Controlling Mosquitoes and Ticks in Southern Maryland - Effective Prevention Tips

Controlling Mosquitoes and Ticks in Southern Maryland

Mosquitoes and ticks are common summertime pests in Southern Maryland that can quickly take over your backyard or outdoor space. While it's impossible to completely eliminate them, implementing a pest management plan can help reduce their numbers and minimize bites and disease transmission.

Understanding Mosquitoes in Southern Maryland

There are over 50 different species of mosquitoes in Maryland, several of which are problematic biters. Mosquitoes need standing water to breed, so any containers, gutters, birdbaths or other areas that collect water can become breeding grounds. Female mosquitoes require blood meals to develop eggs.

The main mosquito species in Southern Maryland include:

• Asian tiger mosquito - Aggressive daytime biters, can transmit diseases
• Northern house mosquito - Nighttime biters, stand water breeders
• Woodland malaria mosquito - Found in swampy areas, possible malaria carrier

Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk but Asian tiger mosquitoes will bite any time of day. Mosquito season peaks in midsummer but lasts from early spring through fall in Southern Maryland.

Understanding Ticks in Southern Maryland

Ticks are small arachnids that feed on blood. There are over 15 tick species in Maryland, with the blacklegged tick and Lone star tick most problematic for humans. Ticks wait on grass, brush or other vegetation and latch onto passing hosts.

Diseases spread by ticks in Southern Maryland include:

• Lyme disease - Caused by bacteria from blacklegged tick bites
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever - Caused by Rickettsia bacteria from tick bites
• Ehrlichiosis - Bacteria transmitted by Lone star and blacklegged ticks
• Anaplasmosis - Another bacterial tick disease in the region

Nymphal stage ticks, which are about the size of a poppy seed, are responsible for most human bites. Tick season lasts from early spring through late fall with highest populations in summer.

Reducing Mosquito Populations

Here are some tips for lowering mosquito numbers around your Southern Maryland property:

Eliminate Breeding Sites

Mosquitoes require standing water to breed. Eliminate any containers, tires, buckets or tarps that collect rain or irrigation water. Drain or refresh bird baths, fountains and pet dishes weekly. Keep gutters clear and fill any low areas that pond water.

Use Bacillus Thuringiensis

Applying Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) can effectively control mosquito larvae. Bti is a natural bacteria that kills larvae but is safe for people, pets and plants. Apply it to standing water sources like fountains, ponds or stagnant pools to break the mosquito life cycle.

Introduce Predators

Encourage natural mosquito predators like bats, birds, dragonflies and fish. Put up bat houses, maintain bird feeders and houses, add fish or frogs to ornamental ponds and grow plants that attract predator insects like dragonflies.

Use Fans

Mosquitoes struggle to fly against breezes, so position outdoor fans to keep patios, porches and decks less inviting. Fans near seating areas or doorways can reduce mosquito annoyance.

Reducing Tick Populations

You can also take steps to lower the number of ticks on your Southern Maryland property:

Keep Lawns Mowed

Ticks prefer overgrown brush and tall grass. Maintain your lawn at 3 inches or less to reduce tick habitat. Also trim any low-lying shrubs and branches that provide cover.

Clear Leaf Litter

Rake up fallen leaves, sticks and yard debris where ticks can hide. Brush piles, woodpiles and dense ground cover offer ideal tick habitat.

Apply Insecticides

Using EPA-registered insecticides containing bifenthrin, deltamethrin or permethrin around the perimeter of your yard can help control ticks. Diatomaceous earth and insect growth regulators are safer organic options.

Reduce Host Animals

Discourage deer, mice and other tick hosts from entering your yard. Installing fencing, trimming vegetation and eliminating food sources helps keep host numbers down.

Personal Protection from Mosquitoes and Ticks

In addition to controlling populations, you need to take steps to avoid mosquito and tick bites when outdoors in Southern Maryland:

Use Repellents

Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent like DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus before going outside. Reapply according to label directions. Vitamin B and ultrasonic repellents are less effective.

Wear Protective Clothing

Wearing long sleeves, long pants tucked into socks and closed toe shoes keeps ticks from accessing your skin. Light colors help spot ticks. Treating clothes with permethrin offers extra protection.

Avoid Peak Activity Times

Try to stay inside during prime mosquito hours at dawn and dusk. When tick exposure is likely, stick to cleared trails versus brushy areas.

Perform Tick Checks

Check yourself, children and pets thoroughly for ticks after being outdoors. Remove attached ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Install tight-fitting screens on windows and doors. Use air conditioning when possible. Keep mosquitoes outside by keeping doors and entryways closed.

Professional Mosquito and Tick Control

For severe mosquito and tick infestations, or for backyard parties and events, consider hiring a professional pest control company in Southern Maryland. Services may include:

• Mosquito misting systems - Provide ongoing control using special spray nozzles around your yard.
• Tick and mosquito yard treatments - Apply targeted insecticides to vegetation and perimeter areas.
• Larviciding - Professional products kill mosquito larvae before they become biting adults.
• Specialized outdoor pest control - For managing ticks and mosquitoes at weddings, parties and other outdoor events.

A certified arborist can also help remove trees, brush and vegetation to reduce tick and mosquito habitat. Professional pest control allows you to enjoy your Southern Maryland outdoor spaces more comfortably.

Protect Yourself from Mosquito and Tick-Borne Diseases

While reducing biting insect numbers helps, its also essential to safeguard yourself and your family from mosquito and tick-transmitted diseases in Southern Maryland:

• Recognize symptoms of illnesses like West Nile virus, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever and seek medical care promptly if they develop.
• Consider vaccinations. Vaccines are available for diseases like yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis spread by mosquitoes.
• Submit ticks for identification and disease testing. This allows for early treatment if a disease-causing bite occurred.
• Use repellents and perform full-body tick checks after potential exposure.

Staying vigilant and taking preventative measures allows you to relax and take advantage of the natural beauty Southern Maryland has to offer throughout mosquito and tick season.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.