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| What You Can Do To Control Mosquitoes | ||
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For a comprehensive mosquito fighting strategy, also follow these recommendations: |
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1. Eliminate mosquito growing places. All experts agree that mosquitoes must have standing water (as little as a tablespoon) to grow. Most eggs are laid in water and develop there. Consequently, get rid of anything in your area that can contain even a small amount of standing water, such as tires, pails, unused flower pots, etc. Clean clogged gutters. Change the water in the bird bath often. Patch holes in trees that capture water. 2. If you are near a wetland, or have standing or still water, use a larvacide containing Bti. It should be available at your local hardware store in briquette form, often shaped like a doughnut. You just toss them in the water. 3. If you are away from home in a stationary location, use mosquito repellents containing 30% or more DEET or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus on your skin or the Mosquito Patch iin infested areas. Don't take chances, particularly with children and older folks. We prefer the Mosquito Patch. It is not toxic, smelly, oily or greasy, and lasts 36 hours. You have to reapply the others as needed. If you do not have Mosquito Patches, use a lotion or spray for the skin. Cutter Advanced is a relatively new product that works as well or better than DEET. It contains Picaridin, a mosquito repellent |
with long lasting protection. It is also known as Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and is odorless and less noticeable on your skin. It will not harm synthetic materials. If that is not available, get a spray or lotion that contains DEET, such as Off! or Cutters in concentrations of up to 34%. Reapply as needed, but at least every 5 hours. Most of the other lotions such as Skin So Soft are marginally effective if at all. Remember that all wash off in water and diminish over time, so follow the directions for use and reapplication. Spray your clothing with Permethrin, which is used by the US military to spray on uniforms. Do not use on your skin or inhale. Clothing only. 4. Protect your animals and pets with medication. Heartworm in dogs is caused by mosquitoes. It is a very serious disease which can be fatal to dogs if left untreated. Once a problem only in coastal areas, dog heartworm is now found in every state in the United States. Remember that some diseases can be passed from an animal to a human. Heartworm pills are available from your veterinarian that will protect your dog. |
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| What Doesn't Work in Controlling Mosquitoes | ||
1. Birds and bats. Installing houses for certain birds or bats will not significantly affect your mosquito population. They don't make up a high percentage of their diet. 2. Electronic bug zappers. These annoying devices mainly kill moths, beetles and other beneficial insects, but very few mosquitoes. 3. Lotions of sprays that do not contain DEET or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. This includes Skin So Soft, Listerine and Lemon Fresh Joy. |
4. Electronic devices that claim to emit ultrasonic sound to repel mosquitoes. They don't work. 5. The citrosa plant (also called the Mosquito Plant) contains citronella, but not enough to have much effect. Mosquitoes land on it. |
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| Question or comments? Send an E-mail. Or Call. Phone: (866) 379-4669. | ||
| Mosquito Central, Dexter, Michigan, USA. | ||