True story, I have Skeeter Syndrome. As in “Mosquito Syndrome”. I know what you are thinking, it sounds TOTALLY made up. But, it is actually a legit medical condition. My entire life, I’ve been highly reactive to mosquitoes. Of course most everyone has itching, some inflammation and redness after those pesky little blood suckers land on your body. BUT… not everyone has full blown Skeeter Syndrome.
Crazy Reactions
When I get bit by a mosquito, the redness spreads far beyond the bite location, the inflammation is HUGE, the area is super hot to the touch, and the reaction lasts for days. In fact, I spent the entire first week of my kindergarten schooling with my eye closed shut and half of my face swollen. Fast forward a couple decades later, the reactions have yet to improve. Just two summers ago, while out photographing a family (part-time photographer here), I received three mosquito bites on the same leg. Big deal, right? WRONG! My entire leg was SO swollen! I developed a low grade fever, my leg was steaming hot to the touch, and I couldn’t fit my leg in a pair of pants for a week! (And no, it wasn’t cellulitis, it was just good old Skeeter Syndrome).
Fast forward to motherhood. While every parent longs for their children to carry some of their genetic characteristics and traits, my Skeeter Syndrome was not one of them. While it appears my youngest daughter may have lucked out (sure she gets mosquito bites, but they don’t take over her body), my oldest daughter is not as lucky. She too has Skeeter Syndrome and reacts STRONGLY to the smallest bite. And just like her mama, many important moments will forever have a reminder of those pesky mosquitoes. Both her 3rd birthday party and 4K school photos alike, will forever show her sporting (though adorably) one open and one VERY swollen and closed eye.
My poor baby. 5 years old and on her 5th time with her swollen shut.
This is day 5 post bite with swelling improving.Â
It is safe to say, our family HATES mosquitoes! Make that LOATHES mosquitoes.
Now THIS Is The Year
Year after year, we’ve dealt with it. We smothered ourselves in bug spray, researched mosquito bite remedies, and limited our time outdoors. However, this year was different, this year we said ENOUGH! Unless you happen to be from one of the VERY few countries not reporting a pandemic (anyone from Samoa happen to be reading this 😉), chances are you are finding yourself in a bit of a quarantine this summer.
In our book at least, a quarantine summer equates to even more time at home. And even more time enjoying our own backyard as an oasis and a safe escape from our current reality. As a result, we decided if there ever was a year to attack the mosquito dilemma head on, THIS would be the summer. Not only do they result in extreme discomfort and ruined outdoor plans, but let’s not forget the fact that they expose us to insect-borne illnesses- YUCK!
So, we contacted Mosquito Joe.
Mosquito Joe
Upon landing on their website, I read the slogan “because your backyard is a terrible thing to waste” and I felt like they were talking directly to me. Sure, that may sound a bit dramatic… but if you find yourself with uncontrollable itching, chances are you’d agree. From there, falling in love with Mosquito Joe was easy. They were incredibly responsive and prompt with their replies. They were very thorough with price quoting, answering all my questions, and booking an appointment quickly (what good is finding a mosquito service if they aren’t available again until mosquito season ended?)
I get such joy seeing this yellow truck pull up!
After a little more digging, I learned that Mosquito Joe offers barrier sprays and natural treatments so they can fit most effectively with your beliefs and needs. With my largest concerns stemming from safety for my children and dog, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that their barrier sprays were very safe once allowing approximately 30 minutes from the time of spray to settle prior to allowing children and pets to roam in the yard. Each spray session is good for up to 21 days of protecting against mosquitoes and booking follow-up spray sessions are beyond easy.
Super friendly, I mean SUPER (these guys couldn’t have been kinder as I followed behind them with my camera to get photo proof shown here 😉) technicians arrive promptly, inform you that they will be starting, and spray the yard in approximately 10 minutes time. With our yard being just under 1 acre, they covered the perimeters of the yard and areas most focused on in 10 minutes flat. Working as a pair, they first scope your yard for any standing water areas and go from there.
Special attention to areas where mosquitoes live most.Â
Dividing and conquering. Complete in 1o minutes!
Spraying the perimeter of the area we spend most time.Â
The Results
Now, what you’ve all been waiting for- THE RESULTS.
I feel a bit like a infomercial sales person when I say this, but you guys, IT WORKS! Like REALLY works!!
Full disclosure, I was a bit skeptical at first. For 33 years I’ve dealt with mosquitoes and their blood-sucking bites to the extreme. Quite honestly, I forgot what it would be like to enjoy a summer mosquito-free. However, we are doing just that and it couldn’t have come at a better time for a better summer. Unlike previous years, we can enjoy our backyard at all hours of the day and night. No more do we need to retire to the inside at dusk because the mosquitoes simply don’t show up.
Spread the Word
And no, mosquitoes don’t happen to just be MIA this year. In the past week alone I have heard from 3 different individuals noting that they can barely stand to be outside anymore because they are getting SO bit up. While I could sympathize with them, I could no longer empathize because we have NONE!
In fact, one of the above individuals noted, “This is terrible, if there was ever a summer to not have mosquitoes… it would be this one! We are home with the kiddos and they are getting bitten alive.” That was when I quickly told them about Mosquito Joe and within two hours they had booked their first appointment to occur in two days.
Moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, if you are reading this… TRUST me on this one. You will NOT regret calling Mosquito Joe this summer! As Mosquito Joe says, “It’s time to make outside fun again!“. You can find full information about Mosquito Joe here. From there, pass it on to your neighbors, friends, and family members. This summer may be one we never forget, but it doesn’t have to be because of the mosquitoes!
Now that you can finally enjoy the outdoors again, check out these fun and creative ways to make summer fun with your kiddos at home!
