| Mosquitoes have always been
pesty visitors when it comes to summer enjoyment, but because of the West
Nile virus, it has become critical that we do whatever we can to reduce
the number of mosquitoes paying visits to our yards.
Paradox Productions has come up with a
list of strategies to minimize the attack of the mosquitoes this summer.
Most are based on reducing the number of mosquitoes or reducing the desire
of the mosquito to attack your tasty family members.
First, get your home and garden
mosquito-proof:
·
Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes
cannot get indoors.
- Reduce
or eliminate standing water around your home, even in very small
amounts. This includes flower pots, gardening cans, wheelbarrows,
puddles, old tires, tin cans, tires, buckets, and open trash cans.
Change water in a birdbath every week. For water you plan to keep, try
mosquito dunks or rings. http://paradoxpro.com/mosquitos.html
- Keep
gutters clear of debris.
- Keep
grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around your home.
- Eliminate
ruts and holes that cause puddles in your yard.
- Consider
the new electronic mosquito repellers, which are available in handy
keychain size or tabletop versions. http://paradoxpro.com/mosquitos.html
- There
are also traps available for mosquitos, which are helpful in keeping
the pests away from humans.
- Nets
are available to place on your door to keep mosquitoes from coming in
your home in the summer. Just attach the net to your doorway. http://paradoxpro.com/mosquitos.html
Second, protect the people who live in
your home:
·
As much as possible, stay indoors between dusk and dawn,
which is peak mosquito biting time. Avoid activities in areas where
mosquitoes are plentiful.
- Wear
light colored clothing in the summer, which attracts less mosquitoes
than darker clothing.
- Consider
wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants and socks
while outdoors, especially when walking in wooded areas.
- Apply
insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. An effective repellent
will contain 25% to 35% DEET. DEET in high concentrations (greater
than 35%) provides no additional protection. Repellents may irritate
the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of
children.
- Consider
using mosquito netting in areas your family uses often.
Illnesses related to mosquito bites are
rare. However, a person should see a doctor immediately if they develop
symptoms such as high fever, confusion, neck pain, muscle weakness or
severe headaches. Patients with mild symptoms are likely to recover
completely and do not require any specific medication or laboratory
testing.
What's New in the Battle over the
Mosquito?
·
Recent studies have shown that catnip oil is actually
several times more effective than most mosquito repellants, although it is
not safe to apply it directly to the skin.
- If
you have a pond, birdbath or other water feature on your property, try
Mosquito Control Rings containing Bt 'Israelensis,' a naturally
occurring bacterium that kills mosquito larvae. They can be used in
ponds, water barrels, birdbaths and water gardens —-everywhere the
insects breed. http://paradoxpro.com/mosquitos.html
These simple techniques can reduce the
nagging mosquito problem, at least in own your backyard.
Copyright Paradox Productions, Inc.
About The Author
Judy Leiser is a staff writer for http://www.paradoxpro.com
. Read more articles on home and garden topics in the Home Style News
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Copyright
Paradox Productions, Inc. |