Posts Tagged ‘Mosquito Squad Mount Laurel’
World Malaria Day
Posted April 21, 2012
on:Contact: George Softly, Director of Sales and Operations
856-793-2377
MOSQUITO SQUAD OF MOUNT LAUREL JOINS MALARIA NO MORE TO DRAW ATTENTION TO MALARIA EPIDEMIC THROUGH WORLD MALARIA DAY, APRIL 25, 2012
MOUNT LAUREL, NJ (April 20, 2012) –Mosquito Squad of Mount Laurel (http://www.mountlaurel.mosquitosquad.com) is joining forces with Malaria No More, (http://www.malarianomore.org/) to raise awareness of malaria as a disease that is treatable and preventable through the recognition of World Malaria Day on April 25, 2012.
In fact, Mosquito Squad, (http://www.mosquitosquad.com/) North America’s largest and most trusted mosquito elimination and tick control company, recently committed more than $50,000 to the help Malaria No More achieve its goal of ending malaria deaths in Africa, and local franchisees are supporting the effort through a variety of grassroots activities.
“This day of awareness is a perfect rallying point to educate people about malaria and give them a focused way to make a difference,” said George Softly of Mosquito Squad of Mount Laurel.
While Malaria was eradicated in the U.S. more than 50 years ago, it continues to take the life of a child every minute. In fact, more than 650,000 people die every year from Malaria, with 86 percent of those deaths occurring in children. The good news is that Malaria is preventable and treatable – and with a simple tool like a $10 mosquito net, up to two children can be protected from the deadly disease. If interested, a donation can be made towards the mosquito net effort via http://www.mosquitosquad.com/malaria-no-more.html.
To eliminate mosquitoes in yards and outdoors spaces in the local area, George Softly recommends the following tips:
1. Tip. Reduce standing water to eliminate mosquito threats, including those underneath and around downspouts, in plant saucers and dog bowls.
2. Toss. Excess grass, leaves, piles, fire wood.
3. Turn. Turn over larger items like children’s sandboxes, wagons or plastic toys.
4. Remove tarps. If tarps stretched over firewood piles, boats or sports equipment aren’t taut, they’re holding water.
5. Treat. Utilize a mosquito elimination barrier treatment around the home and yard. Using a barrier treatment at home reduces the need for using DEET-containing bug spray. Mosquito Squad’s eliminates up to 90% of the mosquitoes and ticks on a property.
About Mosquito Squad
Approaching 100 franchise locations nationwide, Mosquito Squad is an Outdoor Living Brands company specializing in eliminating mosquitoes and ticks from outdoor living spaces. For more information, visit http://www.mosquitosquad.com .
About Malaria No More
Malaria No More is determined to help the world reach the global goal of near zero malaria deaths by 2015. Malaria No More leverages high-impact communications to engage the world, global advocacy to rally leadership and strategic investments to accelerate progress. Visit http://www.MalariaNoMore.org/.
Babesiosis considered endemic in New Jersey and cause for concern across the U.S.
Posted September 13, 2011
on:
Mosquito Squad of Mt. Laurel keeps you safe from ticks and mosquitoes and the diseases they harbor.l
New Jersey is known for many things, for the vast difference in geography when you travel from one region of the state to the next. New Jersey contains wooded, mountainous terrain as well as offering a portion of its terrain to the seaside communities along New Jersey’s shores. We are also known as “the garden state” from the writings of New Jersey’s first Attorney General, Abraham Browning, when in 1876 coined the phrase we now know and love today by comparing New Jersey to an “immense barrel” filled with good things to eat and open at both ends. Many feel our states nickname is keeping in true fashion by paying tribute to all the lush foliage and forests that can be found within our state lines. Unfortunately, New Jersey is also known for being one of the top 7 states which consider the tick-borne disease Babesiosis to be at an endemic levels.
