Autumn Mosquito Control In Florida

Fall is here and it is a season of many changes. The weather turns cooler, the nights get longer and the leaves change color. This is a time when some things slow down. As Halloween gets closer, some night-flying blood-suckers actually get less active. In this case we mean those six-legged vampires better known as mosquitoes.

Until we have had our first frost and temperatures consistently stay below 55, we may still see those pesky mosquitoes buzzing around. In the autumn months after mating, male mosquitoes die. But female mosquitoes actually hibernate. They can survive the winter months. In the spring when the weather warms up, they seek blood to feed on so they can lay their eggs. 

All mosquito larvae (eggs) require water, even in winter, and mosquito larvae can last years. As the water temperature drops, it basically creates a dormant stage in the mosquito larvae called diapause, which stops further development. Development resumes when the water warms again. Mosquitoes are quite the survival experts. 

“Mosquitoes that tolerate the dry and cooler fall weather tend to be the mosquitoes that transmit disease, like West Nile virus,” says researcher Lyric Bartholomay, an Iowa State University assistant professor who tracks mosquitoes; “Mosquitoes are the most important disease vectors.” The insect transmits a range of illnesses that can be deadly to humans, including West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, eastern equine encephalitis, LaCrosse encephalitis, dengue fever, and of course the Zika virus.

We experience warmer and more humid conditions here in the Sunshine State. The mosquito season in Florida will vary depending on which part of the state you are located in. The cooler northern portion normally does not begin to experience mosquito activity until early March, while South Florida may see mosquitoes in early February. The tropical South Florida climate is especially conducive to the mosquito lifestyle, since mosquitoes are attracted to moisture and humidity for breeding and laying eggs.

During the mosquito off-season make your yard less welcoming to them. Ensure your garden is free of any breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Remove all standing water from your yard and any other objects, junk or gardening equipment that can collect rainwater. Clean up any leaves which may have fallen to reduce the dark, damp environments they create. Leaves also gather in gutters and on flat shed roofs, so it is important to safely get up and clear them out. Piles of leaves in the garden are not only unsightly, they are also a perfect home for other unwanted bugs and insects.

Our technicians are trained to provide superior service that results in a significant decline in mosquito populations. We use proven products to provide long-lasting mosquito control, which means we can make fewer visits to your home. With our service, your family can spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time worrying about the nuisance of mosquitoes.

ZIMMERMAN TREE SERVICE LOCATIONS 

ISA Certified Arborist and ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist

Call For an Estimate

Palm Beach County: 561-968-1045

Including: Atlantis, Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Briny Breezes, Cloud Lake, Delray Beach, Glen Ridge, Greenacres, Gulf Stream,Haverhill, Highland Beach, Hypoluxo, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Jupiter Inlet Colony, Jupiter Island, Lake Clarke Shores, Lake Park, Lake Worth, Lantana,Loxahatchee Groves, Manalapan, Mangonia Park, North Palm Beach, Ocean Ridge, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Shores, Palm Springs, Riviera Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Singer Island, South Bay, South Palm Beach, Tequesta, Village of Golf, Wellington, West Palm Beach and all other communities

Martin County: 772-546-0811

Boca Raton and Delray Beach: 561-338-3533

Broward County: 954-968-1045

Note: ISA is the International Society of Consulting Arboriculture. ASCA is the American Society of Consulting Arborist.

RECOMMEND ZIMMERMAN TREE SERVICE

Autumn Plant Care In Florida

The season of harvest is upon us again and we are crossing the bridge between the summer and winter months. During this time the weather becomes cooler and many plants become dormant from the autumnal equinox to the winter solstice. Though we do not experience the same extreme in climate changes as do our neighbors to the north Florida nevertheless undergoes a significant seasonal transformation.

All plants will to some degree be affected by the change in climate. Crops for fall in Florida include bush and pole beans, corn, eggplant, peppers, squash, and tomatoes. In October and November we can plant crops such as beets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, spinach, and strawberries. It is also a good time for planting some ornamental plants, begin planting trees and shrubs this month. Planting in autumn allows them time to grow roots and transition into the garden.

October's first weeks may tend to be as wet as September, but by the end of the month and the start of November we can expect our six-month dry season to begin. As temperatures begin to cool, plants need less water. Adjust your watering schedule for lawns, borders, and containers. Pay close attention to containers as they tend to become waterlogged.

