Mosquito Prevention Measures
May 18 2022
MOSQUITO PREVENTION MEASURES
At the beginning of May we once again began our annual mosquito spraying program. Although this does help in keeping the number of mosquitoes down it cannot be 100% effective. The good news is that there are steps that we all can take to attack the problem at its source – before the eggs hatch.
Female mosquitoes lay up to 250 eggs at a time in still water, which will hatch in 7 to 10 days. Mosquitoes have a very short lifespan and the slightest waves or disturbances can drown the eggs. If standing water is eliminated weekly, many mosquitoes will be kept from breeding in the first place eliminating the need to use pesticides against adult mosquitoes. This also reduces the number of mosquitoes around the house. Here is a checklist and some things you can do:
- Check for items that might hold water including wheelbarrows, tires, hubcaps, garden equipment, pool covers, tarps, plastic sheeting, pipes, drains, boats, canoes, recycling bins and trash. Water and mosquito eggs will collect after it has rained in kid's toys left outside, clogged gutters, small kiddy pools. Even an old sandwich baggie that has been carelessly discarded and is sitting on the ground near the trash can serve as a mosquito breeding ground.
- Remove standing water in ponds, ditches, clogged rain gutters, flower pots, plant saucers, puddles, buckets, jars and cans.
- Don’t put grass clippings or other items down the storm drains. This can restrict the flow and trap water.
- Don’t use your sprinklers excessively
- Completely change water in birdbaths and wading pools weekly. Drill drainage holes in tire swings.
- Stock ornamental ponds and fountains with fish that eat mosquito larvae.
Of course, however much we try we will not eliminate them completely, so there are some common sense things you can do to cut down on the inconvenience they cause:
- Avoid mosquitoes by staying indoors at dawn and dusk when they are most active.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors.
- Apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Follow directions carefully- especially when applying it to young children.
- Install or repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out.
In summary, do us all a favor and help minimize the number of mosquitoes in the neighborhood. But knowing we can only be partially successful, take care to protect yourself and your family from the unpleasantness and potential disease that the bites from these pesky insects can cause. And have a good summer!
