Prevent Pests from Spoiling Your Outdoor Fun

Warm weather means Americans should take precautions to protect against ticks and mosquitoes.

Ticks, most active from May through September, can cause discomfort and transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Mosquitoes can leave behind itchy welts and transmit serious viruses, including West Nile. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 28,000 cases of West Nile virus were reported in the U.S. since 1999.

“Warmer weather brings ticks and mosquitoes, so homeowners should partner with pest professionals to reduce health risks and conditions that allow pests to thrive,” said Ron Harrison, Ph.D., technical director for Orkin, Inc.

Orkin offers a unique mosquito control program that helps protect homeowners’ yards and raises money to help protect African families from malaria through its Fight the Bite campaign. In 2009, Orkin and its sister pest control companies will donate at least $150,000 for 15,000 insecticide-treated mosquito bed nets to the U.N. Foundations’ Nothing But Nets campaign. To get involved, visit Orkin: Fight the Bite.

For more information on mosquitoes, ticks and other pests, visit www.orkin.com/scienceeducation.