Mosquitos, Fleas & Ticks

Mosquitoes, Fleas & Ticks

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY

Summer is in full swing and most of us are hanging out in the backyard, grilling out, playing with our kids and pets, but are we prepared for what experts are predicting will be one of the most active tick seasons in years?

Did you know that illnesses from mosquito, flea and tick bites have tripled in the U.S.?

“Zika, West Nile, Lyme, and chikungunya—a growing list of diseases caused by the bite of an infected mosquito, tick, or flea—have confronted the U.S. in recent years, making a lot of people sick. And we don’t know what will threaten Americans next,” said CDC Director Robert R. Redfield, M.D. “Our Nation’s first lines of defense are state and local health departments and vector control organizations, and we must continue to enhance our investment in their ability to fight against these diseases.” Ticks and mosquitoes are spreading germs in increasing numbers, moving into new areas & putting more people at risk of infection.

SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Use insect repellent. • Wear appropriate clothing. • Use bed nets if sleeping outdoors. • To stop ticks, tuck long pants into your socks and avoid tall grass and underbrush. • Keep your screens in good repair. • Eliminate the standing water mosquitoes need to reproduce. • Plant mosquito-repelling plants.These include scented geraniums, lemon thyme,

marigold, tansy, citrosa plants, sweet basil and/or sassafras near your home. • Encourage natural predators.

There are plenty to choose from: ladybugs, bats, dragonflies, praying mantis, spiders, and birds. Stock ponds with fish — they’ll eat mosquito larvae. • Use yellow light bulbs in outdoor fixtures. • Have your yard treated for these insects.

If you are looking for a reputable company to protect your home and yard this summer, Moxie Magazine uses and highly recommends the professionals at Pest Pros of Michigan. Give them a call at 269-993-0051 to schedule service today.

JOIN US FOR A DAY OF FREE FAMILY FUN!

Kalamazoo County Expo Center 2900 Lake Street | Kalamazoo, MI • Bounce house & obstacle course • Heroes and characters who love to engage and pose for photos • Rocking musical performances

• Trick-or-Treating • Kid’s costume contest • Princess story time • Face painting GREAT ACTIVITIES & FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY