Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/313578
A new compAny is sure to creAte A buzz in winnipeg, since its experts are itching to control mosquitoes in your yard. Starting from scratch, company president Kevin Meilleur is launching Mosquito Tech for its first official summer after flirting with the opportunity for about five years. Mosquito Tech sprays outdoor areas — yards, patios and even wedding venues — to keep the biting bugs at bay. "There's a good chance that 50% of the mosquitoes that bother you are already on your property. They have probably been on your property for generations because they lay their eggs and then they breed. One mosquito can be responsible for 21 million eggs in one season," Meilleur says. "So by coming in and controlling that, it drastically reduces the mosquitoes in your yard for the future as well. If you've killed them or chased them off your property, they won't be there to lay eggs." Although it's still early in the season, Meilleur and his team are already booking appointments. "We have people now signing up for two or three applications to make sure that their whole summer is mosquito-free," he says. "Some years are worse than others for mosquitoes. It all depends on moisture. When you think about it, we've had a lot of snow this year. Our ground is pretty saturated, so if we get any little amount of rainfall and warm weather, that's the ideal combination for breeding." One option the company offers is a spray application with a chemical called permethrin, which is supposed to keep mosquitoes away for about three weeks. It also works on most ants, spiders, silverfish, ticks and other irritating insects. "For the most part, it's the same thing that you might find in pet shampoo for ticks and for fleas, and also for lice in humans. It's a very common chemical that's already in our households," Meilleur says. "We try to use something that's always going to be pet friendly and child friendly. When we come to spray your property, we ask that you leave the pets and children inside for one hour to let the product dry. Once it's dry, it's totally safe." This product kills mosquitoes and creates a buffer zone at the same time, he adds. "If a mosquito should fly on your property, it kills them on contact. If a mosquito should fly close to where we sprayed, it acts as a barrier," he says. "Their nervous systems can't stand the scent that the product is releasing, and the mosquito just turns away." For those who prefer a chemical-free alternative, Mosquito Tech offers an all-natural option. "It doesn't have the chemical that does the killing, but it does act as a repellent. However, it is vulnerable to the weather," Meilleur says. "It can last up to 21 days under normal weather circumstances, but if you get excessive rain, it does limit it. If that's the case, we'll come back and spray again, if a customer wants that." With either option, customers can expect to spend less time swatting and scratching and more time enjoying their outdoor haven. They may also reduce their risk of catching bug- borne diseases. "There have already been some documented cases of West Nile virus right here in Winnipeg. For some, it's a concern," Meilleur says. "Even for your pets, it also acts as a prevention for ticks and for Lyme disease." The company consulted former City of Winnipeg entomologist Taz Stuart, drawing on his expertise to develop its services, Meilleur says. Mosquito Tech offers free estimates as well as a guarantee for customers. "If we spray your yard and you don't notice a drastic reduction in mosquitoes, we can spray it again at no charge," he says. "In the United States, this type of service is very huge. But it's not common in Winnipeg at all, and yet that's one of our biggest issues. Mosquito Tech can make your backyard or special event mosquito free." For information, see www.mosquitotech.ca. ❙ swAt teAm "there's A good chAnce thAt 50% of the mosquitoes thAt bother you Are AlreAdy on your property. they hAve probAbly been on your property for generAtions becAuse they lAy their eggs And then they breed. one mosquito cAn be responsible for 21 million eggs in one seAson." private company offers mosquito control service BY JENNIFER McFEE for the free presss - 05 garden Home 2014 & ������ ���� �������� �� ������� ����� �������� ����� ���� ���� ����������� ������ ������������ ���������������