Posts By: The Mosquito Company

West Nile Virus

Posted on July 14, 2016 by - Uncategorized

The Mosquito Company is proud to serve the communities of Houston, Austin, and College Station with mosquito control and mosquito systems. We have over 12 years of experience in the mosquito control industry, giving us the expertise needed to guarantee that our mosquito misting systems are efficient at eliminating the potential threats of mosquitoes. While mosquitoes are usually only considered a nuisance, there’s a growing concern of their dangers as they now have the possibility of carrying the West Nile Virus.

What Is the West Nile Virus?

The West Nile Virus is a virus that’s generally spread by mosquitoes. The infection varies in severity, with some people who are afflicted by the West Nile Virus not even knowing that they have it. In severe cases though, the virus can affect the spinal cord and the brain. Most people will fully recover from the virus, though in some cases, the person may end up with permanent problems like memory loss, seizures, or brain damage. In rare occasions, a person may even die from it.

What You Can Do to Prevent This

The West Nile Virus is a disease that has been spreading rapidly and increasing in reported cases year after year. While it isn’t a very common disease in Texas, it’s still something that you should be aware of. Even though mosquitoes usually pick up this disease by biting infected birds (and the mosquitoes can infect other animals as well), you’re really only at risk of the virus through mosquitoes.

This is why it’s critical to take care of any mosquito problem you may have to ensure that you won’t be infected by the West Nile Virus. Our mosquito misting systems are guaranteed to eliminate any pesky mosquitoes, whether they’re carrying the virus or not. By having our mosquito systems installed and taking the proper precautions, you can protect yourself from the dangers of the West Nile Virus.

Contact Your Houston Mosquito Control Company Today!

If you’re interested in our mosquito misting systems, feel free to give us a call at (713) 468-1980 for our Houston office, (512) 506-9411 for our Austin office, or (979) 272-6360 for our College Station office. If you have any further questions about our mosquito systems, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or by phone. We look forward to hearing from you!

Summer Activities In Houston

Posted on June 6, 2016 by - Uncategorized

The Mosquito Company is committed to providing mosquito control in and around the Houston, Austin, and College Station, TX areas. We offer a number of mosquito misting systems and mosquito control products that are guaranteed to eliminate your mosquito problem. As we’ve been serving Houston since 2000, we’ve developed quite a bond with the beautiful city and we’d like to share with you a few things that make this city special. If you’re around the area of Houston, we hope you’ll consider taking part in a few of our favorite activities during the summer.

Watch a Houston Astros Game at Minute Maid Park

There’s no better way to relax and appreciate the summer than by sitting outside and watching a baseball game! Coming off of an appearance in the American League Divisional Series, the resurgent Houston Astros are looking to repeat on the success of the past year. Featuring such young stars as Dallas Keuchel and Carlos Correa, the Astros are sure to keep the upcoming season interesting. Whether you’re an avid baseball fan or just looking for something fun to do out in the sun, you should come to Minute Maid Park, have a bite to eat, and enjoy the American pastime.

Go To Carnival Houston

The Carnival Houston Street Parade and Festival is an exciting explosion of cuisine, music, parades, and performances that celebrates carnival from the Caribbean, Brazil, and New Orleans Mardi Gras. It features many events besides the parade and festival, such as a fantasy costume ball and a paint party. Carnival Houston runs from June 9 to June 11. Whether you’re interested in the parade, the music, the food, or the nightlife, we think you should check out this celebration of life and diversity!

Visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a science museum that was established in 1909 by the Houston Museum and Scientific Society. This is one of the most popular museums in the United States and it attributes its popularity to the number of special and guest exhibits. A small sample of the fascinating exhibits includes the Morian Hall of Paleontology, the Cullen Hall of Gems & Minerals, and the Hall of Ancient Egypt. No person with the slightest interest in science should miss all that this museum has to offer!

Contact Your Houston Mosquito Control Company Today!

