Mosquito Joe, a new local business, stand by to aid those who want to reclaim their outdoor space.
The lazy days of summer and other circumstances keeping more folks home more often, some have found themselves competing with with some of nature's pests for yard time.
"We are dedicated to one thing, making outside fun," said Debbi Schmidt, owner of the local Mosquito Joe outlet. "We are experts at control of mosquitoes, ticks and fleas in your yard."
Schmidt's outfit has a variety of means to accomplish this task.
"Our synthetic solution is derived from the chrysanthemum flower," she said. "It targets adult mosquitoes and kills them. A growth regulator keeps immature mosquitoes from maturing. Finally, we have a larvicide to target eggs and mosquito larvae."
Schmidt says that Mosquito Joe products are certified via the Environmental Protection Agency to be environmentally responsible, yet effective.
Since opening in April, Mosquito Joe has enjoyed enthusiastic clients from the start.
"I think some in Texarkana were surprised to find a business focused on this," she said. "Customers tell me, 'I've got my yard back again! I can go outside without having to slap my own face.'"
Mosquito Joe offers a 14-day guarantee. If a customer does not feel like they got the control they expected, Schmidt says they will come by and do a booster spray free of charge.
"Pets and children should be out of the area when we are applying the spray," she said. "Let it sit for 30 minutes. Once that time is up, they should be fine."
Mosquito Joe employees wear masks and practices social distancing while face-to-face with customers.
"But the current situation has people staying home more and made them realize they were in need of our services," she said. "So that has actually worked out for us."
Visit Mosquito Joe on Facebook or online at http://texarkana.mosquitojoe.com. Call 870-330-7053. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on call nights and weekends.