Perfect Storm For Mosquitoes

Get ready to hear a lot about Mosquito populations and control efforts on the Local News! Our data from past seasons, the current environmental conditions and recent feedback from the field, have our Mosquito Experts predicting a “perfect storm” of conditions fueling dangerous population levels of disease carrying Mosquitoes in Massachusetts.

Record July 2021 rainfall followed by warmer days and larger groups of people enjoying the outdoors following the Covid-19 Pandemic is definitely a recipe for increased mosquito related health concerns. Mosquitoes carrying EEE and West Nile Virus have already tested positive in several nearby cities and towns. The health risks are always a numbers game. Mosquito Populations x Animal populations x People exposed to mosquitoes = Relative Risk of Disease Transmission. 

The woods around Massachusetts became saturated in recent weeks creating large mosquito breeding pools throughout the state. 

Ramping Up Mosquito Control Efforts

In addition to state and municipal efforts, Ultra Safe will be ramping up Mosquito Control efforts in the coming weeks to help counter the coming onslaught! In addition to actively spraying, we use Insect Growth Regulators and Larvicides to treat nearby breeding sites. Our Mosquito Control Specialists will be working overtime to ensure timely treatments for our customers.

DIY Mosquito Control Tips for Homeowners & Property Managers:

Identify & Remove Localized Mosquito Breeding Sites

Ultimately, the success or failure of most Mosquito Control Programs comes down to source identification and reduction of breeding sites. Below are some tips for homeowners and property managers to help identify Mosquito Breeding Sites around the property:

Be sure to empty these sources on a regular basis following any rainfall

• Clogged Rain Gutters
• Plastic Containers
• Trash Barrels
• Old Tires
• Tree Cavities
• Wheelbarrows
• Outdoor Toys 
• Birdbaths 
• Any stagnant water

Minimize Exposure to Mosquito Bites

• Wear long-sleeves and pants when outdoors from dusk to dawn
• Apply a Deet-Based Mosquito Repellant when outdoors

Mosquitoes are Weak Flyers! Exploit that by creating airflow.

Create a ‘Mosquito-Safe Zone’ using outdoor fans to blow air away from patios or other areas where people congregate in the evening. Position the airflow as to create to create an invisible barrier that mosquitoes won’t be able to cross.

Call for an expert consultation today!

866-472-5858

Demand for Residential Mosquito Control Continues to Surge!

Residential Mosquito Control in Massachusetts has been on the rise for several years now. The covid-19 pandemic has fueled the demand even further as more and more people look to create a more healthy, comfortable and safe, “Stay-At-Home Environment”.

The “backyards” of most Massachusetts neighborhoods took center stage during the pandemic. Call Center data at Ultra Safe Pest Management showed a 35% increase in homeowner requests for Mosquito Control in Massachusetts in 2020. 

New Mosquito Treatment Technology.

New Mosquito Treatment Technology has proven successful in recent seasons and will continue into the 2021 Mosquito Season. Ultra Safe Staff Entomologists have tested reported on two new Mosquito devices during the 2020 Season that included the In-2-Care Mosquito System and the new Makita 4-Stroke Mist Blower. 

In-2-Care Mosquito Control System In Massachusetts

The In-2-Care Mosquito Control System utilizes a bucket device with an active Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) that treats egg-laying mosquitoes and prevents the eggs from developing. The system was created using grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and has shown a lot of promise when used as part of a comprehensive treatment program like Ultra Safe’s UltraGuard Mosquito Treatment Program.  

Expert Tips For Controlling Backyard Mosquitoes 

Eliminate Standing Water!

If there was no standing water there would be no mosquitoes, period! Standing water is the number one source of mosquitoes. Therefor successful Backyard Mosquito Control in Massachusetts requires these breeding sites be eliminated wherever possible. A clogged gutter for example can hold enough standing water to breed tens of thousands of mosquitoes in short time!

Hire an Expert!

There is a science to quality Mosquito Control. Hire a local Mosquito Expert that will know how to customize the best Mosquito Treatment Program for each individual property. Knowing when, where and what Mosquito control products to use is critical to successful mosquito control. 

Boston is one of many cities battling Rats and Mice during the pandemic. Eric Homan, a Rodent Specialist at Ultra Safe Pest Management, shares rodent prevention tips with NBC Boston’s Joy Lim Nakrin.