If you’re looking for a mosquito system or you’re in need of mosquito control in the Houston, Austin, or College Station areas, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our Houston phone number is (713) 468-1980, our Austin phone number is (512) 506-9411, and our College Station phone number is (979) 272-6360. If you have any questions about our repair and installation services, you can contact us online or by phone. We hope to hear from you!

Factors That Make Some More Attractive To Mosquitoes

Posted on May 2, 2016 by - Uncategorized

Are You A Houston Mosquito Magnet?

Two people step outside to enjoy a warm, spring Houston evening. One relaxes in a deck chair enjoying the smells of the season. The other immediately starts swatting away those pesky, and sometimes dangerous, mosquitoes. Lab studies show that as many as 30-50% of people are attractors of mosquitoes. Why do these people seem to be magnets for mosquitoes? Researchers have been working on that question for decades, but recent studies indicate there are five good reasons:

  1. Darker Colors – Mosquitoes won’t bite you if they don’t see you, and vision is the first way that they hone in on you. Darker colors like navy blue, denim, black, and red stand out, especially later in the afternoon when their sense of sight is at its highest. Mosquitoes can also detect your movement better when you are wearing these darker colors.
  2. Higher CO2 output – Surprisingly enough, the carbon dioxide that you exhale is enough to attract mosquitoes. Once they see you, mosquitoes follow the trail of increased carbon dioxide output. Your CO2 output increases if you have a high metabolism, weigh more, are pregnant, or are at an increased activity level.
  3. Higher heat – Once a mosquito has found you, she (yes, only female mosquitoes bite) decides where to bite you based on how quickly she can get to the blood at the surface of your skin. Mosquitoes use heat to make this determination, which is why people are often bitten in the neck, forehead, elbows and wrists. If you just finished a long run or workout, your entire body may be susceptible. Exercising also gives off lactic acid, which seems to be an attractor.
  4. Cold beer – A small study showed that volunteers who drank a 12-ounce can of cold beer were more susceptible to mosquito bites. This could be because the beer-drinker’s body temperature was warmer, or they breathed a little harder after a beer, exhaling more carbon dioxide.
  5. Your individual smell – A recent study using twins showed the smell produced by your glands or released from tiny microbes, such as bacteria, in your skin could be a significant factor in mosquito attraction. Using identical and fraternal sets of twins, researchers concluded that different people produce different smells based on their genes, which really is uncontrollable. It could also be that your smell serves as a repellent, rather than an attractor of mosquitoes. Some believe that people who get fewer bites produce a smell that covers up or repels the smells that attract mosquitoes.

Researchers are now working to determine which genes attract mosquitoes so that they can develop an effective repellant, but with 350 compounds isolated from odors produced by human skin, that task is daunting and near impossible.

The mosquito misting systems provided by your Houston mosquito experts at The Mosquito Company will repel mosquitoes effectively and consistently. Contact us for more information about how our Houston mosquito misting systems can make your outdoor time more enjoyable for everyone, regardless of which of the above factors apply to you.

Safeguarding Against Mosquito Season

Posted on April 4, 2016 by - Uncategorized

As you may know, March and April mark the beginning of mosquito season. While Spring is generally a nice season, it also marks the start of a month-long nuisance – mosquitos. Being in Houston and Dallas, we know that these insects cause irritation.

Why Now?

Mosquitos thrive on warm weather, so mosquito season begins when temperatures reach a consistent 50 degrees. This is when mosquito eggs begin to hatch and hence, many more mosquitos are flying around and becoming a nuisance.

In Texas, we begin to see the average low reach over 50 degrees in the months of March and April, lasting until around October. This is when mosquitos thrive, and therefore, you will see an increased mosquito presence.

