Backyard Bug Patrol Prepares for Advent of Zika Virus in VA

(Newswire.net — February 25, 2016) Great Falls, VA — Backyard Bug Patrol, based in Northern Virginia with multiple locations, prides itself on keeping abreast of the latest dangers to families that are associated with unwanted pests. Now that Harrisonburg, Virginia resident, Heather Baker, has been confirmed to have contracted the Zika virus, Backyard Bug Patrol is making preparations for mosquito control measures close to home. The Zika virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and can cause violent illness and – in rare cases – fatalities. Its most common symptoms include fever, rash, conjunctivitis and pain in the joints.  (What about microcephaly and pregnant women?)

Although Heather Baker contracted the Zika virus in Guatemala while doing missionary work, many experts feel that the winged carriers will make their way into the United States. As Patrick Durkin, one of the partners in Backyard Bug Patrol notes, “Zika Virus is not endemic to Virginia and the Metro DC area but we should be vigilant in protecting ourselves. The recent heavy snows we’ve had will create a lot of standing water this spring and, in turn, a lot of mosquitoes as warmer weather breaks. While the Virginia case of Zika was not contracted locally I feel it’s just a matter of time before mosquitoes infected with the virus are present in our area.”

In anticipation of the arrival of infected mosquitoes in the United States, including Virginia, Backyard Bug Patrol fervently encourages property owners to be proactive. Area residents can enlist a Backyard Bug Patrol’s help to ward off disease-carrying pests like mosquitoes. The company’s licensed and experienced technicians come to interested parties’ homes and barrier spray their yard.  The spray will kill mosquitoes on contact and put up a preventive barrier that will last up to three weeks.  All Backyard Bug Partol’s sprays are safe for pets and children yet extremely effective in penetrating foliage and grass to form a powerful mosquito barrier. This greatly reduces the chance of families contracting the Zika virus or other vector borne diseases such as West Nile Virus. Backyard Bug Patrol offers a guarantee to customers on seasonal plans.

For more information on how to protect yourself from the Zika Virus or enlist Backyard Bug Patrol’s services to keep the mosquito population around your property at bay, visit http://backyardbugpatrol.com.