With the recent scare of the West Nile Virus making its way into the news again, you may be more worried about keeping mosquitoes away from your family.  There are some easy ways you can reduce the overall number of mosquitoes being born around you.  There are also some new ways to kill mosquitoes and keep them out of your yard.

Mosquitoes lay about 250 eggs each and all they need is some still water and two weeks for them to hatch.  While only the females bite humans, they are responsible for around 5 bites a day each.

Remove Anything with an Open Top
Anything that allows water to accumulate and stand still is a safe harbor for mosquito eggs.  This includes buckets, children's toys, old soda cans, tops of lawn equipment with equipment holders, etc.

Level Out Low Spots in your Yard
Areas in your yard that hold water for more than two weeks should be leveled out for other reasons as well, but one more to add to that list is to keep mosquitoes from laying more eggs.

Keep Gutters Clear
Gutters with debris can cause standing water, allowing more mosquitoes.

Install Insect Screens
Installing an insect screen around your favorite areas outside is a great way to keep mosquitoes and other insects out.

Undoubtedly, no matter the steps you take to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your yard, it is likely they will still show up.  This could be due to them flying in from neighbors yards or vacant lots.  So here are some of the best control methods out.

Mosquito Misting Systems
This is a device set up at your home that will spray fine mist containing permethrin.

Mosquito Repellents
Mosquito repellents are a great choice to keep mosquitoes at bay.  Mosquito repellents should contain either DEET, Picaridian or oil of lemon eucalyptus to be effective.  Be sure to reapply according to the package.  Also, you must reapply after sweating or getting wet.

Mosquito Dunks
These are usually tablets labeled to be placed in standing water to kill mosquito larvae.  If you have an area that retains water and you cannot regularly dump it, this is a great option.

Mosquito Magnets
These devices imitate human breathing, which is what attracts mosquitoes.  Unfortunately this also attracts about 10 times as many mosquitoes to your yard as you would normally have.  When the mosquito gets close enough, it is trapped in a net and dies.  While this does work, you will still attract mosquitoes when you are outside breathing as well.  These products run off of propane and will have to be restocked regularly.

Mosquito Inhibitors
These are products that mess with the mosquito's sensory system and makes it hard for them to find you.  This may be smoke or an oil such as cedar oil.  While these do have work, they should be used in conjunction with another control method for the best results.

Bug Zappers
These may kill a small number of mosquitoes, but they really just attract and kill other insects that wouldn't bother you.  Your money would be better spent on something else.

Ultrasonic Devices
These are supposed to keep mosquitoes away with sound.  They do not work well, if at all.

There are two types of homes in southern Louisiana: homes with previous termite damage and homes that will have termite damage.  The average termite colony can eat about 2.3 linear feet of wood per year.and sometimes go years without detection.  In the worst case scenario, if it is an average sized Formosa termite colony, it could eat that much in a week.

The unfortunate reality is termite infestations are inevitable without treatment.  If you do not currently have a termite contract on your home, even if you have never had termites before, you should make it a priority to secure one.

Following the advise below can reduce your exposure to termite infestation in your home.

Cellulose

1. Keep anything wooden at least half a foot off the ground.
2. Keep wooden mulch 6 inches below the top of your home's foundation.
3. Distance firewood piles from your home.
4. Remove tree stumps, limbs and dead trees from your yard.
5. Trim any limbs touching your home.
6. Keep crawl spaces well ventilated.  The moisture buildup can be enough for a termite colony to develop.

Moisture

1. Install drainage or have your yard drain any excess water away from your home's foundation.
2. If your home has gutters, make sure the water from them is diverted away from your foundation.
3. Keep irrigation from spraying on your home.
4. Plants should be about 4 feet away from your home.

Construction

1. For new construction  be sure to have a liquid termicide applied to any finished grade areas before the foundation is poured.  
2. Be sure to use termite resistant building material.
3. Recently there is a new stainless steel mesh that prevents termites access to the home.  It is being heavily used in Australia and  recently Hawaii.  Except to see it become more standard here in the future.
4. Any home expansion should be treated for termites.  The small gap between the original foundation and the new foundation is large enough for termites to enter your home.  Termites can enter through a 1/16" gap.
5. If you have had foundation issues, you will need to have a pest control professional inspect the cracks and determine if treatment is necessary.

Unfortunately, home treatment is not really a viable option.  There are just too many areas that an untrained home owner may miss.  This would leave your home open to more damage.  If you are under contract with a pest control company, you should call them immediately.  If you are not under a termite contract, you will need to call a pest control company in your area as soon as possible.