Safeguarding Against Mosquitos

Mosquitos do not only cause annoyance, but they can also pose health risks, given the potentially serious mosquito-borne illnesses that exist. There are a number of ways that can help safeguard against mosquitos, including:

  • Wearing long sleeves and long pants
  • Applying mosquito repellent to any exposed skin
  • Using screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering certain parts of the house
  • Reducing standing water in baths, ponds, or fountains outside

While all of these may be effective ways of safeguarding against mosquitoes, they can be somewhat of a hassle. Therefore, we recommend using professionally installed Houston mosquito control systems.

Protect Yourself With Mosquito Systems In Houston

Our professionally installed Austin and Houston mosquito control systems are incredibly effective at getting mosquitos to go away, and better yet, keeping them away. Mosquito season is here, and The Mosquito Company would like to help you keep those mosquitos away. Contact us to turn your yard and outdoor living space into a mosquito-free zone!

Zika Virus & Mosquitoes

Posted on March 7, 2016 by - Uncategorized

While it’s no surprise that mosquitoes are disease-bearing, the CDC declaring the Zika virus a global health emergency is a bit disconcerting to some. This disease, as you may or may not know, can cause fevers, joint pain, conjunctivitis, and more. There are steps that you can take to avoid being one of the projected 4 million people that this virus will affect, and as makers of Houston mosquito control systems, we’d like to help.

The Cause

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness that spreads a number of ways, but is most commonly spread by mosquitoes. The Zika virus outbreak in the United States had started with mosquito transmission outside of the United States.

While mosquito transmission of Zika virus is not yet a concern in the United States, it is entirely possible that the virus could eventually affect mosquitoes in the US. If you are suspected of having Zika virus, it is important to keep mosquitoes away.

Austin & Houston Mosquito Control Systems

There are multiple reasons as to why you’d want to keep mosquitoes away, and Zika virus is among those reasons. While there are a number of ways to keep mosquitoes away, The Mosquito Center offers the premier method for mosquito control. Please browse our website to learn more about our Austin & Houston mosquito control systems, or feel free to contact us to speak to one of our team members.

To learn more about the specifics of Zika virus, please visit CDC.gov.

Get Ready For The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo!

Posted on January 20, 2016 by - Uncategorized

Rodeos are a Texas tradition, and few rodeos are as anticipated as the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Since 1932, this has been one of the oldest festivals in the state and continues to draw large crowds. The original purpose of the festival was to promote research and education in the livestock industry, while simultaneously raise money for scholarships and other educational youth programs.

But the rodeo is not just a livestock show. Every year, the show hosts the World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, which draws over 200,000 people annually. Competitors flock from around the world to see what makes the four different kinds of Texas-style barbeque so unique. There are also musical performances by a variety of respected country artists.

Of course, the main event is the rodeo itself. Featuring a variety of events, such as tie-down roping, bareback riding, and the calf scramble, rodeo enthusiasts will recognize the main events and will be delighted by the various competitions. Of course, for those who are visiting the rodeo for the first time, the must see event is the steer wrestling.

If you’re new to Houston, be sure to check out this rodeo, running from March 1st through the 20th. It’ll be an event you won’t forget!

The Best Cowboy Boot Stores In Houston

Posted on January 20, 2016 by - Uncategorized

Houston and the rest of Texas is known for a lot of things throughout the country. BBQ, rodeos, and of course, cowboy boots! The Mosquito Company often meets home owners that are new to the area that are looking to rid their backyards of mosquitoes and other pests. Eventually, we start talking about the local flavor and for some Houstonians, they are eager to purchase their first pair of cowboy boots. Hence, we have compiled a list of our favorite cowboy boot stores throughout the city!

Cavender’s Boot City: With dozens of locations throughout the state of Texas, it’s no surprise that many people flock to Cavender’s to browse a large selection of boots at fair prices. There is really something for everyone here, regardless of your style preference or price range.

Pinto Ranch: For those looking to go a little upscale, Pinto Boots provides handmade cowboy boots and other Western wear to its patrons. With both men’s and women’s styles to choose from, boots can climb up in price to almost $1,000 for some of these sought-after footwear. They even have boots for kids!

