MOSQUITOES |
- Keep mosquitoes from going airborne. They
develop in standing water. A typical backyard can generate
thousands of mosquitoes a week, even in small amounts of water.
Since several species of mosquitoes prefer to bite close to
home, eliminating "skeeter sources" can help. Make sure gutters,
pipes, and other water sources drain away from your residence.
Don't over-water your yard. Drain water that may have collected
in pool and spa covers, flowerpots or barrels. Store containers
in an inverted position, or cover them. Don't overlook less
obvious water sources, such as tree holes and gutters with
plugged downspouts. Fill tree holes with sand or mortar.
- If you have bird baths, ornamental ponds and
fountains, drain and clean them at least once a week, or
consider stocking them with mosquito fish (scientific name:
Gambusia affinis) that feed on mosquito larvae. These fish may
be available from your local mosquito control district. (Look in
the county government pages of your phone book under "mosquito"
or "vector control," or call your county agricultural
commissioner to find out how to contact your mosquito district.)
Guppies, available at many pet stores, are also 'skeeter eaters,
but they may not thrive outdoors.
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Protection
- Check your local nursery for a biological
control for backyard ponds and fountains. This microbial
pesticide, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis -- "B.t.i." for
short -- is formulated into doughnut shapes that float. These
products slowly release a natural chemical that kills feeding
mosquito larvae.
We offer a checklist to help prevent
mosquitoes from making a home out of your home - you can download
the checklist by clicking
here. |
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