I remember the hot summer days in South Jersey chasing the Mosquito Truck on my bicycle with friends as it drove through my neighborhood pouring out toxic fumes of DDT. If I knew then, what I know now about Pest Control, I never would have done that!
Image courtesy of Charles Olsen, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org
Some things I do know about Mosquitoes:
- they are an annoying nuisance
- bites can itch for days
- bites can cause restlessness, loss of sleep and nervous irritation
- bites can transmit diseases and even cause death in humans and domestic animals
- and whether you agree or not, Mosquitoes also serve a vital ecological function. The larvae, pupae, and adults are an important food source for fish, bats, birds, frogs & insects.
What You Can Do to Avoid Getting Bitten:
- Limit time spent outdoors around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active.
- Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
- Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors, in an unscreened structure and to protect small babies when outdoors.
- Consider using an EPA registered mosquito repellent containing DEET, according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors.
Image courtesy of Jim Occi, BugPics, Bugwood.org
What You Can Do to Mosquito-Proof Your Home:
- Be sure the door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.
- Minimize going in and out of the house or leaving the door open for long periods of time.
Don’t Give Mosquitoes a Place to Breed:
A small amount of standing water can be enough for a mosquito to lay her eggs. Check weekly for possible breeding places.
Larvae image courtesy of Jim Occi, BugPics, Bugwood.org
- Dispose of or drain of water-holding containers such as ceramic pots, dog bowls, used tires, tire swings.
- Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers.
- Clean clogged roof gutters.
- Remove excess grass, leaves, firewood and clippings from the yard.
- Turn over plastic wading pools, sandboxes, wagons, plastic toys, wheelbarrows.
- Change water in bird baths on a weekly basis.
- Tighten tarps used outside to cover firewood or other items.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used, including pool covers.
- Empty abandoned pools and fill them in.
- Use landscaping to eliminate standing water on your property.
If your efforts to keep Mosquitoes at bay are not working – we can help to minimize the problem as quickly as possible – Call AB-Con today and have your Mosquito problem solved safely from the start!