Tejas Custom Boots: For those looking for some really unique and special boots, few shops can compare to Tejas Custom Boots. Having outfitted both cowboys and US Presidents, this boot store makes custom boots from a variety of materials, including crocodile, ostrich and more. Check them out!

Looking to enjoy your backyard more often? Give us a call at (713) 468-1980 and become free of mosquitoes today!

Three Educational Things To Do In Houston

Posted on November 30, 2015 by - Uncategorized

We at The Mosquito Company are proud to serve the cities that we operate in and call home. As your premier Houston mosquito control experts, we strive to provide our patrons with the best service possible. Next time you are in the area, we encourage you to check out these educational attractions – you will not be disappointed!

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, or MFAH, features ever-changing exhibitions that allow you to constantly see something new. Some examples of prior exhibitions are 19th-century pottery collections, steel sculptures of automobiles and motorcycles, and contemporary art from Latin America – there truly is something for everyone at this museum.

Space Center Houston

The Space Center of Houston collaborates with NASA to provide you with one of the best educational experiences in the country. This museum features a variety of exhibits, all of which combine science, technology, engineering and math to provide you with an inspiring experience. Here, they feature a variety of space-related attractions, including real spacesuits, rockets, ejection seats and more. If you are fascinated by space, you should definitely check this attraction out.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science

This museum’s main goal is to “enhance in individuals the knowledge and delight in natural science and related subjects.” The Houston Museum of Natural Science features a large amount of fascinating exhibits, including special and permanent exhibitions. Some of the permanent exhibitions include the Hall of Ancient Egypt, the Wiess Energy Hall, and the Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore this museum, as there is a lot of ground to cover!

Your Austin and Houston Mosquito Control Experts

Next time you are in Texas, be sure to check out one (or all) of these great educational attractions. Likewise, next time you’re having problems enjoying your property because of unwanted pests, give us a call! We are always eager to educate customers on the benefits of our mosquito spray systems. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding our services!

Top 3 Memorable Moments In Houston’s Sport History

Posted on October 27, 2015 by - Uncategorized

The city of Houston has long been known for its rich sporting culture. Not only have we been lucky to have some of the greatest professional athlete’s play here, but we also have some of the most dedicated fans that stand by their teams through the good and bad.

Yes, it’s true that Houston’s fans are used to going through a good amount of pain. We’ve often been let down, where in many situations our teams almost won a championship, but didn’t close the deal. Instead of focusing on those moments, we decided to take a look at some of the most memorable moments in our sports history. Here’s our list:

3. Opening of the Astrodome

The opening of the Astrodome in 1965 was a game-changer for the Space City. There was more to it than just a new building, the Astrodome also brought the first major-league team to Houston. Back in the 60’s this really meant something, it gave you certain bragging rights that other cities didn’t have. We finally had something that was our own, something to claim, and a team we could root for.

2. The Famous “No Hitter”

1986 was a great year for the Mike Scott and the Astros. Mike Scott lead the league in strikeouts in ’86, having the best season of his career and making the Astro’s a competitor nobody wanted to face.

September 25th was the day that made Mike Scott a name to never forget in our sports history. On this day, he pitched a no-hitter against the San Francisco Giants and clinched a playoff spot for his team. Never had this happened in history of Major League Baseball, and who knows if it will ever happen again.

1. Clutch City

There is no doubt that the #1 slot goes to the Houston Rockets for winning back-to-back NBA Championships in 1994 & 1995. Before we dive into that, let’s take a look at the ‘94-year leading up to the championship game.

The Houston Rockets were dubbed “Choke City”, after blowing the first 2 games of the playoff series against the Phoenix Suns. At the moment, this wasn’t unusual for a Houston team, as the Oilers blew a 32-point lead against the Bills in a NFL playoff game in ’93. The Rocket’s were expected to fall in the same trap as the Oilers and get Houston fans hopes up, all for nothing.