Until recently there was no way to track the progression of this disease because it was not included within the states disease notification system. This year Babesiosis was added to the CDC’s list of Nationally Notifiable Infectious Diseases. The list and the surveillance methods the CDC now uses to track and report the diseases on this list were originally started by the U.S. Marine hospital in 1878. The U.S. Marine hospital was the pre-cursor to the Public Health Service. This progression of charting and tracking infectious diseases within the U.S. changed hands up until 1961 when the CDC took over the responsibility of the collection of data and surveillance methods used to chart nationally notifiable diseases within the U.S. The list of Nationally Notifiable Infectious Diseases is periodically revised, as with the case of Babesiosis being added this year. At this point those whom are diagnosed with Babesiosis are not obligated to notify the CDC, notification of this particular disease at this point in time is voluntary. Just the opposite is true within the state of New Jersey itself, notifying the state health department is mandatory for physicians and health care workers when dealing with a patient with Babesiosis. Those cases reported go into the database to compile the annual reportable communicable disease report for the state of New Jersey. The list shows the diseases broken into a county-by-county analysis. You can view the current list by visiting http://www.nj.gov/health/cd/documents/2010webstatistics.pdf.
For those of you whom aren’t familiar with Babesiosis, the disease is caused by the parasite Babesia. This infection shows incredible similarities to the insect-borne disease Malaria. Many refer to it as such, by giving it the title of “America’s Malaria”. Babesiosis however, is spread through the bite of a tick infected with the parasite and can also be spread via blood transfusions from donor to recipient. Babesia takes up residence within the red blood cells of its host. Symptoms of those infected with the disease closely mimic flu, and cold symptoms such as fever, chills and diarrhea. Babesiosis can in some cases lead to severe anemia, organ and respiratory failure and in some cases even death.
Recently the disease was found within the U.S. blood supply and is causing concern on a national level because of the lack of specific blood testing for the disease. Because of the asymptomatic nature of the disease, especially with the early onset, many blood donors don’t even realize they could be sick. This paired with the lack of education and media about the disease is causing Babesiosis tainted blood to become a major concern.
Most cases of Babesiosis are resolved without any specific treatment. In more severe cases, however replacement of the patients red blood cells may be necessary to halt the disease.
As with any insect-borne illness and disease of this type, the old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is proven to be quite true. Preventing falling victim to an infected tick which is harboring the parasite that causes the disease is an utmost priority, especially in states where Babesiosis is considered endemic, such as New Jersey. Here is a list of preventative measures that will help keep you and your family safe from the disease…
- Try to avoid tick infested areas. Ticks like to reside in woods, tall grasses, areas with dense foliage and vegetation.
- Take control of your property by having a licensed professional treat the area to kill and prevent infestations.
- When venturing into a suspected “tick” area, dress appropriately and shower upon your return.
- Conduct frequent “tick checks” of yourself and your clothing upon return from outside ventures, and any small children in the household.
- Instilling the use of a tick abatement program, such as the use of tick-tubes, within your property.
- Most importantly is to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a tick-borne illness, never overlook your bodies warning signs.
Mosquito Squad of Mt. Laurel have become active advocates in the war on mosquito and tick-borne illnesses. We know first hand the despair and devastation contracting a tick-borne illness can cause. We offer a complete arsenal of services to help you win the battle of mosquito and tick-borne illnesses on your property. From our safe and effective barrier sprays to the highly effective tick tubes. Contact us today to learn more. Call us today for a free quote • (856) 793 – 2377 • email: mountlaurel@mosquitosquad.com
It is the ever lingering question on many of our minds that seems to never offer a straight answer. Mosquitoes feed on our blood and during that feeding can ultimately infect their host with a number of insect-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus, and a number of Encephalides just to name a few. AIDS in perspective is, a disease that is transmitted through body fluids, and blood is a body fluid. So the underlying question is can AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) be transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that feeds on a person inflicted with the disease prior to feeding on you? Recent studies and findings from Rutgers University Department of Entomology tell us no, it is not possible to catch the disease from a mosquito.
Rutgers University located right here in New Jersey is a strong presence in the fields of mosquito studies, research and mosquito education. Rutgers, through their research and elaborate study of the mosquito, have clearly demonstrated their commitment to the subject and now work in partnership with our great state in the prevention of mosquito-borne illnesses. Their Center for vector biology is quickly becoming a national and international known program in the studies of mosquito, tick and blackfly research.
