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Turf Insects: Mosquitoes

mosquitoesAdult 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 proteins 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:

  • Henry County – (Standing Water dunks only, cost) 419-599-5545
  • Liberty Center, Maintenance Dept: 419-533-3412
  • Napoleon, Street Department: 419-599-1891
  • Fulton County – *Contact your city direct
  • Wauseon: 419-335-8376
  • Lucas County - Toledo Area Sanitary District: 419-726-7891
  • Wood County Health Department: 419-352-8402
  • Monroe County: Contact your city direct for Mosquito Control

What homeowners can do:

  • Wear protective clothing
  • Use repellents which contain DEET
  • Keep your activity levels low (mosquitoes are attracted to your heat signature & CO2)
  • Using fans outside in the sitting area will keep mosquitoes at bay
  • Eliminate standing water from cans, tires, buckets or other sources
  • For ponds and other sources of standing water, mosquito dunks are available
  • Change/empty bird baths once or twice a week
  • Clean eaves troughs and downspouts
  • Keep lids on trash cans so water does not accumulate there
  • Catnip (as a plant) is a natural repellant of many insects - including mosquitoes
  • Dragonflies eat mosquitoes

Image By: krayker