Because of the unusually wet winter we had, warnings have already started about how bad the mosquitoes are going to be this year. They carry disease and now that spring has sprung, we thought we would give you some facts, tips and links as an FYI.
Mosquito Facts
•About 3,000 species of mosquitoes have been identified on a worldwide basis. Approximately 150 are known to exist in North America.
•There are approximately 25 known “human nuisance species” of mosquitoes.
•Most adult mosquitoes have a life span of 2-4 weeks.
•Only female mosquitoes bite.
•Mosquitoes are very effective at reproducing– attracting, trapping and killing just one female mosquito at the start of mosquito season can prevent the birth of up to 25,000 more mosquitoes that season alone!
Controlling Mosquitoes
You can reduce mosquito breeding around your home significantly by reducing the amount of water that is stagnating on your property. Be aware... mosquitoes CAN AND WILL develop in any puddle or pool of water that lasts more than 4 days!
•Dispose of cans, plastic containers, pots or similar water-holding containers that have accumulated on your property.
•Drill holes in the bottom of containers that you must leave out of doors– trash cans, recycling bins, etc.
•Clean clogged roof gutters AT LEAST annually.
•Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
•Turn over wheelbarrows, empty planters or childrens toys when not in use.
•Do not allow water to stagnate in bird baths.
•Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
•Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. Don’t forget that mosquitoes breed in water that collects on swimming pool covers.
•Use landscaping features or drainage tools to eliminate standing water that collects in low spots on your property.
Helpful Links
More information about mosquitoes in the United States can be found on the following sites, among many others:
•The American Mosquito Control Association: http://www.mosquito.org
•US Environmental Protection Agency: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/mosquitoes
•National Center for Infectious Diseases: http://www.cdc.gov, Search for “mosquitoes”.
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