Concerns Over Zika Virus Keeping Tri-State Pest Control Company Busy

EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) - A Tri-State pest control company says their phone is ringing off the hook with customers concerned about the Zika virus.

"We've received about 400% more calls through the middle of April," said Action Pest Control COO Keith Smith.

Smith said this is unusually early for customers to start asking for mosquito treatment, but with Zika being a hot topic, people are taking action now.

"The expectant mothers are the most concerned clients we have right now. It's also important if you're going outside to wear long sleeves and to use a lotion with DEET or lemon eucalyptus to keep the mosquitoes from landing on you," Smith said.

When it comes to protecting you and your family, Smith said there are common mistakes people make around their house. He says the solution to mosquitoes needs to be comprehensive, taking away the water sources.Reducing vegetation is just one of the steps. Also make sure your gutters are clean out there and are not harboring up there.

"They really need to hire a professional service," said Smith.

Action Pest Control's treatment is similar to the way they go about preventing West Nile. That includes using a fog machine that sprays on shrubbery where mosquitoes tend to gather in.

He said it protects your home for 30 days and won't harm your pets.