The recent study focuses on the reasons mosquitoes are unable to transmit AIDS to us. In order for a mosquito to possess the ability to transmit AIDS, the mosquito would have to ingest the virus particles and these particles would have to survive within the mosquito, and opportunistically increase in numbers. Then they would need to move to the mosquitoes salivary glands in order to initiate transmission. The mosquito would then have transmit the virus particles onto a host not infected with HIV through the salivary glands. This is an improbable and impossible function of the mosquito itself. Studies have actually shown that mosquitoes digest the virus that causes AIDS, therefore, since the infectious agent must remain alive within the mosquito in order to be transferred to a second party, digestion of the virus halts any further transmission of the disease particles in their tracks.The digestive enzyme that is present within the mosquito’s stomach takes care of the virus and halts any further transmission of the cycle’s possibility of passing the virus onto the next host. There are multiple scenarios within the study itself that end with the same finality that mosquitoes cannot transmit AIDS to a host through feeding. Contrary to some beliefs, the feeding apparatus of the mosquito does not mean the mosquito is a “flying hypodermic needle” transmitting disease everywhere it lands. To read the study in its entirety you can visit http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~insects/aids.htm, the article is informative and true to the facts.
Mosquito Squad of Mt. Laurel has the utmost respect for the work being done at Rutgers and I have a personal connection with Rutgers’ work also. My beloved, late father-in-law, Leonard Bidwell was a professor at Rutgers University. Dr. Bidwell joined the faculty as an assistant professor in 1962 and became an associate professor in 1967. He gave much of his life to Rutgers and the establishment gave him a great deal back through the pride and joy he felt in teaching his students. He enjoyed being a mathematics teacher at Rutgers University’s Camden Campus for 40 years. A colleague of Dr. Bidwell’s within the Rutgers-Camden math department, George Articolo said ” his first priority was to serve and nurture his students at all levels of mathematics”. Dr. Bidwell received an Outstanding Faculty Award in 1994 for his “commitment to excellence in the classroom”.
Contact Mosquito Squad of Mt. Laurel to learn more about our mosquito and tick prevention that will help keep you and your loved ones safe from illnesses and diseases such as West Nile, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease which have the ability to infect us through insect vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks.
Call us today for a free quote • (856) 793 – 2377 • email: mountlaurel@mosquitosquad.com
An ounce of Prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to keeping your horse safe from Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Posted August 30, 2011
on:
Keep your loved ones and equine safe from EEE with mosquito control from Mosquito Squad of Mt. Laurel
Here in the Garden state we love our equine friends. Horses not only positively impact our way of life here, they also directly impact our state’s economy through our vibrant horse industry and supply a multitude of horse-related jobs to our residents as well. According to the American Horse Council, New Jersey ranks within the top 15 states that have a large horse population Numbers from a survey conducted in 2009 show that our state is home to approximately 83,000 of our hoofed friends. Along with horses by the handful, New Jersey also has a large population of mosquitoes. Our state is home to 63 species of mosquitoes according to the Rutgers Center for Vector Biology. With a high mosquito population comes a high incidence of mosquito-borne illness throughout the state, and our beloved horses, donkeys, ponies and mules are not immune to the wrath these illnesses bring to the stable. Among the most debilitating and deadly is EEE ( Eastern Equine Encephalitis).
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (or EEE) is a mosquito borne virus that is transmitted to horses, and in some cases humans, by being bitten by a mosquito infected with EEE. The virus to blame for EEE attacks the central nervous system of its victim. The onset of EEE is quick and in most cases among equine, most often times fatal. Symptoms of EEE can be seen in an early as 5 days of your horse being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms may include depression and quietness and general lethargy in your horse. Many veterinarians still refer to the virus as the “sleeping sickness” because of the sleepy-like symptoms. Symptoms will progress into an irregular staggering gait, impaired vision, aimless wandering and circling, head pressing and rubbing, the inability to swallow, paralysis, convulsions and eventually death.
The virus that is responsible for Eastern Equine Encephalitis is rarely seen in humans, but is growing by leaps and bounds among the equine set. Once an equine has contracted the disease, there is very little that can be done. There is a vaccine that is available to horse owners to prevent Eastern Equine Encephalitis, but along with the vaccinations preventing your horse, donkey or pony from being bitten is also an important safeguard to keep your animal healthy and disease free. Safe stabling practices such as eliminating standing water and areas within the horses environment that may accumulate water are key. Keeping fresh water in the trough, or instilling the use of an automatic watering system to keep the watering hole from becoming a mosquito breeding hole instead. Regular removal of damp hay or bedding materials from within the horses living quarters is also vital.
