Mosquitoes

There are numerous enjoyable and fun activities we anticipate during the summer- vacations, staycations, picnics, ball games, barbecues, swimming, and on and on. Insects of many kinds are annoying and just as prevalent as all of our outdoor summer busyness. One bug in particular has made global headlines, the mosquito.

The Zika virus is a serious health threat, and it is carried by the Aedes mosquito, but this insect does not like our climate because it is too cold here. The virus can be caught if you travel to warmer climates and bitten by the Aedes mosquito. While the chances of getting sick from this disease are low, mosquitoes in our area can be much more than a nuisance.

We know that mosquitoes transmit various diseases in North America and throughout the world, such as malaria, yellow fever, typhus, dengue, filariasis or encephalitis. Depending on the species of mosquito, they may transmit pathogens from human to human, animal to animal, animal to human or human to animal. Mosquitoes carry Dirofilaria immitis, also known as the heartworm and a very dangerous health threat to dogs

The life cycle of a mosquito ranges on ten days to two weeks. After biting and consuming the host’s blood, a female can lay 100 to 400 eggs. Mosquitoes develop in slow-moving or stagnant water. Places where mosquitoes grow and develop are commonly referred to as "breeding sites." And a homeowner can have these around the yard unknowingly.

Here are some tips to control mosquitoes:
Breeding Site Elimination
The most effective method of mosquito control around the home is to prevent the larvae and pupae from developing. This can be done by eliminating or altering existing breeding sites. 
•Destroy or dispose of tin cans, old tires or any other unnecessary water containers.
•Change the water in birdbaths and wading pools once or twice a week. Turn wading pools upside down when not in use.
•Keep rain gutters unclogged and flat roofs dry.
•Drain and fill stagnant pools, puddles, ditches or swampy places around the home.
•Keep the margins of small ponds clear of vegetation.
•Place tight covers over rain barrels

Repellents
Repellents are useful in protecting against mosquito bites. Available under various trade names, most contain the active ingredient diethyl toluamide (DEET). Repellents provide protection for up to five hours, depending on amount of perspiration, skin rubbing, temperature, and abundance of mosquitoes. Protection is rarely 100 percent when one is exposed to a heavy mosquito population. Application should be made to clothing and to exposed skin areas but, not around the eyes, nose or lips. Follow carefully all directions on the label.

Other Management Controls
If standing water cannot be eliminated, there are treatments available at garden centers such as Bt, but please read and follow directions as intended for mosquito control. Cut weeds and tall grassy areas near your home to help reduce mosquitoes harborage areas. Leave yard lights off when possible to avoid attracting them unnecessarily. You can also try less attractive lights like sodium lights as fluorescent or incandescent lights are more attractive to mosquitoes. Make sure that window and door screens fit properly. Repair or replace any screens with holes or tears. And check with your veterinarian to ensure your pets are protected too.

For more information on this summer pest, the Penn State Master Gardeners in Lackawanna County have the free publication “Mosquito Biology and Control.” Contact us 570-963-6842 or LackawnnaMG@psu.edu for a copy.

Steve Ward
Master Gardener Coordinator
Penn State Extension  Lackawanna County