Check irrigation systems to ensure that they aren’t leaking and causing a breeding haven for mosquitoes.

TEAM UP. Talking with neighbors is a key component to mosquito, and tick, control.  Townhomes and homes with little space between lots mean that mosquitoes can breed at a neighbor’s home, and affect your property.

TREAT. Utilize Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire’s mosquito elimination barrier treatment around your home and yard to reduce the need for using bug spray on you and your family.

These seven tips will keep you and your family safe from mosquitoes and their diseases. To extend our efforts even further this week, we urge you to consider donating just $1 to Malaria No More’s Power of One (Po1) campaign. $1 provides a life-saving test and treatment for a child in Africa against mosquito-borne diseases so prevalent to them. Donating is easy at SwatMalaria.net.

The team at Mosquito Squad of SoNH

Take this opportunity during National Mosquito Control Awareness week to protect your family and children in Africa from mosquitoes. One easy click, one easy walk around your yard and one easy phone call can do it all. (603) 373 – 8863

Chikungunya Virus Is Making News in Southern New Hampshire

Mosquitoes carry a wide range of diseases, including Chikungunya virus.

When we think about mosquito-borne illnesses, West Nile Virus is the one that comes to mind, but unfortunately, mosquitoes are vectors for many diseases. Recently, Chikungunya virus, a flu-like disease transmitted by mosquitoes that includes rash and joint swelling, has been receiving more media attention than in the past. It even made last Saturday’s broadcast of Good Morning America. Why? Because for the first time, outbreaks are occurring very close to the United States. In previous years, few people in Southern New Hampshire would ever be exposed to Chikungunya. It was found primarily in Africa, Asia, and India, and only those traveling to such areas of the world were at risk of contracting the virus. However, in December 2013, an outbreak occurred in the Caribbean, bringing the virus very close home. While there have still been no outbreaks in the United States to date, more cases are occurring stateside because the Caribbean countries are popular travel destinations for more US citizens.

 

So what does this all mean? If your travel plans are within the United States, you probably won’t be exposed to Chikungunya virus this year. However with the disease so close by, it really is only a matter of time before the virus spreads into our country. According to the CDC, “[w]ith the recent outbreaks in the Caribbean and the Pacific, the number of chikungunya cases among travelers visiting or returning to the United States from affected areas will likely increase. These imported cases could result in local spread of the virus in the continental United States” (Source).

 

Eliminate standing water on your property to help reduce the mosquito population.

Chikungunya is just one more disease in the mosquito-borne arsenal, so it is important to minimize your exposure to mosquitoes in order to prevent these diseases. You can do this by making your property less appealing to them. Remember that mosquitoes love standing water. They need it to breed and multiply, so do not let it accumulate in your yard. Be sure to turn over any outdoor items that could collect rainwater, and if it does collect in a toy, bucket, or other item, get rid of the water as soon as possible. The longer water is undisturbed, the more likely it is to attract mosquitoes. You can also treat your property to eliminate mosquitoes and repel new ones that are searching for a home. Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire specializes in ridding you of these pests. Our highly effective barrier sprays can eliminate up to 90% of the mosquitoes in your yard and are effective for up to 21 days. When clients schedule with us, we include all sprays for the season, so they have continuous control all summer long. Our pricing also includes the entire mosquito season.

 

The team at Mosquito Squad of SoNH

Don’t let a mosquito-born illness ruin your summer, and when Chikungunya virus does finally break out in our area, be ready. Contact Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire today (603) 373 – 8863 • email: sonh@mosquitosquad.com. We are in the business of protecting you and your family from the annoyance and pain of mosquito bites and from the more serious illnesses that can result.