Don’t be bugged by mosquitoes.
Get rid of the pests by eradicating breeding areas.
Warm areas with standing water are prime real estate for mosquitoes, said Ken Pinkston, an Oklahoma State University entomologist.
“It’s a water-related phenomenon,” Pinkston said.
“The mosquito egg, larvae and pupa must have water to survive.”
He recommended changing water in birdbaths, fountains and wading pools once a week.
“Also, clean out roof gutters holding stagnant water, place tight covers on water storage containers and remove things such as old tires, buckets and other water-catching items.”
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Since most species congregate near the places they hatch, eliminating possible breeding areas is the most effective form of mosquito control.
Pinkston said ornamental ponds may benefit from a biological control product called Bascillus thuringiensis israelensis.
Bt.i. releases a natural chemical that kills feeding mosquito larvae. The donut-shaped pellet floats on the water and doesn’t harm fish.
“Stocking the pond with fish that feed on mosquitoes also can be helpful.”
Bug repellent sprays and lotions provide a small measure of effective, personal control, but caution is needed. The most common and effective repellents use the chemical DEET; the higher the percentage of DEET, the more effective the product.
However, the Mayo Clinic has cautioned against using products that contain a high percentage of DEET. For children, use a product with less than 10 percent DEET.
“Repellents should never be applied over open wounds, skin irritations or under clothing.
“Take special care to avoid applications to the hands of young children because they tend to put their hands in their mouths.”
Pinkston said a net should be used instead of repellent to shield infants from mosquitoes.