The Austin & Houston Mosquito Control Experts

As you can see, we are very proud of our hometown. That’s because we’ve been proudly serving the Austin & Houston area for over 12 years, helping prevent and control mosquitos from residents’ backyards and properties with custom made mosquito misters. Don’t let them ruin your day, contact us now!

Some of Our Favorite Restaurants in Houston

Posted on September 4, 2015 by - Uncategorized

The Lone Star State is well known for it’s vast amount of land but is most popular for its delicious barbecue and authentic Mexican cuisine. Houston stands as the most populated city within the state of Texas and offers residents and tourists an eclectic array of activities from Astros and Rockets games to their annual Live Stock Show and Rodeo. Along with the many activities available comes food and there’s plenty to go around. Below are some of the most popular spots to eat within the city of Houston.

Barbecue Inn

Since 1946, the Barbecue Inn has delivered some of the most delicious fried chicken that you will ever sink your teeth in to. This traditional southern hotspot is a favorite amongst thousands of Houstonians and the many tourists who visit the big city annually. The Barbecue Inn has received numerous awards including Southern Living’s list of The South’s Best Fried Chicken (2013) and Travel + Leisure’s list of America’s Best Fried Chicken (2010). If you’re planning on visiting the Houston area and are craving some southern comfort, head to the Barbecue Inn!

Dolce Vita

If you love pizza and are in the Houston area, Dolce Vita is a must. This small pizzeria offers a true taste of Italy by offering authentic thin-crust Neapolitan pizzas. Each pie is crafted by artisans and created with only the freshest ingredients around. With over 20 types of pizza and unique toppings like prosciutto, arugula, artichokes and fresh herbs, this is sure to be one of the most authentic and delicious pies you’ll have. In fact, their pizza is so good that Rachael Ray voted Dolce Vita as one of the top pizzerias in the entire country. If you have some room left over, explore further with their authentic Italian gelato.

Niko Niko’s

For some of the best gyros and Greek grub in the state of Texas, Niko Niko’s should be at the top of your list. This hole in the wall spot offers foodies a quick, authentic and delightful experience of what true Greek food is all about. Niko Niko’s was popular to local Houstonians prior to being featured on Food Network’s hit show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives but after their television debut in 2010, Niko Niko’s has become a true staple of Houston. Known for it’s incredible gyros that boast moist lamb slices, fresh pita, sweet onions and cucumber-garlic tzatziki sauce, this dish has thousands raving about this authentic go-to Greek spot. So next time you are in and around the Houston, TX area, stop by and have a gyro or two at Niko Niko’s!

The Breakfast Klub

If you’re someone who thinks that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, the Breakfast Klub is the place to be. With traditional dishes like biscuits and gravy to massive omelets, this is a true breakfast lovers dream. However, one dish that separates itself from the rest and creates lines out the door is their chicken and waffles! The tender chicken and buttery, fluffy waffles make this dish a delightful start to any day. If you’re still not a believer, just check out their Yelp page to read up on the over 1700 reviews that absolutely rave about just how good this place is.

Torchy’s Tacos

Aside from its rich barbecue and southern comfort cuisines, Texas is also known for its authentic Mexican food. Torchy’s Tacos has locations all over Texas including Austin and Houston. This small taco shop offers us some of the most delicious Mexican food around. With unique taco dishes like The Democrat to their fresh Baja shrimp tacos, this is the go-to spot for all of your taco cravings. Torchy’s Tacos also offers their queso cheese dip and diablo hot sauce that pack a small punch and accent each dish to perfection. This delightful shop is extremely affordable, authentic and they serve breakfast all day!

The Austin & Houston Mosquito Control Experts

For over 12 years, The Mosquito Company has prevented and controlled mosquitoes with our mosquito misters, letting residents enjoy their backyards and properties. We love helping people get out of the house and explore their surroundings. If you have a mosquito issue, contact us today!