The fall Florida garden and lawn can thrive with the peaceful, cooler temps (sixties) dropping at night (after months of extreme heat). There are less daylight hours but temps are warm and sunny continuing to nourish and support growth. We will usually not experience the harshly cold conditions until late November or December.

Fall is a great time for garden projects, but make sure your vegetable garden is prepared for a sudden frost or cold snap. A good application of mulch now will also prevent many vegetables and edibles from frost damage. Mulch helps keep the soil near the plants' roots moist and may also protect against the natural freezing and thawing of the soil, which can cause heaving and damage to roots. Winter may come later here in Florida but come it will. 

If you have questions about your trees, plants or property, Zimmerman Tree Service provides consulting and diagnosis services to answer your questions and meet your needs. We provide free estimates. Whatever you need to know about South Florida tree and plant care our knowledgeable experts can help you. We can do a walk through of your property, inventory the major elements of your landscape, identify problem areas, advise you on courses of action and implement plans to meet your needs.

ZIMMERMAN TREE SERVICE LOCATIONS 

ISA Certified Arborist and ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist

Call For an Estimate

Palm Beach County: 561-968-1045

Including: Atlantis, Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Briny Breezes, Cloud Lake, Delray Beach, Glen Ridge, Greenacres, Gulf Stream,Haverhill, Highland Beach, Hypoluxo, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Jupiter Inlet Colony, Jupiter Island, Lake Clarke Shores, Lake Park, Lake Worth, Lantana,Loxahatchee Groves, Manalapan, Mangonia Park, North Palm Beach, Ocean Ridge, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Shores, Palm Springs, Riviera Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Singer Island, South Bay, South Palm Beach, Tequesta, Village of Golf, Wellington, West Palm Beach and all other communities

Martin County: 772-546-0811

Boca Raton and Delray Beach: 561-338-3533

Broward County: 954-968-1045

Note: ISA is the International Society of Consulting Arboriculture. ASCA is the American Society of Consulting Arborist.

Reduce Mosquitoes And Reduce Zika In South Florida

While ants can certainly ruin your picnic by going after your food, mosquitoes make things worse by making YOU their food. Mosquitoes are best known for the habits of the adult females which often feed on blood to help generate their eggs. Adult mosquitoes prefer to be most active from dusk until dawn but can become active with sufficient cloud cover or in dark shady areas. They do not prefer to be active in the sunshine since they may desiccate and die.

Several of the mosquito species found in Florida are capable of transmitting diseases to humans, horses, and other animals. Symptoms of these illnesses can range from mild to very severe. Mosquito-borne diseases are diseases that can be spread through the bite of mosquitoes. These diseases may be caused by a virus, also known as arboviruses, or can be caused by parasites.

Aquatic habitats abound in our state, making it home to dozens of mosquito pest species. There are currently 80 species of mosquitoes known to occur or have been identified from various collections in Florida, more than any other state. Mosquitoes are attracted to moisture, heat and certain smells, like perfumes, scented soaps and lotions. Their bites can cause allergic reactions and transmit diseases, like West Nile virus. Asian tiger and yellow fever mosquitoes, which are commonly found in the Southeast, can spread the chikungunya virus.

Mosquito-borne diseases found in Florida include West Nile virus disease, Eastern equine encephalitis, and St. Louis encephalitis. Many other mosquito-borne diseases are found in different parts of the world, and can be brought back to Florida if infected people or animals are bitten by mosquitoes while in Florida. Some examples of these diseases include chikungunya fever, dengue fever, malaria, yellow fever, and Rift Valley fever.

The Zika virus is spread by mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, which can breed in a pool of water as small as a bottle cap and usually bite in daytime. The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, takes several bites for each blood meal and prefers biting people; it accounts for most Zika infections. This mosquito is common in the United States typically only in Florida and along the Gulf Coast, although it has been found as far north as Connecticut in hot weather.

Our technicians are trained to provide superior service that results in a significant decline in mosquito populations. We use proven products to provide long-lasting mosquito control, which means we can make fewer visits to your home. With our service, your family can spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time worrying about the nuisance of mosquitoes.

