Garden Center Links
Protect Your Family from Mosquitoes
The best protection against mosquitoes is to control their population growth. Mosquitoes need a source of water to lay their eggs, and in summer, their larvae can hatch in as little as a week. Check your yard and surrounding areas for the places where they’re likely to find water.
Outdoor fountains and birdbaths should have their water replaced at least twice a week. For water gardens, try a product that kills larvae before they become adults. In addition, there are species of fish that will eat mosquito larvae that can be added into your water garden.
Rain barrels are designed to keep mosquitoes out, but an extra layer of protection can be adding by using the larva-killer mentioned in the link above. Spare tires are like resort areas for breeding mosquitoes. They should be stored so they cannot fill with water. If you have a tire swing, put a drainage hole in the bottom so it will drain. Keep your homes gutters and downspouts cleaned, as leaves and debris form pools that harbor breeding. Air conditioning units can form puddles from condensation, make sure they are not creating puddles of standing water.
Plastic tarps often hold craters of water, so make sure that they're not collecting puddles after a rainfall. Store your wheelbarrows, wading pools, boats, tubs, garbage cans and empty planters upside down when not in use. If your yard has low-lying areas, make sure that leaves and debris does not gather there to create a stagnant, wet breeding area. Drain the water out of dishes under flowerpots every few days, and keep recycling and trash containers tightly covered.
To protect yourself and your family from bites, which may lead to diseases such West Nile Virus or Encephalitis, the Wisconsin department of health recommends the following:
- Use effective mosquito repellant and apply per label instructions.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes. Wear light or neutral colored clothing, avoid dark colors and bright colors.
- Mosquitoes and ticks can penetrate thin clothing, spray clothes with Permethrin to kill on contact, many Permethrin sprays will last several washes and can be used on all materials such as tents, gear, backpacks and more. Do not spray permethrin products directly on skin and let dry on materials before you put them on.
- For protection against mosquitos the CDC recommends a repellent with one of the following active ingredients: Deet, Picardin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and IR3535. Deet, Picardin and IR3535 active ingredients can be used on children over the age of 2 months, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus should not be used on children 3 years or younger.
- Avoid being outside during times of high activity, specifically around dawn and dusk.
- Keep window screens repaired so that mosquitoes cannot enter your home.
- Do not keep areas of standing water on your property.
According to the Wisconsin and Minnesota Department of Health Websites, the Aedes species of mosquitoes that can transmit Zika virus is not yet found in these states. However several people in the US have caught the virus from traveling. Read about it: here and here.
Remember that dogs can contract heartworm when bitten by an infected mosquito, so be sure to visit your vet every spring for a heartworm preventative. To protect your family, Fleet Farm carries several brands of insect repellants, including Deep Woods Off for maximum protection. For outdoor picnics and relaxing on the patio, try a citronella candle or burn a mosquito-repelling coil.
If you would like to try a more natural approach to repellents, lemon eucalyptus essential has proven to be very effective. Fleet Farm also carries several other natural alternative products featuring Geranoil, Citronella, Mint Oil, Lemongrass and Garlic. These products however are only alternatives are not recommended by the CDC.
By placing electric fans, set on high, blowing toward you outdoors on the patio, you can help keep mosquitoes from coming your way. They do not fly well in strong wind, and the breeze dispels the carbon dioxide that attracts the mosquitoes to you. Be sure the fans are blowing on your feet as well as your head, to avoid bites on your whole body.
Thermacell offers a full line of repellent items, including this lantern that's ideal for camping. Thermacell appliances and lanterns work best in stationary areas with minimal wind as they disperse a 15' x 15' area of protection around you.
Enjoy a safe and happy summer!
