By Peggy Jo Goodfellow, Arizona Farm Bureau: Monsoon season means one thing: bugs! The seasonal monsoon moisture combined with the remnants of the recent Hurricane Nobert dumped torrential rain throughout the desert Southwest leaving behind an increase in bugs -- specifically mosquitoes, which tend to hatch in bunches.

The rain, isn't solely to blame. Mosquitoes breed in areas where water is present and humidity will also bring the insects out. Mosquitoes prefer stagnant water, like a pond or fountain, flowerbeds, or a messy gutter.

But we’ll see more than mosquitoes. Scorpions, termites, and Palo Verde beetles are all wanting to come in out of the rain. Homeowners will see increased activity as these insects look for a dry place. While nature will take its course, you can prevent bugs from taking over your home.

  1. First, start in your yard. Check your drip system, make sure it's running early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Make sure that it doesn’t hold a lot of water at night because that's where the pests are going to come and feed.
  2. Second, maintain a clean yard. Repair irrigation leaks and clean roof gutters.

In addition to their annoyance, mosquitoes carry many diseases such as Dengue Fever, Encephalitis, Malaria and dog-heartworm. According to Truly Nolen Pest Control, Arizona Farm Bureau’s newest member benefit provider, the best protection from mosquito-transmitted diseases is to prevent exposure to mosquitoes.

  • Drain standing rainwater. Drain water from garbage cans, pool covers, coolers, toys, or other containers where water has collected.
  • Inspect your yards and drains. Dispose of bottles, cans, old tires, buckets, plastic swimming pools, birdbaths, or other debris that can hold standing water.
  • Stay indoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
  • If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear light-colored clothing, shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves.

No matter what the season or disaster, pest control and treatment inside and outside of your home will reduce the risk of future infestations.

Editor’s note: For more information on our member benefits including our regional benefits go to Arizona Farm Bureau’s member benefits page online. Or, download the Member Benefits app to your smart phone for easy, everyday access to your benefits

Source: Truly Nolen Pest Control

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