I don't really need anything to remind me of the mosquitos out there in the garden. My arms and legs are usually covered with bites. I sometimes try to get into the ultimate nature lover mode and just think to myself that mosquitoes need to eat too, and if they were just an annoying itch, I could probably tolerate them.
But since West Nile Virus and other diseases can be spread through the bite of a mosquito, its important for all of us to take these annoying little pests seriously.
Local county programs such as the Fairfax County Health Department’s Disease Carrying Insects Program want to remind everyone to take mosquitoes seriously. They provide educational materials through their “Fight the Bite” campaign on their website.
For personal residences, the best way to eliminate mosquitoes is to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home.
More resources: Mosquito and West Nile Virus Information, City of Rockville.
Thanks for this timely post. While I know emptying stagnant water is the best way to prevent mosquitos from hatching, for those already here are there some organic repelents that you recommend for wide-spread yard application? Also, for ticks? We have noticed a number of ticks on our cat that goes out only on occassion in our yard. We have seen this garlic oil -based repelent for ticks (and mosquitos, fleas, I think), but does this really work? Any other suggestions?
ReplyDeletethanks!