A mosquito control inspector uses a fogger to spray pesticide to kill mosquitos in Miami. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development advises only hiring licensed mosquito control companies. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

MECOSTA COUNTY — Scams have a new bite following an outbreak of mosquitos.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) recently issued a consumer advisory, warning Michiganders to avoid falling victim to scams and illegitimate businesses offering mosquito control services.

The wet weather pattern from a few weeks ago created "ideal conditions for an explosion in the mosquito population,” health officials at Central Michigan District Health Department said in an earlier news release.

Now scammers are taking advantage of Michiganders looking to hire businesses to control the pests.

In a recent news release, the MDARD advises only hiring licensed mosquito control companies with employees who have passed MDARD's pesticide proficiency examinations. In addition, the business must meet minimum experience requirements, carry liability insurance, and only apply pesticides registered by MDARD.

"Licensed mosquito control companies and their certified applicators have demonstrated they have the knowledge to use pesticides safely and effectively," Brian Verhougstraete, MDARD's pesticide section manager, said in the release. "Utilizing properly licensed and certified applicators protects public health while these professionals work to keep mosquitoes in check around your home."

In addition, the MDARD offers the following tips:

1. Before making an application, all licensed companies are required to specify an approximate schedule, frequency, and duration of their services.

2. Be aware that pest control businesses are legally required to obtain their consent before making a pesticide application and must provide the following information:

• The name of the applicator that performed the service.

• The time and date the application was made.

• A description of the target pest to be controlled.

• A list of pesticides applied, including the common name of the active ingredient(s).

• A list of precautionary warnings or reentry restrictions that appear on the label of the pesticide applied.

• Detailed information about the risks and benefits of pesticides.

"Consumers should do their homework before choosing a mosquito control service, especially when those services are being advertised on social media," Verhougstraete said.

3. Take steps to take to safely reduce mosquito populations, including:

• Removing any puddles of water or standing water around your home to reduce breeding sites.

• Keeping grass and shrubs trimmed short, reducing places for flying (adult) mosquitoes to rest.

• Using permethrin to treat clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents) or buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.

Here is a list of local companies licensed to control mosquitoes in Michigan. A full list may be found at Michigan.gov/MosquitoControlBusiness.

• Diane Dukes Inc., Big Rapids 231-796-2115

• Green Thumb Lawn & Turf Specialists LLC, Big Rapids 231-796-4271

• M & M Lawn Care and Snowplowing LLC Paris 231-796-4956

• New Horizons Landscape LLC, Big Rapids 231-796-0925

• Pro Turf Outdoor Services LLC, Big Rapids 231-629-8310

• Crossroads Pest Control, Reed City 231-832-1738

• Eisenga Brothers Farm, Marion 231-878-1570

• PLM Lake & Land Management Corp., Evart 800-382-4434

• ABS Pest Control INC, Branch 231-266-6123

• Cards Pest Control LLC, Luther 616-427-9970

After earning a bachelor's in journalism and a master's in counseling psychology, Julie Norwood moved from the Chicago area to Newaygo County in 2006. She freelanced for a couple of small town newspapers before being hired at MLive Media Group, where she spent almost eight years in a variety of roles before being hired with the Pioneer. Outside of work, she plays drums and guitar at church; watches cop and educational shows on TV; and, when she has time, reads mystery/suspense/thriller novels.