Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying pests in your garden. For the most part they have no good aspects and preventing them from attacking you and your pets is something we all have to deal with.
Additionally with the spread of the West Nile and other Viruses Mosquitoes can be a danger to humans and birds.
Every area of the United States with exception of the north most points of Alaska has a relatively high Mosquito population. There are many methods that have been developed over they years to kill and repel them but some simple steps can be taken to prevent their breeding.
Any place there is standing still water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Eliminate standing water in rain gutters, old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other container where mosquitoes can breed.
• Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week to destroy potential mosquito habitats.
• Drain or fill temporary pools of water with dirt.
• Keep swimming pool water treated and circulating.
If you have a backyard pond you may want to add a water feature like a fountain that will cause disturbance on the surface of the water this will repel mosquitoes from laying their eggs. Stocking larger ponds with fish that will eat the mosquito larvae is another good solution.
Larvicides are another solution for ponds to kill the mosquito larvae but should be used with care if the pond has fish.
Keeping them out of your home
It seems that no matter what you do mosquitoes will find their way into your home.
Make sure that your windows and doors are bug tight.
Install special netting or mosquito grade screens in enclosed porches.
Yellow Bug Lights are used to attract less insects then regular lights but they will not repel insects.
What about Personal Protection?
Wear long sleeves and pants outdoors when possible.
Take additional precautions when you visit swampy areas.
The chemical DEET is the only approved method for repelling mosquitoes but because it can be toxic to children you must always follow the manufacturers instructions for its use.
For more information on DEET Read http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/factsheets/0002fact.pdf
The EPA recommends the following precautions when using insect repellents:
Apply repellents only to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label). Do not use repellents under clothing.
Never use repellents over cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
Do not apply to eyes or mouth, and apply sparingly around ears. When using sprays, do not spray directly on face – spray on hands first and then apply to face.
Do not allow children to handle the product. When using on children, apply to your own hands first and then put it on the child. Do not apply to children’s hands.
Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing. Heavy application and saturation generally are unnecessary for effectiveness.
After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water or bathe. This is particularly important when repellents are used repeatedly in a day or on consecutive days. Also, wash treated clothing before wearing it again. (This precaution may vary with different repellents – check the product label.)
If a child develops a rash or other apparent allergic reaction from an insect repellent, stop using the repellent, wash it off with mild soap and water and call a local poison control center for further guidance.