The report comes as a Boston City Council committee held a hearing on Tuesday to address rodent control and illegal dumping – which could be worsening the problem, as well.

“During the COVID crisis we have heard increased reports of the problems related to rat infestations in our neighborhoods,” one official said on Zoom.

An ISD spokesperson told the paper the agency has been distributing information brochures about rodent control in Allston, Brighton, East Boston and Chinatown.

Eric Homan of Ultra Safe Pest Management says the problem extends beyond Boston.

“We’re seeing a lot of increased activity in surrounding communities such as Somerville has had a massive influx, Winchester, Medford, Stoneham, even up on the North Shore,” he said. “More people being home means they’re consuming more food at home so inevitably more food is gonna be in the trash barrels.”

Homan offered this advice for anyone trying to protect themselves from the pests:

“Just being more conscious when you’re eating food inside the house, to not be eating in the bedroom. Try to confine it to the kitchen, cleaning up afterwards,” he shared.

Neighbors seem to need the guidance as they try any trick to rid their homes of rats.

“Look around the home for potential entry points typically around the foundation,” Homan said.

Pest management experts also say high vegetation and standing water can attract rats.

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year. The presence of EEE was confirmed today by the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory in a mosquito sample collected on July 1 in the community of Orange in Franklin County. No human or animal case of EEE has been detected so far this year.  Today’s finding increases the risk level of EEE to moderate in the communities of Orange and Athol. 

“We have been preparing for EEE activity this year,’’ said Public Health  Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. “It is early in the year for the first evidence of EEE, therefore, continued mosquito surveillance over the next several weeks will help us understand more about how quickly the virus might emerge this year.”

EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were 12 human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2019 with six deaths. There were also nine cases in domestic animals.

“People have been spending time indoors due to COVID-19 and now, as we venture out, we want to remind people about the need to protect themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes,’’ said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown. “We are also asking people to remain aware of the level of virus activity in areas where they live, work, and play. People can visit our new website for the most current information,” said Dr. Brown.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Protect Animals & Pets

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR), Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information webpage at www.mass.gov/mosquitoesandticks or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800. A short video with State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown about EEE and what residents can do to protect themselves can be found here.

Is COVID-19 Creating A Perfect Storm For Structural Pest Infestations?

As Massachusetts asks all non-essential business due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus, many families find themselves sheltering in their homes. This sudden change in human behavior, combined with the start of Spring, a season already known for heavy pest activity, may create a perfect storm for pest infestations to rise.

It is important to remember that Pest Control is an Essential Service all of the time. A temporary shutdown in people’s daily activities doesn’t mean pest control should be put on the back burner. Consider the fact that most viruses and dangerous organisms like the Coronavirus, are caused by human and animal interactions. everyone should understand the importance of pest control during these already challenging times. Imagine the added stress of a pest infestation on top of everything else.

How More People Staying Home Effects Rodent and Insect Pest Activity

Structural Rodent and Insect Pests are very adaptive and opportunistic.  There can be a lot more opportunity for pests when people stay home for extended periods of time. Most structural Pests rely on people for food, water or shelter.

The number one increased opportunity will be in the available food sources. People stuck at home, simply put, have a lot more food around. People storing extra food in garages, basements and other areas, and children home from school snacking in different areas of a home, can attract more pest activity. Ants will show up almost immediately 

In addition, Outdoor food sources like everyday garbage at local restaurants, parks or shopping centers for example may cease to exist now that human visitors are staying away.  Situations like that will often drive rodents like rats and mice into nearby homes and businesses in search of new resources. 

Another increased food source opportunity is the actual people themselves. Bed bugs, Ticks, Mosquitoes, Fleas and other parasite pests have way more opportunity to bite people when everyone is at home all day and night. Use the tips below to help prevent pest activity during the COVID-19 Outbreak.

Expert Pest Prevention Tips To Help Residents Prevent Pest Activity While Stuck at Home.

TIP #1 Properly Manage Food Storage!

Store ALL food and related trash in pest and rodent proof containers at all times! This means NO cardboard containers or paper bags. Tightly sealed Glass Jars, Metal and Hard Plastic Containers with appropriate lids are the best options for food storage. Be sure to inspect and rotate stored food items regularly.

