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Garden Column for the Salisbury Post Darrell Blackwelder August 4, 2005
With approximately 5 inches of rain we've experienced last week will undoubtedly trigger a spike in mosquito activity in the ensuing weeks. Entomologist at NC State University predicts that populations of Asian tiger mosquito are likely to rise significantly in about 7-10 days. Now is the time for homeowners to take steps to reduce populations by eliminating breeding sites around their property. Containers that fill with water should be discarded or at least emptied. Bird baths should be dumped and replenished on a regular basis. It’s also a good time to get out the ladder and clean out debris-clogged gutters. Surveys of residences indicate that the dishes under potted plants and the tarps over wood piles, boats, etc. are major sources of mosquito production because they often get overlooked. Potted plants need extra water during the heat of the summer but don't leave standing water in the dish beneath the pot. Also, storm sewers and drainage ditches along roadsides often become clogged with silt, vegetation, as well as trash on roadways. Remove debris and/or report drainage problems to the appropriate state or municipal agency. Several have inquired about the widely advertised home spray systems for mosquito control. Unfortunately, there has been no scientifically-based available on how effective these misting systems are in reducing mosquito biting activity. However it is very important to understand that they are dispersing an insecticide (pyrethrum) into the air around their house and it should not be done when people, particularly children and the elderly are in the vicinity or when food is exposed on tables, grills, etc. Also, on windy days, the mist is likely to drift downwind also limiting its impact on mosquitoes in the vicinity.
Available also are hi-tech insect terminators, powered by propane, generates heat, moisture and carbon dioxide to a device that kills the insects. These will kill insects but again there is no research to substantiate its claims. Researchers still stress the need for personal protection. DEET remains the most commonly used repellent although the EPA recently approved some new alternative chemicals. You can read an earlier press release from the CDC concerning these repellents: http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r050428.htm Repellents should be used diligently and carefully, particularly on children. They should be applied only to exposed skin and/or clothing. You can read more about mosquito control and repellents on the NC State University website: http://insects.ncsu.edu/Urban/westnile.htm Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. For archived garden columns or other information, visit the Rowan County Master Gardener web site at www.rowanmastergardener.com , e-mail Darrell_Blackwelder@ncsu.edu
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