Mosquito Control for Pets and Families

Your yard is where kids play, dogs run and, for some South Florida families, where horses and other animals live. A mosquito plan should protect them from bites without making the yard off-limits. Here's how we approach treatments around the people and animals you care about.

How We Treat Around Your Family

• Label first. Every product we use is applied according to its label, which sets where it can go and when people and pets can return. We follow those instructions and explain them before we leave.
• Targeted, not blanket. Our backpack fogger treatment focuses on where mosquitoes rest, such as shady foliage, under decks and along fence lines, not on play surfaces, toys or pet bowls.
• Clear re-entry guidance. We'll tell you when it's okay for kids and pets to go back into treated areas. Keeping them inside during treatment and until treated surfaces dry is a good rule of thumb unless the label says otherwise.
• A conversation, not a surprise. Let us know about play areas, vegetable gardens, fish ponds, beehives or animals with health concerns. We'll plan the treatment around them.

Dogs and Cats

Mosquitoes carry heartworm, which can affect dogs and cats. Yard treatment helps reduce mosquitoes, but it isn't a substitute for the heartworm prevention your veterinarian recommends. Keep pets on their preventive year-round in South Florida unless your vet says otherwise. Refresh outdoor water bowls daily so they don't become breeding spots.

Keeping Kids Bite-Free

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent following label directions. Check the label for age guidance for young children.
• Dress kids in light, loose long sleeves and pants during peak biting times.
• Mosquito netting over strollers and playpens helps for infants.
• Day-biting mosquitoes like the Asian tiger mosquito and the yellow fever mosquito are active in shady areas during daylight, so plan play in sunny, breezy spots when you can.
• Fans on the lanai make it harder for mosquitoes to fly.