As a newbie to Jacksonville (and parenthood, if we’re being honest) by way of Kansas City, I was prepared for many things — the struggle to make new friends, the probability of getting lost, the incessant heat and humidity. But one thing I wasn’t prepared for? The bugs. Talk about a rude (and gross) awakening.
Despite this being my second summer in the Southeast, I still found myself shocked by the massive amount of mosquitos and gnats that hit the moment temperatures rose above 80 degrees. Combine that with a backyard pond and a very active toddler, and let’s just say I could probably buy stock in bug spray, Benadryl and citronella plants. At one point, my poor kiddo had 10 bites on his face, and every one resulted in major swelling and redness. “It’s not contagious! Just bug bites,” I would have to sheepishly relay at playdates.
Enter Mosquito Squad, a family-owned business serving Ponte Vedra and the greater Jacksonville area. During their Barrier Protection treatment (lasting 21 days), this Godsend of a pest control company quickly and easily rid my yard of those flying nuisances so my son could play in peace and my husband and I could do a little yard work.
Being newish to the area, I was curious about their treatment offerings and the overall prevalence of mosquitos in the area. Owner Vanesa Ellis kindly answered my questions, and I’m sharing her answers here in case you, too, are seeking relief from those evil biting blood-suckers.
Q: Why do mosquitos seem to swarm our area every year?
A: In northeast Florida, we are surrounded by salt marshes. Our year-round warm, humid climate is a perfect mosquito habitat, and our regular heavy rains during the hottest parts of the year further exacerbate the large mosquito population. Mosquito populations will increase rapidly and at great volumes a week or so after a major storm or hurricane if temperatures are in the 80s or above, more slowly if it is cooler. Standing water provides the perfect source for new mosquitoes to develop and hatch into biting adults.
Q: When exactly is ‘mosquito season,’ and why is proper mosquito control important for area residents and businesses?
A: Currently, mosquito season in the Jacksonville area is approximately 239 days per year. We typically see mosquitoes emerge by the end of February or early March and they stay active until November. With mosquitoes transmitting a variety of dangerous and even deadly diseases such as West Nile Virus, Zika Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, it is not just about limiting annoyance, it is about creating a safe outdoor space at your home. After all, the biggest perk of living in Florida is the year-round enjoyment of outdoor activities.
Q: What else can you tell me about your more popular treatment, the Barrier Protection service?
A: At Mosquito Squad, the reason season-long Barrier Treatment is our best-selling service is convenience. When a valued client signs up for the season, it truly is a ‘set it and forget it program,’ and they usually get their first treatment within a few days. Then we automatically put them on the schedule for about three weeks later. Each time our techs are scheduled to treat their property, they will receive a notification of the day and time, and an additional notification when the technician leaves their property so they know when they can expect the treatment to be dry (30 minutes), at which point, pets and children are welcome to play in the yard.
Q: If someone doesn’t want regular protection, can they elect to have a one-time service?
A: Yes, absolutely. We do offer what we call ‘special-event treatment.’ This is a special service that is guaranteed to provide you with a pest-free event at your home or outdoor venue. This one-time treatment is not as economical as the seasonal package, but it is a perfect way to try our services or prepare for a party or event.
Q: What if it rains? Will the treatment still work?
A: Our treatment works in a two-fold manner. It knocks down mosquitoes that are out and about right now, but it also adheres to vegetation, leaving a residue that continues to eliminate mosquitoes for three weeks. That time-released formula requires about 30 minutes to dry on the vegetation so that it can adhere. If we treat during the rain, the treatment has to compete with the rain to adhere to the vegetation and will be less effective and not work nearly as long.
Q: Do you have any tips for combating flying pests inside the home?
A: The best way to deter pests from enjoying the inside of your home is to remove them from the exterior of your home. When it comes to gnats, fruit flies and mosquitoes, if they are not flying around your yard, they are not getting into your home. Of course, once they are in, you need to get rid of them, and our best recommendation is to set fruit-fly traps in the areas where they tend to congregate (you can buy them at your local hardware store). For mosquitoes inside the house, place a bowl of water in the corner of your room with a camphor tablet inside it. If the problem is dire, crush the camphor tablet. Camphor is one of the most effective repellents available. The mosquitoes will abandon the room rather quickly.
Q: What do you suggest for properties located in very wet areas?
A: For challenging properties near salt marshes or with particularly low and wet areas, we absolutely recommend an automatic mosquito misting systems. They provide year-round constant protection with an automatic spray twice or more per day. They are custom designed to fit your property and meet your unique needs, and they can be manually triggered when you need additional mosquito relief.
Q: Do you combat other pests besides mosquitoes?
A: Our Barrier Treatment does eliminate other flying insects on contact such as gnats and flies. That being said, we do offer an add-on specifically for gnats to keep them away longer. We also offer add-ons for spiders, midges, fleas and ticks.
Special Offer for JMB Readers
Mosquito Squad will provide your first Barrier Protection Treatment for $39! Must mention Jax Moms Blog when booking service.
Visit Mosquito Squad online or call (904) 559-3414 for more information on their treatments and services.
