August 17, 2020
Just as we anticipated, State health officials have confirmed the first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus in 2020. The first positive batch was collected in Evanston, however the Illinois Department of Public Health reports there are no verified human cases as of mid-summer.
Two years ago, the State of Illinois ranked 6th among states with the most mosquito-related illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. There are several diseases that mosquitoes are known to carry, including the Zika Virus and West Nile Virus. Both diseases can have real implication on your health, as well as the health of your pets. People in the higher-risk categories are those over 60 and anyone with a weakened immune system.
The virus is transmitted to people from a Culex pipiens (house mosquito), which picks it up from feeding on an infected bird. Four out of five people infected with the West Nile virus will not show symptoms. Those displaying symptoms could develop fever, nausea, headaches and muscle aches, with symptoms lasting from a few days to a few weeks.
Spending time in the great outdoors is a nice relive to combat being cooped up, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, we urge you to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from mosquitoes and the viruses they carry by applying insect repellent and getting rid of standing water around your home.
Call us today and have one of our trained staff members provide a free evaluation of your property, whether residential of commercial and create a plan to deter this issue NOW, long before it becomes one. Each program is unique, depending on the property and location. Once in place, we will take care of the rest, with regularly scheduled visits throughout the rest of the summer.
Your outdoor living space was meant to be enjoyed. Let our skilled, courteous team customize a plan to prevent mosquitoes from spoiling your outdoor activities, so that you can focus your attention elsewhere. Once this shelter-in-lace season comes to a close, take time to enjoy what summer has to offer, without the worry and hassle of those pesky little creatures.
Mulching has many benefits, but it must be applied correctly. We recommend maintaining a two- to four-inch layer of mulch in all areas where there are plants.
A winter filled with constant freezing and thawing throughout the season can have a negative impact on a lawn.
Winter is usually a time when people think about what they will do in their yard once the snow melts.
With lawns covered in snow they seem a bit 'out of sight out of mind,' but that shouldn't be the case! Here are a couple things to consider when it comes to your lawn in winter.