Mosquito Prevention: Do’s and Don’ts

A micro photo of a mosquito on a person's skin.

Summer in Vermont is a special time of year. The weather is warm during the day but nights are cool and comfortable, making it the perfect weather for many outdoor activities. While you are outside enjoying your summer barbeques, mosquitoes are also out, ruining your good time.

These uninvited party crashers don’t just leave behind their signature itchy bites; they are also known to carry a variety of diseases such as West Nile Virus, Zika Virus, and malaria. As a result, preventing these pests before they can make a meal out of you is important. Knowing which mosquito prevention methods work and which methods are just old wives’ tales can help make your efforts more successful.

A Few Do’s

When trying to keep mosquitoes out of your yard it is important to know which methods are most effective. Below are proven ways to keep mosquitoes away:

  • Remove standing water: Female mosquitoes will find even the smallest pools of standing water to lay their eggs. Make sure to empty any water out of buckets, kid toys, flowerpots, and those old tires you have stashed behind the shed. It is important to ensure your yard is water-free and inhospitable to these small flying bloodsuckers. 
  • Add mosquito netting to your doors/windows: Nothing is better than a nice summer breeze going through your home, but an open window is an invitation for mosquitoes or any other pests to enter. To keep these unwanted guests out of your home and away from your family, install mosquito netting or screens on any doors or windows you want to leave open. It will block any pests from entering your home while you enjoy the fresh summer air.
  • Add natural predators to your pond: Ponds are the perfect nursery for mosquito larvae. The best way to keep mosquitoes from multiplying in your pond is by adding natural predators. Animals like fish, tadpoles, and turtles enjoy snacking on mosquito larvae which will help keep the mosquito population in check. You can also create a welcoming habitat around your pond for mosquito hunters like birds and dragonflies.

A Few Don’ts

Battling mosquitoes in your yard can be frustrating. Don’t waste your money and add to your frustration by using the following ineffective methods of mosquito control! 

  • Bug zappers: While bug zappers can be extremely effective at eliminating many insects around your patio, they are ineffective when it comes to controlling mosquitos. Bug zappers work by emitting a light that attracts insects and then “zapping” them. Unlike many insects, mosquitoes are not attracted to light but are attracted to the carbon dioxide people exhale. These zappers can actually make your mosquito problems worse by killing insects that would normally eat mosquitoes for dinner.
  • Citronella candles: One of the most popular mosquito prevention methods is lighting a citronella candle. Citronella candles may have some effectiveness in keeping mosquitoes at bay but their range of protection is limited. They do not provide a long-term solution as they are only effective when lit. Instead of running to the store to grab citronella candles for your barbeque, consider using a proven mosquito repellant like those with DEET or picaridin. 

Professional Pest Control

Sometimes despite your best efforts, mosquitoes can win the battle over your yard. Undoubtedly, when you are ready to win the war against mosquitoes, contact the professionals at Vermont Pest Control. Our skilled technicians will help eliminate your mosquito problem and provide prevention tips for the ongoing season. With trusted help, you can enjoy your time outdoors without worrying about these annoying pests. Contact us today for a free quote and more information on our mosquito extermination services.

Houseplant Bugs?! How to Keep Them Out

Scale bugs on a household orchid plant leaf.

Houseplants can be a beautiful accent to your home décor. They act as an air purifier and replenish with oxygen. But, the addition of houseplants to your home may also mean the addition of bugs. From a Snake Plant, Bamboo Palm, English Ivy, or Spider Plant, bugs are attracted to any indoor houseplant. Houseplant bugs are not ideal, but, there are ways to deal with these added pests! Vermont Pest Control has provided the safest and most effective pest solutions for you and your home since 1991. We have identified ways that you can help rid your plants of bugs yourself.

