It’s great for your dog to be able to get exercise and fresh air outside, but there’s a very serious threat looming, and that is the threat of mosquitoes. For humans, mosquitoes can pose great harm, but more often than not you will associate them with the discomfort of itching as a result of their bites.

But for man’s best friend, not only is there the threat of West Nile Virus that humans must worry about, but there is also the threat of contracting heartworm from mosquitoes, which can be a fatal disease.

When a mosquito bites a dog who is infected with heartworm, it carries that infected blood and transmits it to other dogs when biting them. The most prevalent region for heartworm in the U.S. is the southeast, so the risk of your pet contracting heartworm from a mosquito bite here is unfortunately especially high.

So what can you do to help protect your loving companion? First of all, invest in a preventative heartworm medicine. These are available in a chewable form that your give your dog once a month, and they are highly recommended by veterinarians. Second, make sure you call Mosquito Squad of Columbia SC to schedule a mosquito spray session. We have a variety of products that can be used to eliminate mosquitoes and prevent future breeding. This way, you can enjoy the peace of mind of knowing your dog is safe, and your dog can enjoy his or her time outside without the pain of being stung.

1. Eliminate any standing water. Mosquitoes seek out old stagnant water for breeding purposes, so if you take away any sources of water, you can greatly reduce their opportunity to reproduce. Begin by looking for anything around your yard that might collect water. Buckets, cans, tarps and sheeting are just a fee examples of items that may seem harmless, but which can provide perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Empty water from those or better yet eliminate them from your yard altogether if possible. For items which may need to constantly have water like wading pools and bird baths, be certain you are regularly changing out the water.
2. Remove weeds and excess vegetation. Shady areas offer refuge to mosquitoes, so by pulling weeds regularly and pruning shrubs, trees, bushes, and any other area which might provide the safety of shade, you are enacting an easy measure of mosquito control.
3. Schedule a mosquito spray session. The absolute most effective way to kill mosquitoes and prevent new ones from breeding is to use a mosquito spray system like those offered by Mosquito Squad of Columbia. Many people assume that the mosquito spray products found at their local hardware store will do the trick, but the truth is, these products lack the correct active ingredients in the right concentration to be as effective as the barrier spray products we use. For real results, you can trust our mosquito control products.

With these 3 easy steps, you can plan on spending more time in your yard this spring and summer without worrying about the annoying and persistent threat of mosquitoes. Watch out for water, pull those weeds, and contact Mosquito Squad of Columbia today for our mosquito spraying services!

These trees look wonderful, and they provide the added benefit of comforting shade during the hot summer days.

However, you are not the only one who likes the cooling effects of these trees’ shade. For Columbia mosquitoes, this shade makes for the perfect breeding ground and refuge.

There can be literally millions of mosquitoes in Columbia-area trees, particularly in the large, full trees that are located in these historic neighborhoods. Area residents know all too well that the dangers of these mosquitoes extends beyond a mere annoyance; a Shandon resident was affected by the West Nile virus just last year, and is still feeling its effects. So this problem is clearly nothing to be taken lightly.

The solution is a mere phone call away. Mosquito Squad of Columbia can effectively treat mosquitoes problems in these and many other Columbia neighborhoods with an array of safe but effective mosquito control sprays. You can rest easily knowing that the treatments will not harm your family or your trees or landscaping.

Don’t let mosquitoes detract from your enjoyment of your shade trees. Let Mosquito Squad of Columbia eliminate the problem with safe mosquito spray solutions.

In the current economy, municipalities across the country have had to make difficult cutbacks, and here in Columbia SC we are no exception. One of the areas that has been impacted by Richland County budget cutbacks is mosquito control.

You can no longer count on the government to provide mosquito spraying and larvicide services in your area. The service has been reduced in many areas, and eliminated altogether in others.

Thankfully, we here at Mosquito Squad of Columbia are able to help. Our mosquito spraying solutions are every bit as effective as the spraying solutions previously provided by Richland County, and they are available at very affordable rates.

From our Standard 21-day and 14-day all Natural Barrier Spray programs that keep your family protected all season long to our one-day Event Sprays that allow guests to enjoy your outdoor Weddings and Events bite-free, we have a variety of mosquito control sprays designed to help any Columbia-area resident.

