For Release June 20, 2004

Mosquito Control Options

AGRI-VIEWS
by Chuck Otte, Geary County Extension Agent

One nice thing about hot dry weather is that we have far fewer mosquitoes and mosquito related problems. But now it rained, we have standing water and since mosquitoes have a 7 to 10 day life cycle, we can expect a huge hatch of mosquitoes in just a few more days. Mosquitoes used to be nothing more than a nuisance. Mosquito borne illnesses happened in Kansas, but were quite rare. But, with the arrival of West Nile Virus a few years ago there is a heightened level of concern for human health and rightfully so!

There are no quick and easy solutions for dealing with mosquitoes. Devices that sound too good to be true, usually are. Trying to control adult mosquitoes is far less successful than eliminating breeding places for mosquitoes. So the first thing you do is inspect your property looking for anything or any place that will hold water for a week or more.

Look in rain gutters for low spots. Check pet water dishes, bird baths or saucers under potted plants. Remember, during the summer, the normal life cycle is 7 to 10 days so make sure that water doesn't stand for that long. Once ever 5 days or so, make sure you clean out bird baths and pet watering dishes. Make sure that low areas that hold water drain and are empty within a week. For larger bodies of water there are very good biological control compounds. Check local garden supply stores or visit with me for sources. Deep bodies of water with wave action will note be a problem. Shallow water with emerged vegetation are more likely to be the source of mosquito larvae.

Personal protection is the next step to reducing your risk of mosquito bites. Avoid being outdoors in high risk times, namely early morning and evening. If you are outside wear long sleeves and long pants to reduce bare skin. Then use an insect repellent product containing DEET. Products containing 25% to 35% active ingredient will be the most effective. Higher concentration products do not work better. Use lower concentration products on children. Always read and follow label directions. Do not apply more frequently than recommended and wash all treated skin upon returning indoors. There are also clothing treatments containing permethrin that are very effective.

Spraying or fogging large areas to control adults is not effective. Most adults rest on the underside of leaves of weeds, shrubs and trees and few insecticides will ever reach these areas. Ultrasonic devices are also very ineffective. There is no scientific evidence that these devices work. Likewise, most of the plants that are advertised to repel mosquitoes, don't. In fact mosquitoes are commonly found resting on the undersides of the leaves of these plants. In tests, people spending time outdoors were bitten more often when these plants were present.

The ultraviolet light traps, or bug zappers, are commonly used for mosquito control. While the ultraviolet light will attract mosquitoes, the electrified grid is too large to effectively zap the mosquitoes. So these are also pretty useless! And finally the mosquito magnet type products. These produce and release carbon dioxide which attracts the mosquitoes which are then sucked into a vacuum and deposited into a bag. While carbon dioxide is an effective bait, the problem in Kansas is that the wind tends to disrupt the ability to attract and trap the mosquitoes. I wouldn't spend the money on one of these expensive devices.

So there are no magic potions, sprays or devices. Try to control mosquito breeding locations, use personal protection through clothing and repellents and if bitten and you start feeling sick in a few days, get to the doctor right away! Now get out there and enjoy the summer!

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