MosquitoesMosquitoes

A Blood FeederA Blood Feeder

MosquitoesMosquitoes

Dirty deeds.Dirty deeds. A disease carrier, the mosquito has earned A disease carrier, the mosquito has earned the title of world's deadliest animal.the title of world's deadliest animal.

Chemical attraction.Chemical attraction. Scientists continue the complex Scientists continue the complex work of sorting out mosquito magnet odors and work of sorting out mosquito magnet odors and compounds, but all agree the pests are attracted to their compounds, but all agree the pests are attracted to their ``victims'' by carbon dioxide. Only females bite; males ``victims'' by carbon dioxide. Only females bite; males prefer nectar to blood.prefer nectar to blood.

Undesirable residents.Undesirable residents. Some sources report Texas Some sources report Texas has  55 mosquito species,  others as many as 85, the has  55 mosquito species,  others as many as 85, the most of any state. Hats off to any bug counter.most of any state. Hats off to any bug counter.

Sound and the fury.Sound and the fury. Mosquitoes fly about 1½ mph; they Mosquitoes fly about 1½ mph; they can flutter their wings up to 250 times per second, can flutter their wings up to 250 times per second, creating that irritating buzz.creating that irritating buzz.

Houston Chronicle March 2008

When and where are mosquitoes When and where are mosquitoes found?found?

July through September are prime mosquito July through September are prime mosquito months in most areas. months in most areas.

Begin breeding as early as February or March in Begin breeding as early as February or March in many areas to cause problems during the many areas to cause problems during the summer. summer.

There are more than 3,000 species of There are more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes found throughout the world,mosquitoes found throughout the world,

Approximately 200 exist in North America. Approximately 200 exist in North America. Prime mosquito biting hours are between dusk Prime mosquito biting hours are between dusk

and dawn.and dawn.

Orkin Fact Sheet

Life CycleLife Cycle

Residential Sales Sheet

Life CycleLife Cycle

The American Mosquito Control Association

Eggs: Laid singly or attached "rafts." Float on water

Larva: Lives in the water and comes to the surface to breathe.

Shed (molt) skins four times.

Pupa: Resting, non-feeding stage. Mobile, (tumble) with a flip of their tails towards the bottom or protective areas.

Adult: Rests on surface of water to dry. Blood feeding and mating does not occur for a couple of days after emergence.

How long each stage lasts depends on both temperature and species characteristics. (4 days to a month)(4 days to a month)

Representative SpeciesRepresentative Species

1.1. Yellow fever mosquito.Yellow fever mosquito.2.2. Asian tiger or forest day mosquitoAsian tiger or forest day mosquito3.3. Floodwater mosquitoFloodwater mosquito4.4. Eastern saltmarsh or saltmarsh mosquitoEastern saltmarsh or saltmarsh mosquito5.5. Vexans or inland floodwater mosquitoVexans or inland floodwater mosquito6.6. Common malaria mosquitoCommon malaria mosquito7.7. Northern house mosquitoNorthern house mosquito8.8. Southern house mosquitoSouthern house mosquito9.9. Encephalitis mosquitoEncephalitis mosquito

NPCA Field Guide

Commonly separated into 3 groups Commonly separated into 3 groups based on where and how eggs laid based on where and how eggs laid

Singly on water, eggs with floats, usually hatch Singly on water, eggs with floats, usually hatch within a few dayswithin a few days

In rafts on water, with up to 100+ eggs per raft, In rafts on water, with up to 100+ eggs per raft, usually hatch within a few days usually hatch within a few days (culex)(culex)

Singly and semi-dry places such as moist soil Singly and semi-dry places such as moist soil near water. Do not hatch until water has risen near water. Do not hatch until water has risen and inundated them, can lie dormant for 3 to 5 and inundated them, can lie dormant for 3 to 5 years!years!

NPCA Field Guide

Vectors of numerous human Vectors of numerous human diseasesdiseases

Malaria Malaria Yellow feverYellow feverFilariasisFilariasisDengueDengueEncephalitisEncephalitis Also dog heartworm is a common mosquito Also dog heartworm is a common mosquito

transmitted filarial parasite of dogs and is a transmitted filarial parasite of dogs and is a serious problem from Minnesota to Illinois to serious problem from Minnesota to Illinois to Texas and eastwardTexas and eastward

NPCA Field Guide

West Nile virus West Nile virus Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),

One of the primary diseases carried and One of the primary diseases carried and transmitted by mosquitoes in the United Statestransmitted by mosquitoes in the United States

First identified in US in New York in 1999 First identified in US in New York in 1999 At least 60 species have been identified to carry At least 60 species have been identified to carry

the disease the disease More than 16,000 illnesses and over 650 deaths More than 16,000 illnesses and over 650 deaths

have been reported. have been reported. Symptoms of disease can include high fever, Symptoms of disease can include high fever,

headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, disorientation and paralysis. disorientation and paralysis.

