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

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.

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.

Getting Rid of Mosquitoes in Your Southern New Hampshire Backyard

Drive mosquitoes out of your yard before they start biting.

Last week, we told you about some characteristics that mosquitoes find very attractive so you can avoid certain behaviors and take precautions that minimize the bites you receive. While these steps help you avoid these pests, it is best to simply not have them around at all. So how do you get rid of mosquitoes in your backyard or keep them from coming to visit in the first place? In order to be effective in your efforts, it’s important to understand a little about mosquito life.

Mosquitoes don’t live very long, only about a month, but during that timeframe, they are extremely active breeders. A single female mosquito can lay over three hundred eggs during each egg-laying period, and she will have four of these periods during her short lifetime. Of these mosquito larvae, about half of them will be female, each one capable of laying just as many eggs as her mother. So in optimal conditions, your backyard can go from mosquito-free to virtually infested in very little time. If you are trying to rid yourself of mosquitoes or prevent them from calling your property home, you simply have to prevent those optimal conditions.

Mosquitoes proliferate anywhere there is stagnant water.

Water, specifically still water, is essential for mosquito breeding. Female mosquitoes lay eggs anywhere they can find stagnant water, and they don’t need much. It only takes about a teaspoon (or one bottle capful). In order to prevent or reduce mosquitoes, you need to eliminate standing water in your yard. Be sure that you turn over any buckets or kid’s toys that could collect rainwater and routinely check your property for any items that may have collected it. Pour it out if you find it. Poorly drained areas of your yard also hold enough water to allow mosquitoes to breed. Check drainage ditches, pipes, and gutters for blockages that create the opportunity for water to pool and remove any blockages.

The team at Mosquito Squad of SoNH

While eliminating standing water will go a long way toward mosquito control, you will probably still have some of them. Treating your property will further reduce the mosquito population. Who should you call? Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire. Our mosquito treatments are extremely effective and registered with the EPA. Our barrier sprays are applied to the vegetation on your property and contain a binding agent that allows them to be effective for 21 days. We also have misting systems and organic options. So call us today to learn more about these options and sign up! Nothing is more annoying than abandoning a fun evening outdoors because you’re becoming mosquito dinner. Do something about it. (603) 373 – 8863 • email: sonh@mosquitosquad.com

How to Avoid a Southern New Hampshire Mosquito

By doing these simple things, you can have a mosquito friend in no time.

So you know a few people that mosquitoes just won’t leave alone at an outdoor gathering while they completely ignore you. Have you ever wondered why your friend is a magnet and you seem to be a repellant?  Mosquitoes are very selective,  know what they want and know where to find it.  Here’s what they’re looking for:

 

1.  Type “O” Blood – While it will be hard to change your blood type, mosquitoes find those who are type “O” very, very attractive. Some scientists believe this is related to amino acid and protein levels in this type of blood.
2. Want You to Have a Drink – Whether your preference is beer, wine, or a margarita, mosquitoes a drawn to those who have been drinking alcohol. Alcohol changes your blood chemistry, and mosquitoes just can’t get enough of it. Cheers!
3. Persuade You to Get Sweaty – It doesn’t matter if you are working or working out; mosquitoes like sweat. For them, it works like an expensive perfume. So go for a run or mow the grass with a push mower, they won’t be able to resist you.
4. Choose Dark Clothing – Mosquitoes really don’t care as much for pastels or whites. They’d much prefer you look dark and mysterious. Dig out that little black dress or a nice navy shirt and you’re to be a winner.
5. Like the Pregnant One – Mosquitoes really love moms-to-be. Again, this is probably related to blood chemistry, but they find these ladies especially enticing.

 

Protect yourself and your family this mosquito season.

Okay, we realize you aren’t really trying to attract a mosquito. You’d much prefer to drive them away. They’re pesky, painful, and carry diseases no one wants. Of course, some of the characteristics mosquitoes love cannot be helped, but knowing what mosquitoes find attractive can help you make choices accordingly. If you have type “O” blood, that’s not going to change, but your choice of drink can.

