Two Pests, One Big Problem
When most people think of backyard pests in New England, mosquitoes come to mind first. But ticks are just as dangerous, if not more so, and they share the same season and habitat. In Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, both pests are present from late April through October, and both carry diseases that can have serious consequences for your family and pets.
Mosquitoes are vectors for West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and Zika Virus. EEE is particularly concerning in New England because it has a high fatality rate and no vaccine or specific treatment exists. Rhode Island has experienced EEE outbreaks in recent years, prompting public health advisories and aerial spraying in affected communities.
Ticks transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States, and Rhode Island consistently ranks among the top states for Lyme disease cases per capita. The black- legged tick (deer tick) responsible for Lyme is abundant in our region's wooded and grassy areas.
Why You Need to Treat for Both
Many homeowners focus on one pest and overlook the other. You might spray for mosquitoes but never think about ticks, or you might check for ticks after a hike but not worry about them in your own backyard. The reality is that both pests thrive in the same environments: shady areas, tall grass, shrubs, leaf litter, and the edges of wooded spaces.
At Mosquito Tech, every standard treatment targets both mosquitoes and ticks simultaneously. Our technicians apply EPA-registered treatments to trees, shrubs, and foliage across your entire property, not just the perimeter. This approach eliminates adult mosquitoes and ticks where they rest, breed, and wait for hosts.
Treating for both pests with a single service saves you time, money, and the hassle of coordinating multiple providers. Our treatments are 90-95% effective and provide protection for up to 21 days per application, covering the entire mosquito and tick season with regular visits.
Prevention Tips for Rhode Island Homeowners
In addition to professional treatments, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to both pests. Keep your lawn mowed short, especially near the edges of wooded areas. Remove leaf litter and brush piles where ticks thrive. Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed, including in gutters, birdbaths, and plant saucers.
When spending time outdoors, use EPA-approved insect repellent and wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot. After coming inside, do a full tick check on yourself, your children, and your pets. Early removal of ticks (within 24-36 hours) significantly reduces the risk of Lyme disease transmission.
Protect your family from both threats this season. Contact Mosquito Tech at (401) 739-0400 to set up a seasonal treatment plan that covers mosquitoes and ticks from day one.
