Commentary
Let’s get growing
Q: What information can you provide regarding mosquito control in the home yard and property? — J. F. Lebanon.
A: Spring rainfall has been well above normal. Mosquito populations vary each year with the amount of stagnant standing water.
Boone County Rainfall
Source: National Weather Service, CoCoRaHS Station, 4.4 miles WSW of Lebanon
2009 Rainfall Total
Normal Indy Rainfall
April, 6.5” April 3.6”
May, 6.1” May 4.4”
Mosquito larvae, or “wigglers,” require some form of moisture to survive. Even temporary standing water will serve the purpose. Stagnate pools of water in ditches is an obvious mosquito generator. Less obvious are clogged gutters, tire swings, potted plant trays, outdoor toys, etc.
A number of larvacidal products are available for controlling mosquitoes where pools of water are part of the landscape. The products are based on two naturally occurring bacteria: either Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) (e.g. Vectobac, Aquabac, Mosquito Dunks, etc.), or B. spaericus (e.g. VectoLex). These products can be highly effective; however, users must read and follow label directions for maximum effect.
The search continues for the most fool-proof, ever-lasting method to fend off mosquitoes, but there is still no miraculous answer. Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide exhaled by large animals (e.g. people). Dark clothing as well as certain floral scents in lotions and soaps also serve as “eat here” signs to mosquitoes.
Insect repellents may provide some relief from mosquito bites. Products containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) (e.g. Deep Woods Off!, Repel Sportsman Max, Backwoods Cutter, etc.) have long been effectively used to repel mosquitoes.
In recent years, two new compounds have been added to the repellent arsenal, according to the Ohio State University, Buckeye Yard & Garden Line. Picaridin (e.g. Cutter Advanced) and oil of lemon eucalyptus (e.g. Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, Repel Lemon Eucalyptus, etc.) are now widely available. Remember that insect repellents are not fool-proof or ever-lasting; however, they can provide some protection and relief from the buzzing blood-suckers.
For more information on mosquito management, see the Purdue publication Mosquitoes in and Around the Home http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-26.pdf or Ohio State University Extension Bulletin 641 Mosquito Pest Management on the web at: http://ohioline.osu.edu/b641/index.html.
Doug Akers is an Extension Educator for the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, Agriculture & Natural Resources department. He can be reached at (765) 482-0750.
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