With the warmth and humidity that is typical of our climate, many residents lived in fear this past summer of West Nile and especially Zika from mosquito bites. Although the Zika problem was not as vast as it is in other countries, there were still reports of it in the United States. Local residents are…
The Zika virus has been around since the late 1940s. Researchers first identified it in Uganda’s monkey population. In 1952, scientists discovered it in humans. Over time, the virus has made its way into other countries including the United States. The virus causes a range of symptoms as well as several ailments. People mainly contract…
During the warm months of the year, you may enjoy a variety of celebrations that involve outdoor recreational activities. This might include birthday festivities, barbeques or family reunions. If the preparations for these events do not include mosquito control, your party could be crashed by a swarm of unwanted guests. You can take the precaution…
Houston’s mosquito season starts in May and gets into full swing by July. When August rolls around, these bothersome pests have tripled in number and infested residential yards and recreational spots throughout the area. With Houston’s subtropical climate, mosquitoes can thrive into the fall months and continue to pose serious threats to people. Depending on…
Mosquitoes are much more than annoying and itch-inducing pests that make picnics, camp fires and other outdoor activities uncomfortable. They can carry diseases that are harmful to children, adults, pets and livestock. Just a few diseases that can be contracted through a mosquito bite include yellow fever, encephalitis, malaria and the Zika virus. There are…
Honeybees are incredibly important to our ecosystem, and in recent years it has been discovered just how devastating the impact of pesticides has been on the bee population. Without pollinators like bees, humans wouldn’t be able to produce the crops we need, so it’s important to find a way to both protect the food humans…
Approximately 75 percent of the crops that humans rely on for food require pollination by bees, other insects or birds, according to researchers at Penn State University, and up to 95 percent of the flowers and trees found in nature also rely on pollinators. In recent years, the declining population of bees in the United…
With the World Health Organization recently declaring a public health emergency because of the mosquito-borne Zika Virus, it’s important that people pay careful attention to their symptoms following a bite. This is especially true for residents in cities like Houston, Texas, where the summer’s severe heat and humidity are a breeding ground for mosquitoes. That…
Houston is at a much greater risk for mosquito-borne illnesses than most other cities in the United States. With over 50 species that call Houston home, it’s important for you to understand which mosquitoes to be on the lookout for. This list covers the most common species that pose the biggest threat to your home…
Each year, more than 80 percent of Americans will enjoy at least one outdoor barbecue. To avoid the intense summer heat, many people prefer to cook later in the day, but the moderate temperatures also provide the ideal conditions for mosquitoes. In addition to being a nuisance, mosquitoes can pose a serious health risk to…