Just as sure as the days become longer in spring,
Georgians can count on the annoying buzz and bites of
mosquitos.
Keeping mosquito populations under control is not only
important for comfort, it’s important for your health, too.
Mosquitos in Georgia are known to cause heartworms in
dogs and carry several forms of encephalitis to humans and
livestock. Georgia’s dry weather may help the situation. The most
recent potential threat, West Nile virus, can be deadly to some
people.
Dry Weather
Helps
Georgians are getting only a little break from the
weather.
“Drought conditions do affect mosquito populations, as
fewer breeding sites are available,” said Beverly Sparks, an
Extension Service entomologist with the University of Georgia
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
“However,” Sparks said, “drought doesn’t eliminate
mosquito problems. Breeding sites are found in wading pools, bird
baths, flower pot saucers and other sites.”
It’s still important to control mosquitos to keep
populations down.
“Mosquito control hinges on treating or eliminating
breeding sites,” Sparks said. “Breeding sites created by people
in clogged gutters, pots, old tires or any container that holds
water should be eliminated. Other breeding sites like ponds,
lakes and wetlands should be treated.”
Control At Home
Many Georgia municipalities have mosquito-control
spraying programs. But you can do some things yourself to keep
populations down at home, Sparks said.
water, and get rid of trash. Even a drink can or a plastic
wrapper can be a breeding ground for mosquitos.
water.
for playground equipment to allow them to drain.
may collect water in pockets or indentions.
handheld products, can kill mosquitos.
breeding down. In shallow edges where the fish and waves can’t
reach, use a donut-shaped Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
product.
“Bt products would work in bird baths, but the dosage
would be too high,” Sparks warned. “The best way to control
mosquitos in bird baths is to change the water and rinse the bird
bath every week.”
Reliable Repellants
Besides developing good mosquito-control habits,
Georgians should be careful to use mosquito repellants.
“Those containing DEET are the most effective,” said UGA
Extension entomologist Elmer Gray. “Repellants with 10 percent to
35 percent DEET are effective for most mosquito populations. For
children, don’t exceed 10 percent. Rub it on your hands first,
then apply it to the child’s skin.”
Repellants with higher DEET concentrations can be used by
adults only in areas that have larger mosquito populations or
where there will be long intervals between applications.