Other recommended precautions include having the horses living areas treated by a licensed professional. Mosquito Squad of Mt. Laurel has a safe and effective way to kill and prevent mosquitoes within your horse’s environment that might be carrying this deadly virus. Mosquito Squad of Mt. Laurel uses a mosquito misting system which sprays the naturally derived Pyrethrum spray at timed intervals. The sprays are safe to humans as well as domesticated animals. Pyrethrum is a natural insecticide that is derived from the beautiful and aromatic Chrysanthemum , mosquitoes cannot tolerate this substance and therefore perish from the exposure as well as steer clear of any area which it is present. Mosquito Squad sprays have been deemed safe by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) as well. Since mosquito season is still in full swing, it is not too late in the season to start good “horsekeeping” habits now.
Following these simple steps to prevent EEE from striking your beloved equine is easy. Making sure the areas in which your horse resides is protected, and your horse is properly immunized just makes perfect horse sense in the fight against mosquito-borne illnesses like EEE. Contact Mosquito Squad of Mt. Laurel to learn more and get a free quote to keep your property and your horses property mosquito free. • (856) 793 – 2377 • email:mountlaurel@mosquitosquad.com
Don’t be the Labor Day meal! It’s not too late to protect your yard for this season.
Posted August 23, 2011
on:The dog days of summer are now upon us, those late summer blahs signify the end of summer fun and the return of the daily grind of school and work. However, late summer can still afford you and your family plenty of outdoor “play time”. The weather is favorable to enjoy many of your summer activities well into the autumn. Keep in mind that we are still in the midst of mosquito season. The mosquitoes are still out there, lurking, and feeding.
Now is the perfect time to put an end to the mosquitoes fun and games by instilling the expertise of a licensed professional to create a barrier of mosquito protection for your property. Many people think that by this time of the year, it is too late to introduce mosquito control into their landscape and property, this however is simply not the case. There are still roughly nine weeks left of summer, and that means nine weeks to enjoy your outdoors by contacting Mosquito Squad of Mt. Laurel. We apply our safe and effective barrier sprays at approximately 3 week intervals that kill and prevent mosquitoes, and this means we can still offer you the ultimate in mosquito control that will carry you through the rest of the season. Our seasonal program is pro-rated based on the number of sprays remaining in the season.
This program gives you the freedom to get out and enjoy that landscaping you poured your heart and soul into this summer. Or maybe you recently finished a summer project of an outdoor living structure you have been reluctant to really enjoy because the mosquitoes won’t allow it. Even if you have put off getting mosquito control until now, but haven’t been able to use your yard when time allowed. These are all very valid reasons to contact Mosquito Squad of Mt. Laurel for your peace of mind against mosquito-borne illnesses and disease, and to enjoy the small slice of summer left in the pie. Remember it is not too late to get your backyard mosquito-free for your Labor day cookout, Labor day is right around the corner.
Contact Mosquito Squad of Mt. Laurel to sign up today, there are approximately three(3) sprayings left in our seasonal program, and we will pro-rate the remainder for you. Don’t delay call us today for a free quote • (856) 793 – 2377 • email: mountlaurel@mosquitosquad.com
West Nile Virus. A soda bottle top can become a nursery to 100’s of mosquito larvae.
Posted August 9, 2011
on:- In: All Natural Spray | First reported case of West Nile Virus for 2011 in New Jersey | Mosquito control | Mosquito control Mount Laurel | Mosquito-borne illness and disease | New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services | Preventing West Nile Virus in New Jersey | Statehous Bureau staff | West Nile Encephalitis | West Nile Meningitis | West Nile Virus | West Nile Virus in New Jersey
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Like many other mosquito-borne illnesses and disease, West Nile virus carries many misconceptions in regards to the symptoms, treatment and prognosis of West Nile Virus. An article published on August 8th, 2011 by the Statehouse Bureau Staff confirms the first case of West Nile to be reported this season to be right here in New Jersey. A 50-year-old man in Mercer County recently tested positive for West Nile virus according to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior services. According to the article, the man experienced joint pain, numbness in his hands, fatigue and fever last month prior to the diagnosis.
