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Mosquito Control and Bites
Mosquito control is an important public health measure, as mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases like malaria, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. There are a variety of methods that can be used to control mosquito populations, including habitat modification, use of mosquito nets, and application of insecticides. One of the most effective methods of mosquito control is the use of larvicides. Larvicides are chemicals that are applied to standing water, where they kill mosquito larvae before they have a chance to mature into adults. As a result, larvicide application can significantly reduce the number of mosquitoes in an area, reducing the risk of disease transmission.
What is summer without the high-pitched sound of mosquitoes flying around your ears. You know the sound and you go for the knockout punch. Smack!
It’s probably too late after the smack. The mosquito has already bitten you. Something in the insect’s spit causes the small itchy welt.
Now this is insane. I’m telling you not to scratch. Just leave the bite alone. When you scratch you open up the 7skin and allow bacteria to seep in.
These little pests are considered the deadliest animals in the world and contribute to close to a million deaths per year, according to an article in Smithsonian magazine. This is not because of the itchy bite, but mainly because of the mosquito borne diseases transmitted through the bite.
Mosquitoes belong to a family of flies called the Culicidae. Not all species suck blood, but many of those that do can transmit diseases, including West Nile virus and yellow fever. Even disease-free mosquitoes are irritating because of their saliva, which causes an allergic reaction in the form of an itchy red bump.
Because of mosquitoes’ nasty bites, it’s a good idea to try to keep these insects at bay. Luckily, there are many strategies you can use to do so.
Best Mosquito Repellent
When using an insect repellent for mosquitoes, make sure that it is registered by the EPA for diseases a mosquito carries such as the West Nile virus.
- Mosquito repellent comes in a variety of formulations such as stick and cream repellents as well as clip-ons that will keep mosquitoes away from head to toe.
- For maximum protection against mosquitoes and ticks use an insect repellent that has 20 percent Deet. There are repellents that have Deet but not 20 percent. Pay attention to the label that is recommended by the CDC.
- Repellent is not like apply and be done. The repellent does not kill mosquitoes; therefore, you must apply the repellent at most four time per day. The reason is that it will lose its effectiveness. The higher the Deet concertation, the longer it will last. All depends on the weather and rather or not it is sweated or washed off.
- If you like an alternative to Deet. Try essential oil products that have lemon oil (called citronella) eucalyptus and picaridin is an excellent alternative.
- Treating clothing with permethrin according to the CDC is recommended. Take note that the permethrin is not for the skin but can be used on fabrics. There is some clothing that comes with the permethrin in it and can last up to 5 washes.
Safety Tip: When you’re done spending time outside, be sure to wash repellents off as soon as possible. Don’t apply repellents to the hands of small children or anything else they might put in their mouths. Always apply repellent in well-ventilated areas.
How To Get Rid of Mosquitoes
First and foremost is learning where larvae live and how they produce. By eliminating the larvae breeding grounds will reduce adult mosquitoes greatly, reducing mosquito bites to near zero according to Truly Green Pest Control.
- Mosquitoes are attracted to water, especially standing water and stagnant water. These are the first breeding ground to look for when trying to prevent mosquitoes.
- Bird baths are pretty however, they attract mosquitoes in large numbers. Chang the bird bath regularly.
- Non-Drinking water kept around should be treated with larvicides.
- Open cans and bottles usually hold liquid. Get rid of the extra debris of cans and bottles.
- Tree stumps usually hold stagnant water. Remove the tree stumps.
- Gutters usually get clogged with leaves. Clean gutters to prevent larvae from nesting in the clogged damp leaves.
- Baby pools usually set during the summer. Make sure you drain the baby pool on a regular basis.
- Water lawns are very pretty for landscaping. However, too much water will create spots where larvae can breed. Avoid watering too much.
Water features such as goldfish ponds and ponds in general should be monitored to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Did you know certain fish eat mosquitoes such as: goldfish, bluegills, and minnows. Introduce these fish to the pond and have an naturaly mosquito traps.
- Keep the pond and body of water visible by removing excess plants.
- Make sure the pond is mechanically sound by installing water pumps so the water can move freely.
- Add larvicides such as BTI (a bacterium that produces a toxin to kill mosquito larvae) and IGR (insect growth regulator) to bodies of water. Check packaging to ensure fish can survive in the same water before adding chemicals.
- Air breathing larvae will not survive with an alchol derivative that creates a film over the surface of the water. This will drown the breathing larvae of the mosquito ensuring water stays safe
Contact Truly Green Pest Control
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