It is looking to be a banner year for mosquitoes. The heavy rains we've had this spring along with the rapid jump into 90+ degree days creates perfect conditions for them to thrive. While you more then likely have encountered some mosquitoes in May... they are about to get thick.
There are some modest precautions you can take (avoid dark colored clothing, limit outside activities during evening/early morning hours when they are most active, wear long pants and sleeved shirts when necessary).he choices for treatments to significantly reduce mosquito infestations on your property really comes down to applying copious quantities of repellant or initiating a mosquito control program.
If you want kill the little blood suckers, fight the urge to try to kill them all. Look for a program that embraces the precepts of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) rather than an total eradication program. The most sensible thing environmentally is to employ multiple strategies that seek to reduce the population to acceptable levels. Eliminate breeding sites and safe resting sites (after a blood meal, the female mosquito will find the closest shaded spot to rest) wherever possible in addition to timely, thorough but limited insecticide applications.
If the contractor you're talking to sprays 8+ times per year and guarantees zero mosquitoes (or they'll spray even more), you should keep looking. Not sure where to start? Try our Bio Green Mosquito Control Programs page!
Author: Dave Schrader, the NOVA Lawn Guru
Author: Dave Schrader, the NOVA Lawn Guru
