If you are like many folks, mosquitoes literally eat you for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and make you miserable in the summer time. Because I am kind of a greenie, don’t like DEET, (the standard stuff in many bug sprays that are applied to the skin,) and am not at all fond of the itchy welts left on my ankles courtesy of the carnivorous critters, I have taken to trying to stay indoors at peak mosquito “feeding times,” i.e., dusk and dawn. Recently, however, I became aware of a franchise located in North Alabama called Superior Mosquito Defense, and it looks like my days of being a wimp just might be over.
Before I talk about their services, however, it would be good to be reminded about just how dangerous mosquitoes can be. In recent years, we have heard about the West Nile virus, which can cause encephalitis, (swelling of the brain,) and in some cases, death. There are several types of mosquito-borne encephalitis strains, and some can also affect horses. History tells us that it was only a little over a century ago that Dr. Walter Reed and Dr. Carlos Findlay were credited with discovering that mosquitoes caused Yellow Fever. Other mosquito-borne diseases include malaria, dengue fever, (which is in some cases associated with hemorrhagic fever,) and heartworm in dogs. While most of the time a mosquito bite is merely uncomfortable, it is far better to not get bitten in the first place.
To that end, Superior Mosquito Defense offers several services, all of which fit into the stringent environmental guidelines that are required for outdoor pest control. Franchise owners are certified, and the technicians are carefully trained. They can treat everything from residences, to outdoor restaurants, parks, venues for weddings and parties, and can also provide flea and tick control. Their services are described below:
The Barrier Shield Program
The Superior Barrier Shield Program is their most popular program, kills mosquitoes on contact, and is guaranteed to continue to eliminate and repel mosquitoes for 21 to 25 days.
To achieve this, the experts at Superior Mosquito Defense have taken the traditional “barrier” method, added a few extra techniques, (along with their proprietary solution,) and perfected their Superior Barrier Shield Program.
The result is that you no longer need to avoid your yard, or use annoying bug repellent sprays, citronella torches or candles. You can just enjoy mosquito-free outdoor living! They start by identifying and treating the mosquito habitat around your home and dramatically reducing the population. They then apply larvicide to the breeding grounds on your property. The next step is to locate the areas where mosquitoes hide as they wait to strike again. Then, your specialist applies a mist of Superior Mosquito Defense’s proprietary product, which is formulated to kill as well as repel mosquitoes for 21-25 days. After the mist is applied, they place biological mosquito dunks in areas where standing water is prevalent, such as bird baths, tire swings, air conditioning unit drips, and low lying places in your yard that hold water after it rains. This is a key factor during annual control. Lastly, your mosquito control specialist will return every 21-25 days throughout mosquito season to reapply your Superior Barrier Shield. Because they become familiar with your specific property, they can always provide customized service and treatments.
The Organic Spray Program
Superior Mosquito Defense offers a 14-day, all-natural spray, which kills adult mosquitoes on contact and has a two-week repellent effect.
Their Barrier Spray Systems also have a repellent effect, but primarily work by killing adult mosquitoes on contact. The opposite is true of their organic spray. The insects are literally repelled or confused by the smell of this solution. Fortunately for our customers, the human nose will detect only a mild odor that dissipates within a few hours of the application. Since this organic solution breaks down more quickly in the environment, it needs to be applied every 14 days (as opposed to the 21-25 day cycle of the traditional solution).
This organic repellent is not quite as effective as the traditional mosquito control solutions. However, depending on your own yard and the needs of you and your family, it may be right for you. Of course, if you’re not 100% satisfied, they will make it right by applying another spray as soon as possible.
Commercial Applications
Mosquito Defense services are available for parks, pools, seasonal outdoor picnic and sports facilities, schools, day care centers, golf courses, campgrounds, and many other commercial venues. The commercial application program helps you keep your area of business or public space free from mosquitoes which can drive away customers and visitors. Both the barrier system and the organic system can be used in a commercial context.
Special Events
Superior Mosquito Defense offers one-time spray treatments for special events, allowing you to enjoy mosquito-free outdoor parties, barbeques, family reunions, weddings, picnics, or any other outdoor holiday event. Nothing ruins a special outdoor gathering faster than swarms of annoying and biting mosquitoes! Civic events, pool parties, games and any outdoor entertainment now can be enjoyed without the annoyance of mosquitoes and other biting insects.
You can protect your special event (and the people attending) with a barrier treatment from Superior Mosquito Defense. Everyone in attendance will appreciate your thoughtfulness in seeing to it that they are comfortable and able to fully enjoy the special occasion. Preferably the application is made the night before, but it can be applied in the morning on the day of the event.
Superior Mosquito Defense also has a program whereby you can receive free applications for referring their services to a friend. Below is a testimonial of a woman who is thrilled with the product, and has recommended to her friends:
“Dear Superior Mosquito Defense, I am amazed that I can enjoy my yard mosquito free! The mosquito guy came to my house the day promised, was very friendly and treated my yard in the morning and the same night I was outside with the grandchildren playing. No Mosquitoes! Really amazing! I was so used to living with these awful insects and could never enjoy any outdoor time. I can go out in my yard whenever I want and not worry about any mosquitoes, ticks or fleas. I will use your service every mosquito season! Thank you for your referral program also. I have received 2 free treatments from the neighbors that I referred to you since they are using your service. Expect to be giving me a lot of free treatments in the future!! Thank you! Call them today for an appointment, and take back your yard as well as your comfort and safety!”
-Sandra A., Decatur, AL
Superior Mosquito Defense
256-773-0517
iHateMosquitos.com
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner