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Mosquito Control
Ouch! Mosquitoes certainly are annoying—they bite, extract blood and leave red, itchy welts. But, unfortunately, that's not all they do, because they can also carry and transmit disease causing organisms that can lead to encephalitis, yellow fever, malaria and more. In addition, they pose a serious threat to pets as these insects are responsible for transmitting deadly heartworms to dogs. (Be sure to ask your veterinarian about heartworm preventatives for your pet and administer them as directed.)

Help protect your family against the hazards of mosquitoes using the guidelines below.

Eliminate breeding sites for larvae

picnic by a river Because mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, you need to check your yard regularly for possible breeding areas.
  • Empty containers that tend to collect rain water—buckets, tire swings, flower pots and so on—on a weekly basis.
  • Change the water in birdbaths and wading pools once a week. (Empty and store small pools out of the elements if not in use.)
  • Change the water in your pet's bowl daily.
  • Water plants and lawns in a way that does not leave water standing for several days at a time.
  • Stock ornamental ponds with Gambusia fish, as they feed on mosquito larvae. Also, encourage larvae-eating insects such as dragonflies (nymphs) and certain aquatic beetles.
  • Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets.
  • Use Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis products (such as Mosquito Dunks®) to treat permanent bodies of water.

Reduce adult mosquito populations Cutter Mosquito repellent products
  • Mow tall grass or reduce the amount of brush and other foliage in your yard to reduce the resting sites of adult mosquitoes.
  • Use fog treatments or surface treatments of insecticides for temporary relief in high-traffic outdoor areas. (Be sure to use the treatment as labeled.)

Prevent bites
  • Schedule outdoor events during the least active time for mosquitoes. Peak activity for many species occurs during dusk and dawn, so avoid these times.
  • Keep the doors to your house closed. Also, make sure the screens on your windows are properly installed and in good repair.
  • Wear long, loose-fitting clothing to avoid bites.
  • Use repellents in mosquito-invested locations. Be sure to use products that contain DEET for greatest protection.
  • Use citronella candles in outdoor areas to help repel insects.
  • Protect your pets against heartworms!
Source articles:

"Mosquito Control Around the Home" by Texas Cooperative Extension, Texas A&M University

"Mosquitoes In and Around the Home" by the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service

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