Even though Richland County has reduced its mosquito spraying coverage, you can still spend a safe summer outdoors. Call today to set up an appointment for mosquito spraying services in Columbia!

With record temperatures in the 80s and sunny skies predicted for the Columbia SC markets over the Easter weekend , mosquitoes and other biting insects are already out in many neighborhoods.  At Mosquito Squad of Columbia, new business is coming from a wide range of sources:  call-ins from yard signs, internet leads, referrals from family members, outdoor enthusiasts we met at the Home and Garden and Historic Columbia Gardening Symposium – these are just a few of the ways new customers are finding us and getting much-needed relief from these outdoor pests.

Jessica R. of Columbia called in today, desperate to help her two-and-a-half year old son who suffers with allergic reactions to mosquito bites.  “Last year we had to take him to the emergency room” as a result of mosquito bites.  Jessica was relieved to hear of our barrier spray solution for eliminating biting insects that’s safe for her toddler and “shorkie” mix dog.  Jessica called after seeing a yard sign in Blythewood.

Ann F. from the Heathwood neighborhood of Columbia found us on the internet.  “My niece uses Mosquito Squad in Greenville and she’s very happy.  Last year I had (X) Pest Control Company (spray for mosquitoes) and they burned my roses.”  With “lots of flower beds” and “lots of dogs” (seven altogether) safety and a bite-free environment are important for her gardening and pets’ pleasure.  Plus, it also kills adults fleas and ticks on contact.  And it’s important to work with professionals who specialize in outdoor biting insects and know what plants can be sprayed and what should be avoided.

We’re in a bit of a transition period for the next two weeks:  mosquitoes, fleas, and other bugs are out and beginning  to bite, but most neighborhoods don’t have enough leaves on the trees and shrubs.  Bill Haskin, Mosquito Squad co-owner with his wife Colleen, says “For our most popular service, the barrier sprays, we need more leaf surface to spray our product in order to eliminate up to 90% of the mosquitoes.  The more green surface to spray, the greater the mosquito kill.”  Expect to see the Mosquito Squad truck around town, especially beginning the week of April 19.

Plan to protect your family and pets from outdoor pests now.  The barrier spray schedule is quickly filling up for April.  Columbia residents should get a handle on the bug season before they biting insects move into your backyard.

Midlands' largest Home & Garden show opens this Friday, March 12

The Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia presents the 45th Annual Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show at the South  Carolina State Fairgrounds Friday, March 11 through Sunday, March 13, 2010.

The Carolina Classic is the largest home and garden exhibition in the Midlands and will feature over 300 construction, home improvement and outdoor product exhibits.

Dread Skeeter and the team from Mosquito Squad of Columbia are featured as a new exhibitor and will be offering Free Barrier Sprays for lucky winners who fill out entry forms at their tent in the outdoor exhibition area near the food vendors.  Valued at $129 each, a total of three winners will be chosen.  Free literature on mosquito repellent solutions  and tick control through use of barrier sprays will be distributed.  Children can pick up free coloring book pages from The Adventures of Dread Skeeter.

We hope to see you at the Home & Garden Show!

Super hero Dread Skeeter recently spotted in downtown Columbia.

More than 80 eye witnesses report seeing Dread Skeeter, mascot for Mosquito Squad of Columbia, at this week’s Historic Columbia Foundation’s Gardening Symposium.  Considered a super hero by many who despise mosquitoes, fleas, biting insects and the misery they spread, Dread has dedicated his life to the eradication of mosquitoes, ticks and other disease-carrying pests with his mosquito repellent barrier sprays and misting systems.  Many symposium attendees shared their stories of biting insect infestations with Dread, who promised to meet with each one of them individually to determine the best strategy to help them “Fight the Bite”.

When asked what motivates him to do this work, Dread stated ”My life’s mission is to kill mosquitoes and ticks. I don’t kill because I hate. I kill because I love.   I love kids. I love pets.  And I know that mosquitoes and ticks carry diseases that hurt kids and pets (and adults too).”

Historic Columbia's Seibels Garden is an ideal venue for an outdoor wedding or special event.

