Well, howdy folks. Fred Talley here from Faith Pest Control, and I want to talk to you about a problem we’re all too familiar with here in Jasper: mosquitoes. As we head into 2026, the buzzing, biting, and blood-sucking are going to be a bigger headache than ever. Our warm, humid climate is a perfect breeding ground for these pests, and the trends I’m seeing suggest we’ve got to be more vigilant than ever.

The Usual Suspects are Getting Bolder

You already know about the mosquito season that runs from spring until the first hard freeze, but with our mild winters, that season is getting longer. The main species we see are the Asian tiger mosquito and the southern house mosquito. The Asian tiger mosquito is particularly aggressive—it bites during the daytime and is a serious nuisance in our yards and on our porches.

It’s not just about the itchy bites. These little critters are a public health risk. They’re a primary vector for diseases like West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), and while severe cases are rare, the risk is always there.

The most frustrating part is that a lot of our mosquito problems are born right on our own properties. It only takes a bottle cap of standing water for them to lay their eggs. We’re talking about bird baths, clogged gutters, old tires, even a child’s toy left outside.

A Smarter Approach to Control

At Faith Pest Control, we’ve had to get smarter about how we fight back. The old days of just “spraying and praying” aren’t enough. As a local business, I believe in being on the forefront of effective, safe pest control.

Targeted Larvicide Treatments: We’re now focusing more on stopping the problem before it starts. We treat areas of standing water with larvicides that specifically target mosquito larvae. These treatments are safe for people and pets, but they stop the mosquitoes from ever reaching adulthood.

Barrier Treatments: We apply a professional-grade treatment to the foliage around your yard—the shrubs, bushes, and trees where adult mosquitoes rest during the day. This creates a protective barrier that significantly reduces the mosquito population, allowing you to enjoy your yard again.

Education: A big part of my job is educating our community. We need everyone to be a part of the solution. That means getting in the habit of doing a quick check of your yard after every rain to “Tip ‘n Toss” out any standing water. This simple habit can make a world of difference.

The truth is, fighting mosquitoes is a two-way street. We can provide the most advanced solutions, but it also takes some effort on your part to eliminate their breeding grounds. By working together, we can protect our families and our community from these pests, keeping Jasper a beautiful place to live and play.