Mosquitoes
Adult size: about 1/4th inch
Ah, mosquitoes. That one insect we wish would
just go away… or at least leave us alone. While these pests
serve as food to frogs, birds, and bats, they also carry diseases
and are a nuisance to their host. The best defense, if you must go
out, is DEET and long sleeves and pants. Read and follow all warning
labels before use.
Only the female mosquitoes feeds on blood in
order to produce fertile eggs. In return, they inject saliva with
protiens that prevent the host blood from clotting. This exchange
may cause irritation, itching, or other, sometimes severe, reactions.
They have poor eye sight and rely on other senses to find blood meal.
mosquitoes are attracted to our heat signature and CO2, by keeping
your outdoor activity low you will attract less of these pests. Also,
ensure that there is no standing water - this will limit their breeding
ground.
If you have a severe problem with
mosquitoes, contact your city or county and see if they can help. Contact
information for Mosquito Control in our service area:
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Wear protective clothing
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Use repellents which contain DEET
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Keep your activity levels low (mosquitoes
are attracted to your heat signature & CO2)
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Using fans outside in the sitting area will
keep mosquitoes at bay
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Eliminate standing water from cans, tires,
buckets or other sources
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For ponds and other sources of standing
water, mosquito dunks are available
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Change/empty bird baths once or twice a
week
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Clean eaves troughs and downspouts
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Keep lids on trash cans so water does not
accumulate there
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Catnip (as a plant) is a natural repellant
of many insects - including mosquitoes
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Dragonflies eat mosquitoes