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Controlling mosquitoes in your backyard With summer quickly approaching, people everywhere are looking for ways to control the mosquito population in their backyards. While folks fire up their barbecues and prepare for a season of outdoor parties, mosquitoes loom as a source of much annoyance. But more importantly, these pests can pose a serious health threat to families and pets. Homeowners need to develop a plan for controlling these potentially dangerous insects in their backyard. Time is of the essence, since mosquitoes can develop from egg to adult in as little as four to seven days. Larviciding offers consumers a proactive option for controlling mosquitoes. The process involves killing mosquitoes during their formative stages before they become breeding, biting adults. In addition to larviciding, minimizing the amount of standing water can significantly reduce mosquitoes around the home. Homeowners should: + Destroy or dispose of tin cans, old tires, buckets and similar water-holding containers. + Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outside and cover trash containers to keep out rainwater. + Clean clogged roof gutters on an annual basis. + Change water every week in birdbaths and wading pools. + Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. + Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. + Check for trapped water in plastic or canvas tarps and arrange them so they drain properly. + Clean animal troughs weekly. + Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days.
Since mosquitoes are known to carry diseases such as West Nile virus, canine heartworm and viral encephalitis, every preventative measure is important. With a little extra effort, summertime in the backyard can be an even more enjoyable experience.
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