Reducing Mosquito Breeding sites in your yard and neighborhood
Eliminate sources of standing water in your yard where mosquitoes may lay eggs. Fill, cover or remove any items that can trap water. Common mosquito breeding containers include:
Bird baths - change the water at least once or twice a week, cleaning the bath on a regular basis
Outdoor pet dishes - change the water daily, not only to prevent mosquito breeding, but also for your pet's health
Flower pots - remove any overflow water that has collected in the dish beneath the pot
Ponds - consider purchasing mosquito-eating fish if the pond is serving as a mosquito breeding site and cannot be drained
Tires
Gutters - clean and remove debris on a regular basis to prevent water from collecting
Wheelbarrows
Wading pools
Trashcan lids and recycling bins
Puddles/ditches in your yard or driveway
Swimming pools (not in use) - keep pool water aerated and chlorinated; cover when not in use
Trim grass regularly
Preventing Mosquito Bites
ALWAYS FOLLOW MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS ON REPELLENT USE!
Use a mosquito repellant, such as one containing DEET when outdoors. Look for "DEET" or "N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide" or "N,N-diethly-3-methylbenamide" on the product label.
Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants, as well as covered shoes with socks, in mosquito-infested areas; you may wish to wear mosquito netting over your face as well.
Limit outdoor activities at dawn, dusk, and early evening, when mosquitoes are most active
More About DEET
According to a recent study, products containing about 24% DEET were effective for an average of 5 hours against mosquitoes; a product with 20% DEET was effective for about 4 hours; and a product with about 6.5% DEET was effective for about 2 hours. Weigh the strength of DEET you use against the number of hours you will be exposed outdoors. Remember that you can and should re-apply DEET if you extend your time outdoors.
Concentrations up to 35% DEET may be used by adults; higher concentrations are not more effective at preventing bites. The percentage of DEET in a product has more to do with its "staying power" than its effectiveness at warding off mosquitoes. A product with 50% DEET is not really more effective at preventing mosquito bites, but simply lasts longer on the skin that a product containing 20% DEET.
Use formulas with a maximum concentration of 10% DEET on children, and don't allow them to apply the product themselves; avoid using DEET on infants and toddlers
Don't apply DEET products to your face, as it should be kept away from eyes and mouth.
Don't apply DEET products to sunburned, cracked, bruised, or irritated skin
Apply DEET in ventilated areas
Use DEET products sparingly, and apply only to exposed skin and to clothing
DEET may damage synthetic fabrics
Although DEET has been tested extensively on humans and has been deemed safe when used properly, you should avoid prolonged exposure to it; wash skin and clothing after returning indoors
If you suspect that you are having an adverse reaction to a product containing DEET, wash it off immediately and contact a doctor or poison control center
Don't use DEET on your pets; if they ingest it by licking or cleaning themselves, they could become seriously ill.
Resources on Mosquito Control
Journal of Vector Ecology
Evaluation of Various Models of Propane-Powered Mosquito Traps (2002)
Large cage and field studies were conducted to determine the efficacy of various models of propanepowered
mosquito traps. (pdf)
FEDERAL AGENCIES
Environmental Protection Agency
Malathion for mosquito control (2000)
A fact sheet about the mosquito life cycle and the use of the pestcide, malathion, in mosquito control programs.
Mosquitoes: How to Control Them (199 cool
A quick reference discribes the diseases mosquito carry and outlines actions citizen can take to fight mosquitoes.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Mosquito Control Association
In addition to general information about mosquitoes, this web site provides an extensive list of West Nile Virus related links. The organization mission is to enhance the health and quality of life through the suppression of mosquitoes, other vectors and pests of public importance.
