Get smart about mosquitoes

BY KATHY VAN MULLEKOM

Daily Press

In Texas, October’s cooler temperatures often arrive with an unwelcome barrage of mosquitoes. Rainfall makes the difference.

Most southern climates are home to a dozen or more types of these pesky biters. Worldwide, there are 3,000 species of mosquitoes, with 176 recognized in the United States, according to the American Mosquito Control Association ( www.mosquito.org).

But, the Asian tiger, or Aedes albopictus, is the real concern.

“This mosquito breeds in containers of still water and is a daytime biter,” says Leah Aguilar, operations superintendent with mosquito control in coastal York County, Va. Noting that mosquitoes are best controlled in the larval stage, she says it’s important for homeowners to be cognizant of the importance of eliminating standing water — where mosquitoes easily breed — in their yards and neighborhoods.

Horticultural and pest-control experts also promote mosquito-repellent gardening, targeting small areas such as patios, and encouraging people to add plants that are shown to repel mosquitoes. Horsemint, for example, is a perennial that gives off a strong incenselike odor that confuses mosquitoes by masking the smell of its typical hosts. Its flowers also benefit bees and butterflies.

Other plants that deter mosquitoes include lavender, basil, rosemary, thyme, lemongrass, mums, ageratum, catnip, pennyroyal, marigolds, garlic, citronella, feverfew and pineapple weed.

Currently, Aguilar says researchers are creating samples of repellents using some of these plants, as well as studying American Indian ethnobotany to see how plants were used historically for natural pest control.

“And, we are participating in a study right now that is testing garlic bait for mosquito abatement,” she adds. “Treatments like this are currently being used overseas but not really in this country.”

Here are some mosquitoe-abatement strategies that help make time outdoors in the fall less about skin-swatting and scratching, and more about fun.

•  Clean drains: Ensure that drainage ways and ditches in and around your yard are clear of obstructions and draining. Grass in ditches should be regularly mowed and maintained. Do not kill all vegetation in ditches with herbicide; this will only create erosion and more problems for mosquitoes and your yard.

•  Beware of piles: Do not dump grass clippings or yard debris in and around your yard or in drainage areas. Piles of grass clippings are favorite hiding places for mosquitoes.

•  Eliminate all standing-water sources: Turn over buckets, wheelbarrows, toys, etc. to prevent standing water. Change bird bath and nonfiltered pool water weekly or treat with biological control, such as Bti larvacide (A popular brand is Mosquito Dunks). Shake out any tarps weekly and cover and treat rain barrels with Bti larvacide, too.

•  Consider fish: Add mosquito larvae eating fish (Gambusia holbrooki) to ornamental ponds or depressions with permanent standing water.

•  Search out hidden water sources: Remove any old tires and dispose of them properly. Clear gutters regularly because obstructed gutters are a prime breeding location. If you have tubing connected to your rain gutter down spouts, ensure that the tubing is facing down so that water can flow out of it. These tubes, especially black ones, hold small amounts of water and are especially attractive to mosquitoes.

•  Learn about “repellant gardening:” Incorporate mosquito repellent plants into your landscaping and place mosquito repellent plants in pots around entrances or decks. Mosquito repellent gardening is most effective in small areas. You could also add species that attract mosquito predators, such as dragonflies.

•  Make your own oils: Combining essential oils from plants like citronella, lavender or lemon balm with a base such as witch hazel or olive oil is a great way to create natural mosquito repellents.

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/10/03/6169970/get-smart-about-mosquitoes.html#storylink=cpy