Mosquito and tick season is well on its way, as well as the wave of tick-borne and mosquito-borne illnesses. You don’t want these pesky critters at the family BBQ or any other gathering. These pests could infect your family, and stick around on your property through summer. Ticks hide on tree branches and in bushes. Mosquitoes wait in grass, under leaves, and other areas for the cooler temperatures. But why does it matter? Knowing where they hide helps you avoid their bite and stay protected. Another thing that can help is mosquito and tick prevention treatments for your property. Before we talk about prevention, let’s take a closer look at these pests and their behaviors.

Tick Behavior

Ticks carry a multitude of diseases, which can be spread to humans and animals. Ticks spread diseases through a process called feeding. Ticks latch onto a host, and feed on blood. Ticks can’t jump or fly, so they wait on leaves and branches for a host to pass by and hitch a ride. Once on a host, they bury their heads into skin, and feed. Depending on the tick species and its stage in life, feeding can take from 10 minutes to 2 hours. When the tick inserts its feeding tube, it secretes a sticky, cement-like substance that keeps them firmly attached during feeding. This is why when you remove a tick, it is important to grab the head and not the body. Even without the body attached, the head can still remain embedded and continue attempting to feed.

Tick transmitted diseases

LYME DISEASE

Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia Burgdorferi, a bacteria that aids Lyme disease in humans. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States. Lyme disease usually causes symptoms such as a bullseye rash, fever, headache, and fatigue. If it is not treated early, the infection can spread to your joints, heart, and nervous system, leading to more serious long-term complications.

ANAPLASMOSIS

Anaplasmosis is another bacteria that is injected into the bloodstream after a tick bite. Early signs of the illness happen within the first 1-5 days of being bitten. Fever, chills, severe headache, muscles aches, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and diarrhea, are theearly symptoms. If treatment is delayed, severe illness can follow. Symptoms can include respiratory issues, organ failure, bleeding problems, and in extreme cases, the disease can be fatal.

BABESIOSIS

Although a very rare disease, Babesoisis is an infection that occurs in the blood. Up to 20% of patients diagnosed with babesoisos also have lyme disease. Symptoms start at 1-8 weeks after you come in contact with the parasite that causes the disease. But, some people don’t experience symptoms. Symptoms include; body aches, chills, fatigue, fever, headache, loss of appetite, and sweating. Like most tick borne diseases, it is treated with antibiotics.

EHRLICHIOSIS

Ehrlichiosis is another tick-borne bacterial infection. Symptoms can start within the first 1-2 weeks of being bitten. The early signs are usually mild to moderate and can include fever, chills, severe headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, confusion, and rash. 1 in 3 people with ehrlichiosis develop a rash and while it is more common in children, adults may still experience it. If you wait to get treatment, the illness can cause damage to the brain, nervous system, respiratory failure, uncontrolled bleeding, organ failure, and death.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER

Early signs and symptoms are not specific to RMSF, but it is important to pay attention to your symptoms and contact your doctor immediately after a tick bite. RMSF is a rapidly progressing disease which can be life threatening. Symptoms include fever, headache, rash, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, muscle pain, and lack of  appetite. Rash is a common sign for RMSF. Rash unusually develops 2-4 days after the fever begins. While almost all patients with RMSF will develop a rash, in some cases, it doesn’t appear early in illness, which can make RMSF difficult to diagnose. Even after treatment, RMSF can still cause problems. Some patients have lost arms, legs, fingers, toes, or even hearing due to the damage caused by the disease.

Mosquito Behavior

Mosquitoes pass diseases through their bites. They first inject their anticoagulant saliva that stops your blood from clotting and causes the itching, inflammation and irritation people feel after a mosquito bite. They then swap another meal of blood for yours, and inject it into your bloodstream. Afrer feeding mosquitoes will fly off rest in a cool, dark, and shaded area to digest the blood and develop their eggs.

 

Mosquitoes carry

ZIKA VIRUS

Zika virus is a virus which is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause major birth defects and may lead to nervous system and brain complications. It can also cause joint issues, and eye damage. Symptoms are generally mild. Fever, rash, muscle and joint pain, and conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane in the eye. It turns red, and often is followed by crust on the eyelashes overnight . If it is not treated it can lead to cause major infection within the eye and even vision loss.

WEST NILE VIRUS

WNV is a somewhat unique virus. Most people experience no symptoms, in fact 8 out of 10 infected with West Nile Virus, didn’t develop or experience any symptoms. In severe cases, WNV infects both neurons and glial cells. This type of infection can lead a “neuronal death” where damaged cells release natural neurotoxins. About 1 in 5 people infected develop fever, with other symptoms. It is rarely just a fever; symptoms can include body aches, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. Most people recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last weeks or months.

