Nocatee Moms

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MEMPHIS, Tenn., Mar. 21, 2013 – As the old saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.”  But this year, Florida residents may be getting more than they bargained for with those springtime raindrops.  A particularly wet 2012 summer resulted in flooding throughout the state and unleashed higher-than-normal numbers of pestiferous mosquitoes, including the recently-publicized “Gallinipper” – a half inch-long, particularly aggressive variety.

While most mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, floodwater mosquitoes lay eggs on moist ground, near ponds, streams and other areas that flood when heavy rains come.  The eggs can remain dormant for years but will hatch when flooded.  So, as springtime rains soak Florida, the eggs laid in 2012 will soon begin to hatch.

Florida is no stranger to mosquitoes; of the approximately 176 species found in the United States, 80 call the state home.  Scientists increasingly warn of the potential danger of these warm weather pests.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2012 Florida reported 65 cases of West Nile disease and four cases of dengue fever, both of which may be carried by mosquitoes.

Terminix, the nation’s largest pest control provider, offers a line of all-natural mosquito misting solutions designed to keep families bite-free outdoors.  The portable misters are easy-to-use and proven to repel up to 95% of mosquitoes from areas 300 to 2,000 square feet.  Terminix ALLCLEAR ingredients are all-natural, safe for children and pets, and provide an alternative to unpleasant chemical sprays.  The product line is available at www.terminix.com.

Terminix also recommends homeowners heed the following advice to keep their families and pets better protected from mosquitoes this season:

• Examine gutters for clogs and damage that would cause water to collect.
• Use soil to fill in low areas in lawns  and landscaped areas where rainwater may collect and stand for more than seven days.
• Barrels or containers that capture  rainwater should be emptied regularly.
• Empty “kiddie pools” regularly.
• Install an agitator in garden ponds or buy fish that eat mosquito larvae. The wave actions created by an agitator can prevent mosquito adults from successfully emerging from pupae.
• Empty and refill birdbaths at least once a week.
• Avoid going outdoors during times of  peak mosquito activity, primarily dusk and dawn, but remember that some mosquitoes, such as the Asian tiger mosquito, bite during the daytime.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when feasible.

About Terminix

Terminix, a subsidiary of The ServiceMaster Company, is the world’s largest pest control provider. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., Terminix services more than 3 million customers in 47 states and 14 countries. Terminix provides pest control services and protection against termites, rodents and other pests threatening human health and/or safety. To learn more about Terminix, visit  www.Terminix.com.

About ServiceMaster

With a global network of more than 7,300 company-owned, franchise and licensed locations, Memphis-based ServiceMaster is one of the world’s largest residential and commercial service networks. The company’s high-profile brands are Terminix, TruGreen, American Home Shield, ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, Furniture Medic and AmeriSpec. Through approximately 20,000 corporate associates and a franchise network that independently employs an estimated 31,000 additional people, the ServiceMaster family of brands provided services and products to approximately 8 million customers during the last 12 months. The company’s market-leading brands provide a range of residential and commercial services including termite and pest control; lawn, tree and shrub care; home warranties and preventative maintenance contracts; furniture repair; home inspections; home cleaning; janitorial services; and disaster restoration. Go to www.servicemaster.com for more information about ServiceMaster or follow the company at twitter.com/ServiceMaster or facebook.com/TheServiceMasterCo.

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