According to Amy Kinard, Rental Coordinator for Historic Columbia Foundation, the Seibels Garden was restored to its original look three years ago, and outdoor events are held from spring through Christmas.  “It’s interesting to be a part of history,” says Amy.  “I grew up in Columbia and toured the grounds as a child.  With several venues to choose from, we hold many beautiful and memorable events year round.”

Amy acknowledges that mosquitoes, biting insects,  and other outdoor insects can often pose a problem for outdoor event attendees.

At Mosquito Squad of Columbia, we offer specialized mosquito repellent and outdoor pest solutions in the form of  Special Event Sprays that can make your outdoor wedding or party virtually bite-free.  The mature trees and shade found in the Seibels Garden and other historic locations are particularly attractive to mosquitoes.  Mosquito Squad’s event barrier sprays are done a day or two before the scheduled event and won’t harm plants, beneficial insects, or present a health hazard to food served in the location, and can greatly increase everyone’s enjoyment of the festive outdoor activity.

Mosquito Squad Mascot "Dread Skeeter" visits Historic Columbia Gardening Symposium

It’s the first of March, and with two days of yard clean-up behind me and the Historic Columbia Gardening Symposium to look forward to, spring must not be far behind (despite the prediction of a chance of snow for tomorrow).  Mosquito Squad of Columbia mascot Dread Skeeter and I look forward to meeting avid gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts at this 3rd annual event A Natural Pastime:  Gardening in South Carolina.  This year’s gardening symposium features presentations from leading experts on southern gardening, workshops and tours of historic gardens.

Not just for gardeners, the event has a variety of aspects for those with an appreciation for beautiful landscapes, historic properties, and southern gardens and plants.  For those of us who love a good garden tour or enjoy getting our hands dirty, we all know those outdoor activities are so much more pleasurable if we’re not swatting away annoying biting insects.  If you have a shaded yard, especially one with large deciduous trees and mature landscaping as is usually found in the historic areas of Columbia, the mosquitoes can be particularly annoying, as these nasty insects seek out such environments.

Mosquito Squad of Columbia can help you enjoy your backyard and garden by eliminating most of the mosquitoes, ticks and other biting bugs that often spread disease and always annoy.  I hope to meet you this Friday, March 5, 2010 at the Clarion Townhouse at 1615 Gervais Street in downtown Columbia from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm to share gardening tips and our love for the great outdoors.

Colleen Bagley Haskin, Mosquito Squad of Columbia

I plan to use this out-of-doors opportunity to eliminate mosquito breeding sites before those nasty insects hatch.  I know you may be thinking “why bother, it’s too soon to be concerned about mosquitoes”.  But I was actually bitten on January 28 of this year, at an outdoor function that was held during the brief two-day warm-up we experienced!  So the mosquitoes are literally waiting to emerge and bite you, your kids and your pets.

It’s simple to reduce mosquito breeding sites in your yard:  just remember these simple steps.

- Tip – tip any vessel that holds unintended standing water outside your home - pet water bowls, planter trays, children’s toys.

- Toss – toss any items in your yard that could collect water that can be discarded:  old toys, unused birdbaths, tires.  An item as small as a flipped over soda pop cap can become a breeding ground for thousands of mosquito larvae.

- Turn Over – turn over any potentially water-holding items or containers so that liquid can’t collect in them, until the time they may once again be needed.  Again, think bowls, planters, birdbaths.

- Tarps Eliminated - tarps create ideal mosquito breeding grounds.  If at all possible, eliminate all outside tarps.   Not only do they hold small pools of water which are ideal for egg-laying, but the shade they create is a preferred spot for adults to harbor during the heat of the day, waiting to come out and bite when they detect warm bodies nearby.

- Treat Accordingly – this is where the experts at Mosquito Squad come in.  Our trained applicators will take care of Tip, Toss, Turn Over, and eliminate Tarps for you, and we also use the safest, most effective Treatments available to protect your family and pets from biting insects and the diseases they carry.

In upcoming blogs, we’ll let you know about gardening-related events we’ll be attending.  Hope to meet you then.  Meantime, enjoy the warmth and sunshine!