Have rules in place regarding food consumption. All eating should take place in the kitchen/dining area only. These areas are easier to keep clean. Bedrooms, playrooms and other areas of the house are NOT a good place to snack. Crumbs and other food debris that end up in furniture crevices, under beds and other areas, may go unnoticed by people and quickly become a source for pest activity.

TIP #2 Clean Up & Reduce Clutter!

Deep cleaning is great for preventing the spread of virus but also for preventing pest activity. Focus on general surfaces for virus prevention and harder to reach crevices and tighter spaces where pest like to congregate.

Clutter provides pests with great sheltering opportunity. Clutter also makes it more difficult to notice the early warning signs of an impending infestation. While stuck at home, people should declutter closets, storage areas, basements, garages, under beds, cabinets and other areas where pests frequently go.

TIP #3 Seal Them Out!

Sealing off exterior entry points is a very effective way to prevent pests from entering the structure. Rodent-proof Door Sweeps, Metal Flashing, Steel-Mesh and appropriate sealants are excellent materials for rodent and structural pest exclusion.

TIP #4 Don’t Wait To Call A Professional!

Prevention is the best form of pest control. Exterior preventative treatments can greatly reduce infestations, interior activity and the need for interior service in the future. Existing activity is also much easier to eliminate when detected early.

Ultra Safe Pest Management is proud to provide these essential services during the COVID-19 Outbreak.

National Pest Management Association (NPMA)

The professional pest control industry, as an essential service provider, is responsible for the protection of public health, food and property.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have prepared a list of significant public health pests https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/list-pests-significant-public-health-importance, many of which are controlled by the professional pest control industry.  We play a vital role in protecting our nation’s public health and food supply.  Pests can spread diseases such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease, salmonellosis, hantavirus and encephalitis.  Stinging insects force half a million people to the emergency room every year.  Cockroach and rodent allergens trigger asthma attacks in children; rodents contaminate or consume about 20% of the world’s food supply and bed bugs can cause allergic reactions.   The importance of the pest control industry to the nation as an essential service cannot be understated.

Additionally, the pest control industry is trained, tested and certified in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Technicians routinely employ the use respirators, eye protection, gloves, and clothing to conform with safety requirements established by EPA and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.   With over 135,000 service technicians on the ground in the United States backed by over 19,000 companies, we stand ready to continue our fight against pests and diseases.  With Covid-19 on the mind of all US citizens, and the world, we want to be sure we continue to serve the country in our battle with the diseases spread by pests. 

As an essential service industry, we will continue to service the nation’s food production facilities, grocery stores, medical institutions, multifamily housing units, warehouses, homes and businesses.  We cannot afford to have our medical facilities, groceries stores or homes uninhabitable due to pests and pest related diseases, particularly as we tell citizens to stay home.  There is not a segment of the food industry that could comply with federal sanitation and health regulations without an adequate pest control program.

As you consider next steps regarding emergency response and potential restrictions on business operations in your state, we respectfully request that the pest control industry be recognized as an essential industry, providing a service that is indispensable in the effort to protect public health and our nation’s food supply.

U.S Department Of Homeland Security Memo:

For the purposes of this Order, “Essential Businesses” means:i. Healthcare Operations and Essential Infrastructure; ii. Grocery stores, certified farmers’ markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores, and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and any other household consumer products (such as cleaning and personal care products). This includes stores that sell groceries and also sell other non-grocery products, and products necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences; iii. Food cultivation, including farming, livestock, and fishing; iv. Businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals; v. Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services; vi. Gas stations and auto-supply, auto-repair, and related facilities; vii. Banks and related financial institutions; viii. Hardware stores; ix. Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses.

Sincerely

Dominique Stumpf

National Pest Management Association

Congratulations on your new home! We all know that moving into a new house is stressful, and the last thing you probably want to do is add more things to your to-do list. However, it’s actually best to tackle some home improvement projects before all the boxes and furniture get in the way. So if you want to save money, time, and hassle down the road, here are 10 home improvement ideas to consider before making the big move.

1. Change the Locks

First and foremost, it’s important to keep your family and your new home safe. So before moving in, be sure to call a locksmith and have your locks changed. You never know who might have a spare key and it just isn’t worth taking the risk. When the locks are being installed, don’t forget the back door and garage door locks, as well as any sheds or other buildings on your property.

