National Mosquito Control Awareness Week June 21-27: Backyard Hacks To Reduce Mosquito Population And Keep Your Family Comfortable And Bite Free

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Jun 16, 2015, 10:27 ET

RICHMOND, Va., June 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of Mosquito Control Awareness Week, June 21 – 27, 2015, TV host and backyard expert Jason Cameron has teamed up with Mosquito Squad and its Squad of technicians to create the best hacks to keep backyards free of annoying, and often dangerous, mosquitoes.

Cameron's top hack? Walk your yard.

"Mosquitoes breed in standing water and water can accumulate in virtually every nook of a backyard, whether it's a small yard or a McMansion, if you're not out in the yard seeing what's out there, and keeping it clean, you're asking for mosquitoes to breed," Cameron said.

The Squad, the nation's leading firm specializing in mosquito and tick elimination, just signed its 170^th franchise and is expanding quickly due to homeowner demand for services that eradicate bothersome and disease bearing mosquitoes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mosquitoes can transmit West Nile Virus, Chikungunya and other arboviruses.

As The Squad continues its work with homeowners in the U.S., Rob White, the company's vice president, reminds Americans to take both a local and global view of mosquito control.

"With all the fun associated with summer, it's easy to forget that in many parts of the world, mosquito bites can lead to death," White said. "The Squad has supported the efforts of Malaria No More since 2011 and we urge you to donate to their Power of One (Po1) campaign, where just $1 provides a life-saving test and treatment for a child in Africa."

Donations are accepted at SwatMalaria.net.

In addition to supporting Malaria No More, Cameron encourages homeowners to get up close and personal in their yards with the following hacks to reduce and eliminate mosquito breeding.

TIP. A bottle cap filled with water holds enough water for mosquitoes to breed. Since mosquitoes breed in standing water, the elimination of standing water decreases a mosquito's breeding ground. The Squad technicians report that yards with bird baths, play sets with tire swings, tree houses, portable fireplaces and pits and catch basins are the biggest offenders. Have a tire swing? Cameron's hack: drill holes in the bottom of the tire to empty water or even replace the tire with a wooden or plastic swing.

TOSS. The Squad technicians see a lot of yard waste, so remember to TOSS that yard trash, bag up those clippings and leaves and make sure firewood is stacked neatly. Cameron suggests building or installing a firewood holder to be sure that your firewood pile doesn't trap water.

TURN. Walk the yard every few days and turn over items that could hold water and trash. Look for children's portable sandboxes, slides or plastic toys; underneath and around downspouts; in plant saucers, empty pots, light fixtures and dog water bowls.

REMOVE TARPS. Many homeowners have tarps, or covers, on items residing in their outdoor spaces. If not stretched taut, they are holding water. Check tarps over firewood piles, portable fire places, recycling cans, boats, sports equipment and grills. Advice from Cameron: use bungee cords to keep tarps tight.

TAKE CARE. Home maintenance can be a deciding factor in property values and mosquito bites. Regularly clean out gutters and make sure the downspout is attached properly. Re-grade areas where water stands more than a few hours, and make sure that all fallen branches and hollow trees or logs are removed from the property. Check irrigation systems to ensure that they aren't leaking and causing a breeding haven. Keep lawn height low and weed areas.

TEAM UP. Despite taking all precautions in your own home, talking with neighbors is a key component to mosquito, and tick, control. Townhomes and homes with little space between lots mean that mosquitoes can breed at a neighbor's home, and affect your property.

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 on the body.

About Mosquito Squad

With more than 170 franchise locations nationwide, Mosquito Squad specializes in eliminating mosquitoes and ticks from outdoor living spaces, allowing Americans to enjoy their yards, outdoor living spaces, special events and green spaces. The Squad has been a proud supporter of Malaria No More since 2011. For more information, visit www.MosquitoSquad.com, www.MosquitoSquadFranchise.com and www.OutdoorLivingBrands.com.

SOURCE Mosquito Squad