Carpenter ants can. They excavate galleries in structural wood and prefer lumber already softened by moisture. You can tell you have carpenter ants if you see coarse sawdust piles and large black ants indoors, especially by damp areas.
Outdoor flea control is an effective way to do this. It’s a barrier-style treatment applied to the shaded areas of the yard where fleas develop, on a recurring schedule that breaks their life cycle.
You shouldn't have to. Dusk is peak feeding time for many mosquitoes, so heading inside does cut down on bites, but it also means surrendering the best part of a summer evening.
Playing outside is OK. Mosquito-borne illness is a risk, but it’s not common. Think of it like a risk to manage, as there are simple steps you can take like using repellents and dumping standing water.
Mosquitoes carry a range of diseases, and which ones matter depends on where you live. In Michigan, the two worth knowing are West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis.
They're carried by different mosquitoes in different habitats and differ sharply in severity. West Nile virus is spread mainly by Culex mosquitoes and is usually mild, while Eastern equine encephalitis comes from swamp-breeding species and is far rarer but much more dangerous. Both occur in Michigan.
DIY mosquito control costs less per application. But you need to re-treat far more often and you don’t cover as much ground, making it a lot less effective. You can expect a far greater return on investment with professionals.
A well-maintained lawn doesn't breed mosquitoes on its own. But lawn care habits like overwatering, leaving grass too tall, and neglecting drainage issues can create pools of standing water that mosquitoes can use to breed.
Professional products are formulated and applied differently, which is why they last longer than commercially available products.
Decks and patios are often next to vegetation, shade, and standing water in hidden spots, allowing them to rest nearby. When people come outside, the body heat and exhaled carbon dioxide draw them in to bite.
It's possible, though uncommon. A single mosquito can carry more than one disease-causing pathogen at the same time, and if it does, one bite could transmit both.
Healthy wetlands with moving water and natural predators actually breed fewer mosquitoes than you'd expect. Stagnant edges and temporary pools are the real producers.
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is rare, but when it strikes, it's among the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the country, with a fatality rate around 30% and lasting neurological effects common in survivors.
Mosquitoes start showing up in spring once temperatures rise into the 50s on a regular basis. That’s usually around April or May.
Look for the usual spots that ticks favor such as the hairline and behind the ears, neck, armpits, waistband, groin, behind the knees, between toes. Do it within a couple hours of coming in, shower soon after, and run worn clothes through a hot dryer for ten minutes. Don’t forget to check the dog too.
Give your pet the preventative prescribed by your veterinarian, check them for ticks after outdoor time, and treat your yard to reduce their odds of a tick encounter in the first place.