Common Houseplant Bugs

  • Fungus Gnats – These pests make their home in the plant soil. They look a lot like fruit flies and if given the opportunity they will travel from one plant to another. Fungus Gnat larvae feed on fungus in the plant soil, which most commonly occurs while the soil is moist and/or in a humid environment. While fungus gnats will not kill the plant, they feed on the new roots, which damages your plant making them a nuisance.
  • Mealybug – Not to be confused with aphids, mealybugs are very similar. Like aphids, mealybugs feed on plant sap. They have white wooly exteriors that are caused by waxy secretions. Mealybugs are sometimes described as soft-scale insects, which means they don’t have armored scales. They can also live in the plant soil.
  • Scales – To the untrained eye, you wouldn’t identify scales as a bug because they don’t move. Some species are covered in armor-like plating, which is how they came to be named. Scales are most likely found in groups on the plant stems.
  • Spider Mites – Spider mites are so tiny they are hard to spot. They feed on leaves and green areas of your plants. Because they are nearly invisible, you sometimes won’t know your plant has them until you see the damage. Spider mite damage shows up as small brown spots on leaves.
  • Whiteflies – Though small and white like mealybugs, the whiteflies’ have wings, which allow them to fly. Both mealybugs and whiteflies suck nutrients from your plants which can leave plants damaged and yellow. Whiteflies have small triangular-shaped bodies and fly in small groups if disturbed. They leave a sticky residue that comes from their mouths while feeding, which is sweet and can attract ants.
  • Aphids – Aphids are small black, green, white or pink oval-shaped bugs. Some do have wings. They can be easier to remove as they aren’t as they don’t move around as much as mealybugs or whiteflies. Aphids also drain your plants of nutrients and if their numbers are large enough they can transmit viruses that can weaken and kill your plants. Aphids multiply quickly so it is important to get the upper hand before they are out of control.

How Do I Get Rid of Bugs on Plants?

You can identify the bugs, now how do you get rid of them? It may take a couple different routes to rid your plants of bugs.

Prevention – Before buying a new plant for your home inspect it for pests or yellowing leaves or leaves that are curling or appear to have died prematurely. If unable to inspect the plant before buying it, at least inspect it before bringing it inside your home. It is always best to err on the side of caution as bugs can travel from plant to plant and you want to protect your other plants from infestations.

Isolation – If you have a plant that is infested with a houseplant bug it is best to isolate it from the rest of your plants. This lessens the chance the bugs will spread to your uninfected plants. This especially is true if you have a plant that has scales as this pest is transmitted from plants touching one another.

Topical treatments –Some bugs, such as mealybugs, can be knocked off by rinsing the plant under a strong spray of water like in a shower or a hose. Also, you could wipe the plant off with a damp cloth.
Additionally, you can also use insecticidal soap, but make sure it is labeled for pest and plant use.
You can also use a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol and wipe down the entire plant. This rarely is a one-time application but once you think the pest population is taken care of, rinse the plant with water.

At Vermont Pest Control, we are here to provide any pest resources you may need. Contact us today for a free quote!

How Extreme Weather Can Attract Pests

Umbrella in heavy rain

Vermont is known for its long rainy season, but gray clouds aren’t the only thing we have to worry about. From flooding in the spring to heat waves in the summer, extreme weather conditions impact hundreds of homeowners and businesses each year.

Rapid weather changes can have a lot of serious consequences on your property and local environment, but there’s one problem that a lot of people overlook: increased pest activity. Sudden shifts in the climate can influence the populations and behaviors of local insects and critters, which could leave your property even more vulnerable to infestations after a storm.

How Does Weather Affect Pests?

Disruptions to normal weather patterns can significantly change pest activity. However, each species will react differently depending on how their environment changes. To understand the relationship between extreme weather and pests, let’s take a look at the main factors that can alter pest behavior:

Sudden Temperature Shifts

From life cycle to nesting habits, a lot of pest activity is closely linked to temperature. Some critters, such as insects, are also ectothermic and completely rely on their environment for warmth. For this reason, severe weather conditions that result in sharp temperature changes can cause a variety of problems such as:

  • Decrease in pest populations: Many insects, such as bumblebees, will die in freezing temperatures. Though cold weather can help reduce the presence of unwanted pests, including mosquitoes and wasps, it can also wreak havoc on the local environment by killing off beneficial species. 
  • Increased risk of infestations: Any major turn in the weather could cause pests to seek shelter and comfort… which may lead them right into your home. A cold AC fan or warm fireplace offers relief from severe temperatures, which is why so many people notice rodent or insect infestations shortly after a storm or heat wave.
  • Growth in pest populations: Mosquitoes, termites, wasps, and other cold-blooded insects thrive in hot weather. A longer and warmer summer could even extend the breeding season for some pests, which will lead to a steady increase in their populations. 
  • Heightened aggression: Extreme heat dries up the environment, which makes pests more desperate for water. In their desperation, some species – such as yellowjackets or wasps – may become more active and aggressive toward humans. 

