Managing Mosquitoes - National Mosquito Control Awareness Week

Don’t let mosquitoes keep you from enjoying your garden and outdoor parties. Look for environmentally sound ways to manage these pests in your garden and landscape.

Here are a few suggestions from the American Mosquito Control Association. Drain water that collects in kids’ toys, old tires, tarps and pool covers. Even small containers contain enough water for hundreds to thousands of mosquitoes to breed.

Change the water in birdbaths at least once a week. Consider a small pump to keep water moving to prevent mosquito breeding. Or use Mosquito Dunks and Bits, an organic mosquito control, in rain barrels and water features. They are safe for pets, wildlife and children.

Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing. These pests are less attracted to the lighter colors and can’t readily reach your skin through loose clothing. And cover as much of your skin as possible with long sleeves and pants.

A bit more information: National Mosquito Control Awareness Week is sponsored by the American Mosquito Control Association. The goal of this international organization of public health professionals is to promote environmentally sound mosquito control to help preserve the public’s health. For more ideas for taking the bite out of mosquitoes visit mosquito.org.