Mosquitoes and West Nile

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.

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Mosquito Prevention

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.

Mosquito Control

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.

What Does Not Work on Mosquitoes?

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.