Orkin Web Site

ControlControl

1.1. Elimination of mosquito producing areas Elimination of mosquito producing areas via habitat modificationvia habitat modification

2.2. Control of mosquito larva via pesticides, Control of mosquito larva via pesticides, insect growth regulators, biologicals insect growth regulators, biologicals and/or predatory fish.and/or predatory fish.

3.3. Control of adults via ULV pesticide Control of adults via ULV pesticide applicationsapplications

NPCA Field Guide

Control in and around homesControl in and around homes

Adult mosquitoes like to rest on vegetation. Adult mosquitoes like to rest on vegetation. Therefore weeds should not be allowed to grow Therefore weeds should not be allowed to grow uncontrolled near the home. Weeds in nearby uncontrolled near the home. Weeds in nearby lots should be kept well trimmed.lots should be kept well trimmed.

Space spraying with mist blowers, thermal fog Space spraying with mist blowers, thermal fog generators or ULV generators is the most useful generators or ULV generators is the most useful technique for adult control and technique for adult control and should be done should be done doing cool hours of night or early morning, timed doing cool hours of night or early morning, timed to coincide with the period of greatest activity of to coincide with the period of greatest activity of the most abundant species to be controlled.the most abundant species to be controlled.

Trumans Scientific Guide

Chemical Management TechniquesChemical Management Techniques

Larviciding – is the most efficient and Larviciding – is the most efficient and effective and should be the backbone of effective and should be the backbone of any good chemical program.any good chemical program.

Adulticiding – is less efficient, and should Adulticiding – is less efficient, and should be used strictly for supplemental or be used strictly for supplemental or emergency purposesemergency purposes

Trumans Scientific Guide

Use of chemicals is, at best, a temporary expedient and should be limited to only those situations for

which no other alternatives exist.

Larval ControlLarval ControlDegree of control often depends on the Degree of control often depends on the

amount of population and the type and amount of population and the type and amount of vegetation cover present.amount of vegetation cover present.

Where cover is heavy, granular Where cover is heavy, granular formulations frequently provide better formulations frequently provide better control than emulsions or oil sprays.control than emulsions or oil sprays.

Repeated treatments may be needed, Repeated treatments may be needed, especially after heavy rainfall. especially after heavy rainfall. Generally 3 Generally 3 or 4 treatments each season.or 4 treatments each season.

Briquette, granular and pellet formulations Briquette, granular and pellet formulations are often preferred for use in catch basins are often preferred for use in catch basins and in containers not easily disposed of.and in containers not easily disposed of.

Trumans Scientific Guide

Adult ControlAdult Control

Thermal fogs – provides a rapid temporary Thermal fogs – provides a rapid temporary control of adults but has little residual control of adults but has little residual effect. Effective only where there is little or effect. Effective only where there is little or no wind in the evening or night.no wind in the evening or night.

Mist sprays – produce an airstream across Mist sprays – produce an airstream across liquid spray droplets, breaking them up liquid spray droplets, breaking them up and blowing them into the treatment area. and blowing them into the treatment area. Has some residual control.Has some residual control.

Trumans Scientific Guide

Adult ControlAdult Control Cold aerosols (ULV) – produce very tiny droplets Cold aerosols (ULV) – produce very tiny droplets

of high concentrate insecticide, which results in of high concentrate insecticide, which results in a greater area coverage with less dosage a greater area coverage with less dosage designed to kill active adult mosquitoes. designed to kill active adult mosquitoes. Provides little or no residual control. Provides little or no residual control.

Trumans Scientific Guide

ULV applications involve small quantities of ULV applications involve small quantities of pesticide active ingredient in relation to the size pesticide active ingredient in relation to the size of the area treated, of the area treated, typically less than 3 typically less than 3 ouncesounces per acreper acre, which minimizes exposure , which minimizes exposure and risks to people and the environment. and risks to people and the environment.

EPA.gov

Trumans Scientific Guide

Do It YourselfDo It YourselfMosquito Dunks Mosquito Dunks

Target Pests: Mosquitoes, black fly larvaeTarget Pests: Mosquitoes, black fly larvae   Place Mosquito Dunks in ponds or standing water and it's active Place Mosquito Dunks in ponds or standing water and it's active

ingredient, Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israaelenses called ingredient, Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israaelenses called BTIBTI kills mosquito and black fly larvae for 30 days or more. While kills mosquito and black fly larvae for 30 days or more. While floating they slowly release a long term biological mosquito floating they slowly release a long term biological mosquito larvacide killing the larvae before they hatch into adults. Will not larvacide killing the larvae before they hatch into adults. Will not effect fish, plants, people or wildlife. Alternative wetting and drying effect fish, plants, people or wildlife. Alternative wetting and drying will not reduce it's effectiveness. Use one dunk per 100 sqft of water will not reduce it's effectiveness. Use one dunk per 100 sqft of water surface.surface.