 

The team at Mosquito Squad of SoNH

Even if you are able to avoid all of the characteristics mosquitoes love, you will still probably be bitten at some point this summer. Don’t continue to just swat at them. Do something about it. Call Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire and sign up for our season long mosquito treatments. We will come out to your property and apply a barrier spray every 21 days. It will provide continuous control of mosquitoes on your property all season long. Even if you are unfortunate enough to have all of the characteristics above, you can still kick mosquitoes to the curb this season.  (603) 373 – 8863 • email: sonh@mosquitosquad.com •

Triple Protection Against Mosquitoes in Your Southern New Hampshire Yard

Happy Memorial Day from Mosquito Squad of SoNH

The entire Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire team hopes you had an enjoyable and reflective Memorial Day weekend honoring our fallen hero’s and thanking those who continue to protect us. Memorial Day commemorates those who sacrificed for us but also marks the start of summer vacation and unfortunately, mosquito season. The kids will soon be out of school so now is the time to get your mosquito control secured so you can protect them all summer long.

 

If you attended a celebratory cookout, neighborhood party or family reunion, did you notice any uninvited guest nibbling not on the pasta salad but on your arm? Those annoying pests are mosquitoes and they are out in Southern New Hampshire. Protecting your family from painful mosquito bites and the diseases they carry like West Nile virus should start early. Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire is ready to start that defense with our triple-protection barrier spray treatment. Here’s how it works:

 

Triple protection against mosquitoes

Level 1: Our barrier spray is applies to the shrubbery in your yard where mosquitoes rest and feed off the plant juices. Once the mosquitoes land on the foliage, they are eliminated on contact.

 

Level 2: Our barrier spray binds to that vegetation and our time-released formula remains effective for 21 days, eradicating any mosquitoes (or ticks!) that lands on the treated area.

 

Level 3: Our treatment creates a barrier around your property to keep additional mosquitoes from entering.

 

Call now for Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire’s season long protection. We’ll eliminate those mosquitoes that have already made their way into your yard as well prevent other mosquitoes from entering. So when the kids are out of school and you are spending your night’s outdoors, you won’t have to worry about protecting them from those itchy bites and mosquito-borne illnesses. Our safe and effective barrier spray will eliminate what mosquitoes are present and prevent resurgence for 21 days, which is when we come back to apply another treatment. It’s triple protection all summer long.

The team at Mosquito Squad of SoNH

Contact Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire to learn more about and our safe and effective barrier spray program. Call now for a free quote • (603) 373 – 8863 • email: sonh@mosquitosquad.com and start living the mosquito free life.

 

 

 

Why It’s Important to Target Ticks Early in New Hampshire

We’ve made it to April and with the new month come warmer temperatures. While 40’s and 50’s don’t seem like the paradise we have been wishing for, it is warm enough for more than just New Hampshire residents to come out of hibernation. When temperatures climb over 35 degrees, ticks begin emerging from their long winters nap as well.

 

Lyme Disease is carried by the deer tick.

Ticks in New Hampshire are of particular concern because of the large number that carry Lyme Disease. New Hampshire is one of the top five states for Lyme Disease incidence rates and the numbers continue to rise. According to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, over 50% of deer ticks in most New Hampshire counties are infected with the bacterium that causes Lyme Disease. Of course the best way to prevent Lyme Disease is to avoid being bitten by ticks, a feat that can be difficult living in our part of the country. Other ways to keep your family safe are by monitoring, removing and eliminating ticks all together from your yard.

 

•  Monitor: Frequently check for ticks after being outdoors.
• Remove: Remove ticks within 24 – 36 hours of attachment to prevent disease transmission.
• Eliminate: Call Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire to eliminate ticks in all stages of their lifecycle and keep them away from your treated property. Our two-step approach starts with our highly effective barrier spray applied every 21-days to the foliage in your yard, where the adult ticks reside. Our second step targets the nymph ticks by strategically placing tick traps around your property in early spring and late summer. The traps contain treated cotton that is taken by rodents to their dens where the nymph ticks live. The cotton is safe for humans and animals but eliminates ticks on contact.

 

Following our two-step intensive tick control and prevention program will effectively eliminate up to 90% of ticks in your yard. Getting started early will not only eliminate those ticks that survived our winter and are looking for a blood meal,

Keep your family safe from Lyme disease by avoiding tick infested areas and using Mosquito Squad of SONH on the homefront.

it will also prevent future generations from developing.

 

Give Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire a call today to keep you and your family safe from ticks and the diseases they can transmit all season long. Our consultation is always free and we are happy to answer any questions you may have about eliminating ticks and mosquitoes in your yard.  Call us today for a free quote • (603) 373 – 8863 • email: sonh@mosquitosquad.com

 

The team at Mosquito Squad of SoNH