There are several ways in which homeowners and residents can minimize the number of mosquitoes on their property. Mosquitoes need stagnant or standing water to lay their eggs. Generally, water left stagnant for approximately 4 to 7 days is sufficient for mosquito breeding. To reduce the mosquito population around your home and property, reduce or eliminate all stagnant water. Specific Mosquito Control Measures: - Remove unnecessary water-holding containers, especially old tires, cans, buckets, drums, wheelbarrows and bottles.
- Cover trash containers to keep out rain.
- Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Stock ornamental pool with fish.
- Drain the water in birdbaths, fountains, plant pots and drip trays twice a week.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Be sure rainwater does not collect on pool, sauna or hot tub covers. You should disinfect the cover with bleach to kill larvae and eggs.
- Make sure stored boat covers are completely drained. Store small boats upside down.
- Keep grass cut short and trim shrubs to eliminate hiding places for adult mosquitoes.
- Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds.
- Fill in hollow tree stumps and rot holes that hold water with sand or concrete.
- Seal openings for standing water sources such as septic tanks or rain barrels.
- Clean roof gutters and remove standing water from flat roofs.
- Keep drains, culverts and streams on your property clean of weeds and trash so that the water will drain properly.
- Ensure that your home has tight fitting screens over windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from entering apartments and homes. Be sure that all screens are in good repair.
- Remove standing water from your basement.
- Place a couple of capfuls of household bleach in your basement sump-pump pit if it has standing water or flush sump pump pits weekly.
- Large lakes, ponds and streams that have waves, contain mosquito eating fish, and lack vegetation around their edges, do not contain mosquitoes. Non-chemical insecticides, such as Bti, are available at many garden supply stores and nurseries and can also be purchased in bulk. These can be used by homeowners, following the manufacturer’s instructions, to treat mosquito breeding sites.
Personal Protective Measures: When possible, avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. The following measures can reduce the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes, particularly when outdoors: - Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and head cover. Light loose-fitting clothing is preferable since dark clothing radiates more heat and attracts more mosquitoes.
- Cover up arms and legs of children playing outdoors near swampy areas.
- When outdoors, cover babies’ playpens or carriages with mosquito netting.
- Don’t camp overnight near freshwater swamps where mosquitoes are most active.
- When camping outdoors in tents in other areas, make sure your tent is equipped with mosquito netting.
Insect repellents containing DEET can be applied to skin or clothing, but be aware that some people have allergic sensitivity to DEET, particularly at higher concentrations. When using insect repellents, always follow the directions on the label. Before using a repellent, check your personal sensitivity. Avoid repeated use of the higher concentrations on children or elderly individuals. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that repellents appropriate for use on children up to five years of age should contain no more than 10% DEET. Higher concentration of DEET are not necessarily more effective; tests show products containing 30 to 40 percent DEET work as well as repellents with 75 percent DEET. Be careful when using DEET around the eyes, nose or mouth. Permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid that is widely available for repelling ticks, also repels mosquitoes. It is applied to clothing (do not apply to skin) and provides longer lasting activity. Although not marketed as repellents, there are several cosmetic liquids and creams that claim some level of mosquito repellency. These products need to be reapplied frequently. How To Apply DEET Repellents: DEET -- the chemical N,N-diethly-m-toluamide -- is an insect repellent that can reduce the risk of mosquito bites but must be used with caution. Be aware of the possible adverse health effects when making decisions about DEET. Products containing DEET have been widely used as repellents for many years, but these products have occasionally been associated with some health problems. In general, reported adverse effects are limited to mild skin reactions and eye irritation. However, there have been some reports of serious nervous system problems in children ranging from slurred speech and confusion to seizures and coma. Frequent application or saturation in not necessary. In fact, use as little as necessary for your situation. In addition, the Stamford Health Department recommends the following precautions when using repellents containing DEET: Store out of the reach of children and carefully read all instructions on the label before applying. - Do NOT allow young children to apply DEET themselves.
- Do NOT apply DEET directly to children. Apply to your own hands and then put it on the child's clothing.
- Use insect repellents with no more than 30% DEET. Use 10% or less DEET for children up to five years of age.
- Avoid prolonged and excessive use of DEET. Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin or clothing. Do not treat unexposed skin. Frequent reapplication or saturation is unnecessary for effectiveness.
- Particularly with children, try to reduce the use of repellents by dressing children in long sleeves and long pants when possible and applying repellent to clothing instead of skin.
- Do NOT apply repellent in enclosed areas.
- DEET can be applied to clothing, but may damage some synthetic fabrics and plastics. Launder treated clothing.
- After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
- Do NOT apply to eyes, nose, or mouth and do not apply to hands of small children because this may result in accidental eye contact or ingestion.
If you believe you or a child is having an adverse reaction to a repellent containing DEET, wash the treated area immediately and call your health care provider or local poison control center. |