2. Remove Popcorn Ceilings

Older homes may have textured “popcorn” on the ceiling, an unsightly trend that makes the interior of your home look dated. It’s also important to note that these types of ceilings may contain asbestos – which makes removing it an even greater priority. It doesn’t matter if you live in Phoenix or Atlanta – if your house was built before the 1980s and has popcorn ceilings, it is highly recommended to have a professional test and then remove it.

3. Paint the Interior

Adding a fresh coat of paint is a simple and affordable home improvement project that can add color and personalize your space quickly. It also helps defend your home’s surfaces from wear and tear. Whether you do the work yourself or hire someone to do it, it’s a lot easier to paint an empty room. Plus, redoing your walls before moving day means you don’t have to live with the smell of drying paint in your home.

Remember, choosing paint isn’t just about the color. The finish of your paint, from matte to gloss, can dramatically change the look of a room. If you have a paint color in mind, bring home samples with a few different finishes, to see which you prefer.

4. Make Electrical Upgrades

You can do these upgrades anytime, but everything is easier to get to in an empty room. If you’re moving into an older home, especially one built in the mid-‘90s or before, consider installing extra electrical outlets or upgrading the existing ones. Many older homes don’t have the electrical capacity for the number of electronics and powerful devices that many people use today. Additional outlets in your rooms can make it easier to arrange furniture, including computers, speakers, gaming systems, and will make room for everyone to plug in their phones. Consider also making electrical upgrades to allow for programmable thermostats and light fixtures.

5. Replace the Flooring

If you’re moving into a brand new home, you may not need to make any improvements to your floors. However, if you’ve bought a home with carpet or tile that you hate or hardwood that needs to be refinished, this is a perfect time to make changes. If you put it off you will have to deal with moving all of the furniture out of the way. And who wants to move furniture twice? When the flooring is being updated, the contractors can also replace baseboards and any other trim work to match.

6. Install Fencing

The house you’ve just purchased may not have adequate fencing for your pets or children. If so, this is a great time to consider adding it. Fencing can provide safety for your family, conceal a swimming pool or hot tub, protect landscaping, give you privacy, and much more. It’s also a desired feature by many. So when it comes time to sell your home years down the line, this home improvement project may increase its value and make it stand out in the local housing market.

7. Call A Pest Control Company

Even if you don’t see bugs, mice, or other pests in your home, that doesn’t mean they aren’t there or that they won’t decide to move in. You can prevent ants, roaches, and other insects from making your home theirs by bringing in a professional pest control company. Here’s something you may not realize – if your neighbors all have chemical pest barriers, and you don’t, then colonies of insects may relocate to your house, simply because it’s more readily accessible.

You may also wish to have quarterly inspections for larger pests like mice or squirrels if you live in an area where they are prevalent. Besides the “ick” factor, these animals can be very destructive to your house, creating holes in the walls or roof, ripping out insulation, and leaving disease-causing droppings.

8. Deep Clean

Whether you do it yourself or hire a service, all homes can benefit from having every nook and cranny scrubbed, especially the bathrooms and kitchen. Don’t forget to include cleaning the cabinets and drawers, too. This may also be a good time to install shelf liners and any drip-protectors to preserve the life of the cabinets.

9. Add Storage Options in Closets

You may wish to replace wooden clothing rods with aluminum ones or install shelving and shoe trees. Pantries and storage closets may need extra shelving and organization too. If you have a tight space, additional shelves up to the ceiling can help you keep organized and your space less cluttered.

10. Remodeling an Entire Room

If you’ve ever redone part of a home, especially an area that is used often like a kitchen or bathroom, you know that it can be a major inconvenience. You could end up cooking meals outside or having everyone in the family getting ready in one bathroom. So if you already know you will be doing some remodeling, consider doing so prior to move-in. Also, before moving forward with your remodel, be sure to discuss with your contractor if your home improvement project will require a building permit.

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Jeff Kilian is the company’s newest Associate Certified Entomologist!

Choosing a Board or Associate Certified Entomologist provides you with the peace of mind that you are getting a professional who stays current in their field and on top of the latest research and insect science.

Jeff recently became Ultra Safe’s 4th pest professional to complete the ACE Certification. Way to go Jeff!