Nothing can ruin a good time outside more than unwelcomed pesky insects. Here in Massachusetts, tick and mosquito yard treatment is the best way to ensure a pleasurable outdoor experience.
We’ve compiled a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions about tick and mosquito yard treatment.
This article will therefore supply you with answers and give you helpful information about
- the risks associated with ticks and mosquitos in your yard,
- preventative tips for long-term control, and
- how professional lawn specialists can eliminate these pests and help make your yard safe and enjoyable.
Why Do Tick And Mosquito Infestations Need To Be Treated?
Mosquito bites usually leave a small but uncomfortable red, itchy bump. This is a nuisance but endurable. More troubling, however, is that mosquitos are vectors for diseases such as West Nile Virus and Zika Virus. These are the ones you don’t want!
And in addition to harmful viruses for humans, mosquitos can spread heartworm disease to your dogs, cats, and even ferrets. This parasitic worm travels into their heart and can eventually lead to heart failure for your pet.
Ticks are also known to carry and transmit Lyme Disease. This is a bacterial infection, and days or even weeks can pass before symptoms appear. The range of symptoms is wide, from a minimal rash to more serious complications of the heart and nervous system.
These are unarguable reasons for carrying out tick and mosquito yard treatment, so if you’d like to talk to us about treatment, we’d be more than happy to help. Otherwise, let’s turn to the next question…
What Types of Mosquitos And Ticks Are Most Prevalent in Massachusetts?
The most common ticks in the Eastern United States include the black-legged tick (also known as deer ticks, dog ticks, and Lone Star ticks).
Around 50% of ticks in the Eastern United States carry the infectious Lyme Disease, but – even more concerning – around 70% of people who get Lyme Disease get the bite in their yards.
This is because not only deer transmit ticks, but also other animals such as rabbits, birds, squirrels, mice, and chipmunks. They can all carry infectious ticks onto your property.
What Are The Pros And Cons of Mosquito Spraying?
Spraying for mosquitos is full of pros, and we can’t come up with even one con! One of the biggest pros is that treating your yard for these invaders is a two-in-one deal: Treating mosquitos destroys ticks in all stages of development simultaneously.
How Does Tick and Mosquito Control Work?
You can gain control over ticks and mosquitos by eliminating their habitats. The key is to treat areas where mosquitos and ticks breed and congregate.
Specifically, tick treatments are applied more horizontally, spraying bushes lower to the ground where ticks tend to lurk.
Mosquito treatments, on the other hand, are sprayed more vertically, reaching from the ground up into higher tree foliage where mosquitos hide.
How Safe is Yard Spraying?
Most tick and mosquito control products on the market are environmentally responsible products and you can safely apply them around people, plants, pools, and pets.
At B&R, we’re licensed and certified to apply pesticides, as well as a full range of natural alternatives, to keep pests and diseases away from your yard. Make sure to discuss with us your preferences.
With spray applications, once the product is applied and dry, you and your family can confidently continue to use your yard as you normally do.
Is Tick Spray For Yards Safe For Pets?
Most treatment products are safe to use around pets. Once the treatment areas are dry, you can allow your pet to roam freely in the yard. Unfortunately, not all companies use the same products, so be sure to research your options and ensure the product is safe for the whole family.
Are Spray Treatments Effective Against Other Pests? What About Beneficial Insects Like Bees?
Our products are designed to safely and effectively treat various pesky insects simultaneously.
That being said, we know that some insects are essential members of our ecosystem. This is why we take special care to avoid flowering plants, fruit trees, and vegetable gardens to keep pollinators safe.
Is There Another Way To Control Ticks And Mosquitos?
You can reduce natural breeding spots by
- keeping your lawn trimmed,
- picking up leaf litter, and
- minimizing any standing water.
This can help keep ticks and mosquitos at bay.
Should You Spray Your Yard if All Else Has Failed?
Natural remedies are a good start but aren’t always dependable. And, sometimes, even the best preventative measures don’t seem to work.
Chemical pesticides are the most efficient and effective way to treat your yard for ticks and mosquitos. However, you never want to spray more chemicals than necessary, so knowing when to spray is key. Let’s look at that question…
How Do I Know When To Spray For Mosquitos And Ticks?
When the conditions are just right, mosquitos develop, mature, and lay eggs in standing water, most often in the warmer months. For Easterners, mosquitos are most active from April to October.
Mosquitos can breed in the slightest amount of standing water. Anywhere that water collects, such as gutters, flowerpots, tarps, dog dishes, pools, and puddles are all places mosquitos lay eggs.
So – the answer is it’s best to take precautions against mosquitos regardless of how little water may be on your property.
The same optimal conditions apply to ticks. They are active whenever the temperature is above 40 degrees.
The greatest risk of Lyme Disease and other co-infections related to ticks happens in late spring and throughout the summer – with 95% of Lyme Disease cases contracted during June, July, and August.
Although ticks can survive underwater, they don’t jump, fly, or descend from trees like mosquitos do, and they’re rarely found more than 18 inches above the ground.
Fun fact: Tick bites don’t even hurt, so if you’re bitten, you likely won’t even know it! On a serious note, though, that’s why it’s important to know when and how to check for tick bites during and after all outdoor activities.
What’s the Best Time of Day to Spray Yard Treatment?
Dawn and dusk are when mosquitos are most active, out looking for food.
The bonus of this dawn/dusk activity is that spraying during these hours also lessens the chances of accidentally spraying beneficial insects like bees or butterflies that are active during daylight hours.
Tick and Mosquito Treatment Specialists
When it comes to tick and mosquito yard treatment, prevention is key.
Don’t wait until you have a problem that’s out of control. Talk with us at B&R Tree Service and learn more about how our treatment specialists – experienced in all kinds of plant care – can provide optimal tick and mosquito control for your entire yard.
From barrier treatments to on-demand sprays and preventative measures, B&R Tree Service experts are ready to help. Contact us today for your free quote! Or call
Natick – (978) 369-6019
Charlton –(508) 248-9100
Shrewsbury – (508) 845-6111