Home / News / Critter Chatter Archive / June 2009 - Mosquitoes

Mosquito Trivia:

When "bitten" by a mosquito, what is the typical distance that mosquito has travelled from its hatch to target you?

   a) 2-3 blocks away
   b) the nearest tire disposal
   c) within 100 yards or so
   d) 20-50 miles away

Correct Trivia Answer:
C) You can usually find the breeding site source within 100 yards.





 

Summer Is Here… and so are those dreaded Mosquitoes

The summer barbeque season begins as the temperature heats up. This is also when insects are most active. The most feared summer invader; the pesky, biting, blood-sucking Mosquito. More than just a backyard annoyance, mosquitoes can cause irritating puncture sites and carry diseases, as well as being a nuisance for you and your guests.

Last year, 1356 Mosquito West Nile virus infections were reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 46 States. Mosquito-borne viruses are part of a group of pathogens known as arthropod-borne viruses, or arboviruses. Blood-sucking insects usually spread arboviruses. While West Nile virus has generated much interest and news, other mosquito-related illnesses include malaria, dengue fever and yellow fever to name a few.

Mosquito control in the United States has evolved from reliance on insecticide application for control of adult mosquitoes (adulticide) to integrated pest management programs that include surveillance, source reduction, larvicide, biological control, trapping as well as public relations and education. Public health agencies attempt to reduce the spread of arboviruses through a variety of methods. One of the most common methods of mosquito control is the placement of chemicals that kill mosquito larvae in storm drains and other places where water collects and mosquitoes breed; the chemicals are generally non-toxic to humans.

1. Always rid standing water. Drain, or frequently empty buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots, trash cans, bird baths, horse troughs, unused swimming pools, and other containers that can serve as breeding sites.
2. Unclog rooftop gutters.
3. Tires are a common place for mosquitoes to breed. Pay attention to discarded tires that may have collected on, or near your property.
4. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors, so that water can drain.
5. Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
6. Keep swimming pools properly chlorinated and remove standing water from pool covers.
7. Wear long-sleeved clothing, pants, and other clothing if you are exposed to mosquitoes.
8. Avoid spending time outdoors at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
9. Use commercially available mosquito repellents. Cream, lotion, or stick formulas are best. Mosquito netting can be used to cover baby carriages.
10. Repair holes in window screens.
11. Mosquitoes are known to land on the foliage of plants, trees and shrubs and under eaves, decks and other protected areas of structures during the day. Spraying along with other pesticide applications performed by professionals can be beneficial in reducing mosquito numbers around the structure.  
12. If you can't drain water, then cover containers with fine netting to exclude mosquitoes, or apply mosquito larvacides to standing water.
13. Mosquito traps have been used for monitoring mosquito populations for years. New designs using mechanical control to capture adult mosquitoes have now become available. Professionally installed Mosquito Misting Systems are becoming popular for the convenience and effectiveness they provide. 
14. Help Officials.  If you discover a dead bird, report your finding to your State Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

If troubled by mosquitoes this summer season simply call the professionals at Critter Control for assistance by dialing 1-800 CRITTER.

For a fact sheet containing important information that can help you recognize and prevent West Nile virus, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factsheet.htm

 

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