6 Dunks per pack $8.256 Dunks per pack $8.2520 Dunks per pack $22.8020 Dunks per pack $22.80100 Dunks per pack $114.00100 Dunks per pack $114.00

Orkin Launches New Mosquito ProgramOrkin Launches New Mosquito Program

Orkin is the only national pest control provider offering mosquito Orkin is the only national pest control provider offering mosquito control service. control service.

The treatment begins with an inspection of potential breeding The treatment begins with an inspection of potential breeding sites.sites.

Following the inspection, larvicides may be used in standing Following the inspection, larvicides may be used in standing water, such as ponds or other water features in the landscape, to water, such as ponds or other water features in the landscape, to stunt the growth of mosquitoes’ offspring before they become stunt the growth of mosquitoes’ offspring before they become biting adults.biting adults.

The service also includes a thorough application of insecticides The service also includes a thorough application of insecticides to the underside of leaves on shrubbery, ornamental plantings to the underside of leaves on shrubbery, ornamental plantings and other areas where adult mosquitoes tend to land and rest. and other areas where adult mosquitoes tend to land and rest.

The treatments are customized for each customer, but service The treatments are customized for each customer, but service for an average-sized quarter-acre lot will cost approximately $75 for an average-sized quarter-acre lot will cost approximately $75 per month and includes scheduling a six-month service per month and includes scheduling a six-month service agreement. agreement.

Service is available in: (TEXAS NOT LISTED)Service is available in: (TEXAS NOT LISTED)

Orkin Press Release April 2004

Orkin Web SiteOrkin Web Site

Commercial Sales SheetCommercial Sales Sheet

SYSTEM OF TREATMENTSSYSTEM OF TREATMENTS

1.1. INSPECTIONINSPECTION Orkin will perform a thorough inspection of your Orkin will perform a thorough inspection of your

property to help identify conditions conducive to property to help identify conditions conducive to mosquito breeding.mosquito breeding.

2.2. ENVIRONMENT MODIFICATIONENVIRONMENT MODIFICATION Orkin will educate your staff on how to eliminate or Orkin will educate your staff on how to eliminate or

minimize potential mosquito breeding grounds such minimize potential mosquito breeding grounds such as cleaning gutters, emptying garbage cans as cleaning gutters, emptying garbage cans frequently, and improving drainage to eliminate frequently, and improving drainage to eliminate stagnant water.stagnant water.

Commercial Sales Sheet

SYSTEM OF TREATMENTSSYSTEM OF TREATMENTS

3.3. TREATMENT OF STAGNANT WATERTREATMENT OF STAGNANT WATER Orkin will treat stagnant water as necessary to Orkin will treat stagnant water as necessary to

address the early stages of the mosquito lifecycle, address the early stages of the mosquito lifecycle, including egg rafts and larvae that may eventually including egg rafts and larvae that may eventually develop into biting adults.develop into biting adults.

4.4. REDUCTION OF BITING ADULTSREDUCTION OF BITING ADULTS Orkin will treat your property with an insecticide Orkin will treat your property with an insecticide

application to target adult mosquitoes. As application to target adult mosquitoes. As necessary, additional applications will be made in necessary, additional applications will be made in and around vegetation, porches, decks and other and around vegetation, porches, decks and other exterior structures conducive to mosquito breeding.exterior structures conducive to mosquito breeding.

Commercial Sales Sheet

FAQ’sFAQ’s How fast can mosquitoes fly?How fast can mosquitoes fly? How far can mosquitoes fly?How far can mosquitoes fly? Why do mosquitoes feed on blood?Why do mosquitoes feed on blood? How long do mosquitoes live?How long do mosquitoes live? What attracts mosquitoes to me? What attracts mosquitoes to me? Are backyard misting systems effective? Are backyard misting systems effective? Do Bug-Zappers Work?Do Bug-Zappers Work? Do Ultrasonic devices work?Do Ultrasonic devices work? Do mosquito traps work?Do mosquito traps work? Do Purple Martins help reduce mosquitoes?Do Purple Martins help reduce mosquitoes? Do mosquito sprays affect animals other than mosquitoes? Do mosquito sprays affect animals other than mosquitoes?

The American Mosquito Control Association

Answers found at: http://www.mosquito.orgAnswers found at: http://www.mosquito.org

Service and Pricing in HoustonService and Pricing in Houston

Formula?Formula? (acres/sg ft)(acres/sg ft) X ______ = Cost X ______ = Cost

Service frequency?Service frequency? 6 month service agreement?6 month service agreement? Use mist spray or ULV?Use mist spray or ULV? Service only inside property boundary lines? Service only inside property boundary lines?

What if breeding site in just across the fence?What if breeding site in just across the fence? Guarantee?Guarantee?

ExampleExample

The EndThe End

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