Purdue Extension Service

Vanderburgh County, Indiana

Mosquitoes Make Many Miserable

By Larry Caplan, Extension Horticulture Educator, Vanderburgh County, IN

For the Evansville Courier and Press, June 13, 2008

The rain we had earlier this spring, as well as the recent storms and flooding in much of the area, give us the potential for a major mosquito problem this summer.

Mosquitoes need water to reproduce. Common breeding places are flood waters, woodland pools, ditches, and around the edges of lakes. Mosquitoes may also develop in tree cavities, rain barrels, fish ponds, bird baths, old tires, tin cans, guttering, sewers and catch basins - in other words, anything that holds water.

Besides causing itchy bites, mosquitoes cause concern because they can spread diseases. Several virus diseases, including West Nile Virus, are commonly spread by mosquitoes in the Midwest. Mosquitoes can also spread heartworm to dogs and cats.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes, reduce outdoor activities during peak biting times (dusk and dawn), or stay within tightly screened porches. Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts to help deter biting. Dark colored clothing attracts mosquitoes, so wear light-colored clothing.

the next defense is to use effective repellents. At present, those that have been proven most effective for the longest duration are repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide). They come in many varieties and have different concentrations of DEET. In general, those containing 20-30% of the active ingredient are extremely effective and long lasting (over 6 hours with one application). Products containing higher concentrations are not substantially more effective, can actually damage plastic materials (e.g. watch bands) and are not recommended for use on bare skin or for small children. Those products with lower concentrations are not as effective for the same duration and may need to be re-applied; however, they are more appropriate for children. DEET is not recommended for use on infants.

Area repellents, such as citronella candles, may offer limited protection to the people clustered around it; however, everyone else on the property will not be protected. Wind movement may reduce their effectiveness even more. Most mosquito traps have not been proven to be effective.

The most important way to control mosquitoes is to remove all sources of standing water from your property. Dispose of tires, buckets, and other water-catching objects. Clean your gutters, so that there is no standing water in them. Empty and clean bird baths and wading pools at least once a week. If you have an ornamental fish pond, stock it with top-feeding minnows. Since mosquitoes are good fliers, be sure to show this information to your neighbors, otherwise you will get their mosquitoes!

For more information on mosquito control, contact the Purdue Extension Service at (812) 435-5287.