CHIKUNGUNYA VIRUS

This infection focuses more on the joints within the body. Those who are infected major often develop severe joint pain, and many continue to experience it for months or even years after recovering. The joint pain can be debilitating. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain but other symptoms include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash. Death is very rare, and usually occurs when someone with a weakened immune system is infected. After someone has been infected with the virus, it is uncommon to be infected again.

MALARIA

Malaria is one of the more well known mosquito-borne diseases. The parasite is spread through mosquito bites, and enters the bloodstream. The parasite multiplies in the liver cells, and then releases back to the red blood cells. It destroys red blood cells by breaking down their structure and then prevents the body from creating new ones. Symptoms include fever, flu-like illness (such as shaking, chills, headaches, muscle aches, and tiredness), nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Malaria can also cause anemia and jaundice, both are due to the loss of red blood cells.

What attracts each pest?

Mosquitoes

What you wear

Mosquitoes are attracted to dark and bold colors such as red, black, navy, blue, and even floral patterns. They are also attracted to exposed skin, so be sure to wear loose long sleeves, pants, and hats. Be sure to dress in light neutral colors to avoid attracting them to your clothing.

How you smell

Mosquitoes are drawn to floral scented soaps, deodorants, perfumes, and lotions which can make you smell like the nectar they naturally seek out. They are also is made up of chemical contains lactic acid and other chemicals that signal a potential host, making mosquitoes more likely to bite. Repellents containing DEET will keep the blood suckers off of you.

Your genetics and blood type

Genetics and blood type may play a role in getting bitten. Studies have found if you have type O blood are more likely to attract mosquitoes, making them a preferred target compared to other blood types.

Ticks

Blood type

Ticks have preferred blood types and tend to favor certain types over others. blood type is Type A, followed by Type O, then Type AB. Type B is their least preferred, making those individuals slightly less attractive to ticks.

Sweat and Co2

Just like mosquitoes, ticks are able to track you via the Co2 you breathe out. They are also attracted to the chemical ccompounds found in sweat, which help them locate a potential host. Ticks are drawn to body heat as well. Unfortunately we can’t stop breathing and sweating, so when in the great outdoors, it is important to check for ticks regularly.

Clothing

Unlike mosquitoes, ticks are attracted to bright, light-colored clothing, which makes it easier for them to climb unnoticed. If you are trying to avoid ticks, wear darker clothing to make your self less appealing. Make sure your clothing is loose, rather than skin-tight, as ticks are able to bite though tight fabric and potentially transmit diseases.

Mosquito and Tick Prevention

Here at Green Pest Management, we want to keep you and your family enjoying outdoor activities all summer long, without worrying about mosquitoes and ticks invading your space. That’s why we offer a mosquito and tick prevention pest control treatment from April to September. We can provide you a free quote on our tick yard treatment, and answer any questions you may have. Give us a call at 302-777-2390. For information on our mosquito and tick prevention treatment process watch our You Tube channel video or the video below.

To make sure we service your location check out our service area, by clicking the state you reside in: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland.

Q&A

Why are mosquitoes and ticks more active in warm, humid weather?

Warm, humid conditions speed up mosquito breeding and increase tick movement. Both pests thrive in moisture, making them more aggressive in seeking hosts.

How do mosquitoes spread disease?

Mosquitoes transmit diseases like West Nile Virus by injecting saliva while feeding. Their saliva contains anticoagulants that help them feed and carry pathogens into the bloodstream.

How do ticks spread disease?

Ticks spread illnesses such as Lyme disease and anaplasmosis when they attach and feed for several hours. Bacteria in their saliva enter the bloodstream during feeding.

Can ticks or mosquitoes infest clean yards?

Yes. These pests are attracted to moisture, shade, and hosts not cleanliness. Even well-maintained yards can support mosquito breeding or tick activity.

Do bug sprays and repellents really work on mosquitos?

EPA-approved repellents help reduce bites, but they don’t eliminate pests. They work best when combined with yard treatments and habitat reduction.

Why do mosquitoes breed so quickly?

Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, and warm temperatures allow larvae to develop in just a few days. Even small water sources like gutters can support breeding.

How long do ticks stay attached?

Ticks can stay attached for several days if not removed. The longer they feed, the higher the risk of disease transmission.

Are DIY mosquito or tick treatments effective?

DIY methods can be effective and may reduce activity temporarily, but they rarely address breeding sites or hidden tick habitats. Professional treatments provide more effective longer lasting control.

When should I schedule mosquito and tick prevention treatments?

Treatments are most effective when started early in the season and maintained regularly. Consistent prevention helps reduce populations before they peak. Green Pest Management provides reliable mosquito and tick prevention, contact us at (302) 777-2390 to get started today!