MOSQUITOS AND THEIR NATURAL CONTROL Mosquitoes, those annoying, whining, biting insects, are high on the list of important pests due to their ability to transmit diseases such as malaria and encephalitis. While human malaria is not an issue in most of the United States, there are occasional out breaks of encephalitis. West Nile Virus is a mosquito transmitted encephalitis, primarily a virus of birds, but other animals and people are occasional hosts. You can find the most recent information on West Nile Virus at the Center for Disease Control website . Adult mosquitoes feed on flower nectar. Soon after mating male mosquitoes die and the females require a blood meal for protein for their developing eggs. Some feed during daylight hours, others at dusk and dawn. They will be found near water, as moisture is essential for their reproduction. Mosquito eggs and larvae grow in water while the adults are terrestrial. Eggs can be laid on land, but cannot hatch or mature until flooded. The most effective, long term mosquito control is to prevent reproduction by altering their habitat. HABITAT CONTROL CHECKLIST: •Drain puddles of standing water, or fill with dirt. •Empty containers that collect water and store them upside down. •Check faucets and irrigation for leaks or seepage. •Remove debris from gutters. •Change water in birdbaths at least weekly. •Drain water from plastic pools when not in use. •Check pool and spa covers, as well as sheets of discarded plastic film. These catch water easily, shield against evaporation and even help moisture condense, providing superb breeding sites. •Stock watering troughs and ornamental pools with fish and encourage natural predators such as frogs. •Regularly remove floating debris from ponds and reservoirs to reduce egg-laying sites. •Fill tree holes with sand or mortar. •Promote drainage of old tires by drilling holes. •Avoid overwatering of lawns and gardens and drain standing water. •Manage weeds around bodies of water where adult mosquitoes congregate. •Encourage natural predators such as birds, bats, and yellowjackets(!). •Treat standing water which cannot be drained with Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis (Bti), often sold as 'Mosquito Dunks'. PROTECTION FROM BITING MOSQUITOES: •Limit outdoor activities during mosquito active dawn and dusk. Learn the activity patterns in your area. •Use window and door screens. •Put mosquito netting over infant carriages or strollers. •Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. •Use repellents on exposed areas of skin. NATURAL REPELLENTS: Duration of Safe Protection: It appears that protection is about two hours for mosquito repellents that contain 10% essential oils. Catnip oil may be more effective than DEET, although not as long lasting, and citronella, catnip, lavender, and others are also effective. From: Joel R Coats, Entomology, Iowa St. U.,: "The essential oils may not provide as long of a residual protection, but they can repel for two hours - so there would be trade-offs for people preferring the natural oil, or that don't plan to stay out for 6 hours, or don't mind reapplying it every couple of hours, or prefer using it on kids." Citronella candles and incense work best if there is relatively little air movement, but are otherwise useless. Research shows many products, such as wrist bands and pins with repellent, ultrasonic & electronic repellers, brewer's yeast, vitamin B1, and mosquito plant, to be of little or no value, although some people swear by them. Try our effective all-natural Skeeter Skatter. Tip for natural oil based repellents - it only takes a little. If you get all oily it doesn't work any better. Put on a little and spread it around evenly, the residue left on your hands should be enough for your face and neck. Your county Agriculture agent will have more information and tips that are specific to your local. Contact them for further assistance. References: U.C. Pest Management Guidelines, 1998, B. Eldrige, U.C. Davis Pest Management for Prevention & Control of Mosquitoes, 2003, Washington State University Natural Mosquito Repellents - what works and what doesn't, University of Gaelph, Ontario, Canada Catnip Study, 2001, Coats, Ness, & Simbro, Iowa State Univ. For more information about insect control, here is a site worth checking out: www.Zappests.com Questions? Contact us anytime through the e-mail button or call 707.777.1920 from 9-5 Pacific Time, Monday through Thursday. Rated a ** ** store. Return to top of page.