ZIMMERMAN TREE SERVICE LOCATIONS 

ISA Certified Arborist and ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist

Call For an Estimate

Palm Beach County: 561-968-1045

Including: Atlantis, Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Briny Breezes, Cloud Lake, Delray Beach, Glen Ridge, Greenacres, Gulf Stream,Haverhill, Highland Beach, Hypoluxo, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Jupiter Inlet Colony, Jupiter Island, Lake Clarke Shores, Lake Park, Lake Worth, Lantana,Loxahatchee Groves, Manalapan, Mangonia Park, North Palm Beach, Ocean Ridge, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Shores, Palm Springs, Riviera Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Singer Island, South Bay, South Palm Beach, Tequesta, Village of Golf, Wellington, West Palm Beach and all other communities

Martin County: 772-546-0811

Boca Raton and Delray Beach: 561-338-3533

Broward County: 954-968-1045

Note: ISA is the International Society of Consulting Arboriculture. ASCA is the American Society of Consulting Arborist.

Mosquito Treatment In South Florida

When we think of dangerous animals what comes to mind might be sharks, tigers, bears, perhaps snakes or alligators. But what is the most dangerous creature on earth? Without question the answer is: the mosquito. Mosquitoes and the diseases they spread have been responsible for killing more people than all the wars in history. Even today, mosquitoes transmitting malaria kill 2 million to 3 million people and infect another 200 million or more every year. Tens of millions more are killed and debilitated by a host of other mosquito-borne diseases, including filariasis, yellow fever, dengue and encephalitis.

Though mosquitoes can be found in the most far off and exotic locales there are you are just as likely to encounter them in your own yard, perhaps even in your home. Malaria has occurred in the United States, and still does on rare occasions. Mosquitoes capable of carrying and transmitting malaria still inhabit most parts of this country. And an influx of malaria-infected persons has produced localized malaria transmission in some areas of the United States.

Female mosquitoes can be particular about whose blood they consume, with each species having its own preferences. Most mosquitoes attack birds and mammals, though some feed on the blood of reptiles and amphibians. Only female mosquitoes bite, because a blood meal is usually required for egg laying. All male mosquitoes, and the females of a few species, do not bite. They feed on nectar and other plant juices instead of blood.

Perhaps the best means of controlling mosquitoes is to deny them a place to develop. This is source reduction, the elimination of water from places where mosquitoes lay eggs. This can be accomplished by draining ponds, ditches, backwaters and lagoons, and by keeping water out of natural and artificial containers. Each of us has an obligation to make sure our properties are free of mosquito-breeding sites, such as stagnant ponds, poorly maintained swimming pools, tree holes, abandoned tires, bird baths, buckets or other debris in which water accumulates.

You Can Help Control Mosquitoes in Your Own Backyard. When you spend time outdoors, you do not want to worry about the possibility of mosquitoes biting you or your family. To reduce mosquito populations, identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites around homes and neighborhoods.

To reduce the mosquitoes around your property, follow these helpful tips and guidelines. Inspect your roof for leaks, and keep an eye out for leaking outdoor faucets and air conditioning units. Repair any leaks to eliminate the possibility of standing water. Throw away or store any items that can accumulate standing water. If these items are used frequently, they should be stored upside-down. Clean gutters frequently. Debris can clog and obstruct water flow from your roof, causing gutters to fill up with standing water. Clean your swimming pool regularly and keep it chlorinated. Pool covers, which can also collect water and debris, should be cleaned as well.

ZIMMERMAN TREE SERVICE LOCATIONS 

ISA Certified Arborist and ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist

Call For an Estimate

Palm Beach County: 561-968-1045

Including: Atlantis, Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Briny Breezes, Cloud Lake, Delray Beach, Glen Ridge, Greenacres, Gulf Stream,Haverhill, Highland Beach, Hypoluxo, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Jupiter Inlet Colony, Jupiter Island, Lake Clarke Shores, Lake Park, Lake Worth, Lantana,Loxahatchee Groves, Manalapan, Mangonia Park, North Palm Beach, Ocean Ridge, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Shores, Palm Springs, Riviera Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Singer Island, South Bay, South Palm Beach, Tequesta, Village of Golf, Wellington, West Palm Beach and all other communities

Martin County: 772-546-0811

Boca Raton and Delray Beach: 561-338-3533

Broward County: 954-968-1045

Note: ISA is the International Society of Consulting Arboriculture. ASCA is the American Society of Consulting Arborist.