Here in the Garden state mosquitoes are so abundant that some residents refer to the mosquito as the “state bird”. All jokes aside, mosquitoes are a problem that cannot be ignored. With this recent diagnosis of the first confirmed case of West Nile ringing so close to home, the time to gain knowledge of how to prevent this mosquito-borne illness is more important than ever. It is time to separate fact from fiction when it comes to this serious illness.

The Culex species of mosquito ( also known as the common house mosquito) is responsible for the West Nile Virus
One common misconception is many people believe that the wetlands, which are found throughout New Jersey and are a major part of the region’s ecosystems, are the main culprit for the mosquito that carries the West Nile virus. This is false. Healthy wetlands don’t always provide the ideal habitat for mosquitoes because the water conditions, water quality, and the presence of the mosquito’s natural predators may keep mosquitoes from using the water found in many wetlands to lay their eggs. Many believe that by draining our wetlands we can eliminate mosquitoes, and thus, cut back the number of mosquitoes left with the ability to spread illnesses such as West Nile virus. This is also false. By draining the wetland,s mosquito numbers could possibly increase by destroying the mosquitoes natural predators such as birds, fish and other insects that eat mosquitoes. In essence draining the wetlands would hinder the reduction of mosquitoes rather than help decrease their populations.
Another falsehood is the assumption that since there is no vaccine for West Nile Virus we can do nothing about it. This is far from the actual truth. The fact is, there are many effective and no-nonsense ways to prevent West Nile Virus. There are many things you can do to reduce the risk of contracting the illness. Simple safeguards that seem so trivial compared to the potential outcome are the first lines of defense. The first safeguard is to gain control over your property. Keep your property clean, trimmed, and free of debris, brush piles and standing water. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in even the smallest reservoir of standing water. A soda bottle top can become a nursery to 100’s of mosquito larvae. Keeping you gutters clean and free of debris and making sure window and door screening are intact and free of rips and tears where mosquitoes could lurk in is crucial. Having your property treated by a licensed professional is also an excellent way to prevent coming face-to-face with mosquitoes that could potentially be carrying West Nile Virus.
Most reported cases of West Nile Virus are among older adults, debunking the myth that the most likely candidates to become infected are children. Adults, and especially those over 50, are at a greater risk of contracting the illness because their immune systems are unable to fight off the illness. In reality, very few cases of West Nile Virus have been reported among children.
As is the case with any mosquito-borne illness, early detection and diagnosis is the key to a trouble-free and speedy recovery from the illness at any age. Being able to identify the symptoms just takes familiarization. Symptoms of West Nile Virus can include fever, chills, headaches and body aches and are usually accompanied by swollen lymph nodes and a skin rash. These symptom can be seen as early as 2 days following the onset of the illness. As the illness progresses, symptoms can include neck stiffness, a high fever, sever headache and disorientation. If West Nile Virus is left untreated it can lead to coma, tremors, convulsions, and the onset of West Nile Encephalitis or Meningitis which affects the brain and nervous system. Even though early symptoms of West Nile Virus closely mimic those of the flu, any change in your body or displaying any of these symptoms should not be taken lightly. Always contact your doctor immediately at any sign of illness. Remember that symptoms such as these are your body’s way of telling you something is wrong, and should never be ignored. Early diagnosis in West Nile patients can mean the difference in a light case of the illness which is easily treatable, or the illness becoming life threatening.
One fact that is certain is that knowledge and prevention of the mosquito is our only defense against West Nile Virus. Mosquito Squad of Mt. Laurel can help you in preventing mosquitoes on your property with our safe and effective barrier sprays as well as our automatic mosquito misting systems. Our barrier spray is applied at schedule intervals throughout the season to kill and prevent mosquitoes from entering your treated property. These scheduled applications ensure season-long protection. Our automatic mosquito misting systems offer the ultimate in mosquito protection with timed applications throughout the day to kill and prevent mosquitoes. Contact Mosquito Squad of Mt. Laurel to learn more and help you take control of your property this season. Call us at (856) 793 – 2377 or email us at mountlaurel@mosquitosquad.