Mosquito Control Advice from Bob the Bugman

	BOB THE BUGMAN Expert Pest Control Advice, Identification and Information Mosquitoes


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Mosquitoes can be annoying and sometimes pose a serious risk to public health. In certain areas of the United States, mosquitoes can transmit diseases like West Nile Virus and equine encephalitis.

The females of most mosquito species suck blood (hematophagy) from other animals, which has made them one of the most deadly disease vectors known to man, killing millions of people over thousands of years and continuing to kill millions per year by the spread of diseases.

The female mosquito that bites an infected person and then bites an uninfected person might leave traces of virus or parasite from the infected person's blood. The infected blood is injected through, or on, the "dirty" proboscis into the uninfected person's blood and the disease is thus spread from person to person. When a mosquito bites, she also injects saliva and anti-coagulants into the blood which may also contain disease-causing viruses or other parasites.

Facts About Mosquitos

The female mosquitos locate their next blood donor victims primarily through scent. They are extremely sensitive to the carbon dioxide in exhaled breath, as well as several substances found in sweat and various body odours. They are believed to be able to track potential prey for tens of meters. Some people attract more mosquitoes than others, apparently based on how they "smell" to a mosquito. Mosquitoes can also detect heat, so they can find warm-blooded mammals and birds very easily once they get close enough.

The mosquito's visual picture, produced by various parts of its body, is an infrared view produced by its prey's body temperature.

Adults can live for several weeks, feeding on carbohydrate sources such as nectar and fruit juices

Depending on temperature, mosquitoes can develop from egg to adult in as little as 4-7 days

Tips for controlling Mosquitoes

Many mosquito problems in your neighborhood are likely to come from water-filled containers that you, the resident, can help to eliminate. All mosquitoes require water in which to breed. Be sure to drain any standing water around your house.

Eliminate standing water

Dispose of any tires. Tires can breed thousands of mosquitoes. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers. Clear roof gutters of debris. Clean pet water dishes regularly. Check and empty children�s toys. Repair leaky outdoor faucets. Change the water in bird baths at least once a week. Canoes and other boats should be turned over. Avoid water collecting on pool covers. Empty water collected in tarps around the yard or on woodpiles. Plug tree holes. Even the smallest of containers that can collect water can breed hundreds to thousands of mosquitoes. They don't need much water to lay their eggs. (bottles, barrels, buckets, overturned garbage can lids, etc.)

Defend Yourself

Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing. Some of the 176 mosquito species are attracted to dark clothing and some can bite through tight-fitting clothes. When practical, wear long sleeves and pants. Choose a mosquito repellent that has been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Registered products have been reviewed, approved, and pose minimal risk for human safety when used according to label directions.

Three repellents that are approved and recommended are:

DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide)

Picaridin (KBR 3023)

Oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-methane 3,8- diol, or PMD)

Here are some rules to follow when using repellents:

Read the directions on the label carefully before applying. Apply repellent sparingly, only to exposed skin (not on clothing). Keep repellents away from eyes, nostrils and lips: do not inhale or ingest repellents or get them into the eyes. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that DEET-based repellents can be used on children as young as two months of age. Generally, the AAP recommends concentrations of 30% or less. Avoid applying repellents to portions of children's hands that are likely to have contact with eyes or mouth. Pregnant and nursing women should minimize use of repellents. Never use repellents on wounds or irritated skin. Use repellent sparingly and reapply as needed. Saturation does not increase efficacy. Wash repellent-treated skin after coming indoors. If a suspected reaction to insect repellents occurs, wash treated skin, and call a physician. Take the repellent container to the physician.

Outdoor Control

If you have water areas such as ponds, birdbaths, drainage ditches and storm drains that you have to deal with, we strongly recommend Mosquito Dunks manufactured by Summit, Inc. Mosquito dunks will prevent these pests from using the water source as a breeding ground.

A temporary solution involving the exterior treatment with a fogger using pyrethrins may be necessary. This is usually best left to the professionals.

Indoor Control

If you have mosquitos inside, you should first find out how they are getting in and do whatever you need to do to keep them out. This may include replacing screens, caulking openings, etc. You can kill mosquitoes indoors with a chemical flying insect quick knockdown spray or fog with pyrethrin.

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