Heavy Rains or Flooding

Flooding is one of the most common extreme weather events here in Vermont. Since flood waters can significantly alter the landscape, a serious storm could cause a sharp increase in pest activity by:

  • Destroying nests or burrows: Heavy rains and flooding may wash away nests and burrows, causing displaced pests to seek shelter elsewhere. In their search for safety, they may wander indoors, leading to more infestations. 
  • Providing a place for some pests to thrive: Many insects in our area thrive in damp environments, and even require water to breed. Pools of stagnant water left over from a flood can serve as the perfect environment for pests such as mosquitoes and flies to feed and breed, which may lead to a significant increase in their populations.

Droughts

Particularly since our environment is frequently rainy and damp, a drought can have a severe impact on local pest populations. Many will die off without access to water, and those that survive will likely search for moisture wherever possible. Insects and rodents may be attracted to lawn sprinklers, leaky pipes, and anywhere else that they can find a drop of water. They also may become more aggressive as they grow increasingly desperate for moisture.

Preventing Infestations After Extreme Weather

Between property damage and health risks, pests can be a major problem. Though extreme weather conditions can increase your likelihood of experiencing an infestation, there are a few steps you can take to keep pests out: 

  • Seal up cracks and gaps leading to your home
  • Fix leaky pipes, dripping faucets, and other moisture issues
  • Store food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs
  • Properly dispose of trash in lidded bins
  • Get professional pest control

Notice signs of pests on your property? Want to ensure your home or business is weathertight and protected all year long? The experts at Vermont Pest Control can help! Since 1991, we have been a local leader in eco-conscious, effective, and long-term pest management. Our technicians are highly trained and knowledgeable of the latest pest control techniques, so we can provide you with custom solutions that are centered around your needs. To learn more or get started, give us a call for your free quote!

A New Year’s Resolution to be Pest-Free

Next to a coffee cup and smart phone, a notebook reads: New Year's Resolutions

Do you have any new year’s resolutions for 2023? The most popular resolutions for the new year often involve things like improving one’s diet or beginning an exercise regimen. If you do have any new year’s resolutions, they most likely won’t involve pest control. Maybe they should. You can reduce your chances of experiencing a pest infestation in 2023 by making a few easy changes to your daily routine. These changes are likely easier to maintain than most new year’s resolutions. Don’t misunderstand us; Vermont Pest Control is here to help if you need assistance with a pest problem. But you might be able to avoid a pest infestation entirely if you follow these recommendations.

Watch out for Clutter

Most pests choose secluded, dark, and uninhabited places to hide and build their nests. If your home is cluttered, you unintentionally make it the perfect place for pests. Roaches, mice, and bed bugs all enjoy having easy access to locations where they can feed and breed undisturbed. To avoid this, try to minimize clutter throughout your home. To assist in decluttering in the new year, think about renting a storage unit or donating unneeded items. Not only will doing this help keep pests away, but it will also make your home more orderly and functional.

Keep a Clean Kitchen

Are there any unattended foods on the counter? Are the utensils from dinner last night still in the sink? One of the things that bugs are most drawn to is food. The longer food or dirty dishes are left out, the greater the chance of attracting ants, roaches, or rodents. Your kitchen will be much less enticing to bugs and rodents if you keep dirty dishes from piling up, routinely sweep or vacuum, and properly seal and store food.

Seal up Entry Points

Pests don’t just magically appear. All of them enter homes through an opening of some kind in the exterior. So, take the time to identify and plug any potential cracks in your home’s defenses, ideally before it gets bitterly cold. Pay close attention to gaps around any electrical, gas, or water pipes, as well as windows, doors, vents, and other openings. Your home can be made even more secure against pests by inspecting your exterior doors and, if necessary, placing new weatherstripping or door sweeps on them.

Be Intentional With Firewood

Winter is a great time to cozy up with a wood fire. However, insects can be hidden in your woodpile and end up getting inside on the wood. Always inspect the wood before bringing it in to keep ants, spiders, and other pests outside. Also, only bring in logs that you intend to burn immediately. Finally, think about moving your firewood. Ideally, it should be at least 20 feet away from your home but at least it should not be leaning up against the outside of your home. By taking these steps, you can stay warm without bringing in bugs that are trying to escape the chilly weather.

Contact Vermont Pest Control

If you take these precautions and still wind up with a pest infestation in 2023, Vermont Pest Control can help. We’ve provided pest control services in Vermont since 1991. We know the pests that live here and how to get rid of them. We’ll help you become pest-free in 2023. Want to know more and get a free quote for your household? Contact us today!