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Mosquitoes have always been pesty visitors when it comes
to summer enjoyment, but because of the West Nile virus,
it has become critical that we do whatever we can to
reduce the number of mosquitoes paying visits to our yards.
Paradox Productions has come up with a list of strategies
to minimize the attack of the mosquitoes this summer. Most
are based on reducing the number of mosquitoes or reducing
the desire of the mosquito to attack your tasty family members.
First, get your home and garden mosquito-proof:
- Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes
cannot get indoors.
- Reduce or eliminate standing water around your home, even in
very small amounts. This includes flower pots, gardening cans,
wheelbarrows, puddles, old tires, tin cans, tires, buckets, and
open trash cans. Change water in a birdbath every week. For
water you plan to keep, try mosquito dunks or rings. http://paradoxpro.com/mosquitos.html
- Keep gutters clear of debris.
- Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around your home.
- Eliminate ruts and holes that cause puddles in your yard.
- Consider the new electronic mosquito repellers, which are
available in handy keychain size or tabletop versions.
http://paradoxpro.com/mosquitos.html
- There are also traps available for mosquitos, which are
helpful in keeping the pests away from humans.
- Nets are available to place on your door to keep mosquitoes
from coming in your home in the summer. Just attach the net
to your doorway. http://paradoxpro.com/mosquitos.html
Second, protect the people who live in your home:
- As much as possible, stay indoors between dusk and dawn,
which is peak mosquito biting time. Avoid activities in
areas where mosquitoes are plentiful.
- Wear light colored clothing in the summer, which attracts
less mosquitoes than darker clothing.
- Consider wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves,
long pants and socks while outdoors, especially when walking
in wooded areas.
- Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. An
effective repellent will contain 25% to 35% DEET. DEET in
high concentrations (greater than 35%) provides no additional
protection. Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so
avoid applying repellent to the hands of children.
- Consider using mosquito netting in areas your family uses often.
Illnesses related to mosquito bites are rare. However, a
person should see a doctor immediately if they develop symptoms
such as high fever, confusion, neck pain, muscle weakness or
severe headaches. Patients with mild symptoms are likely to
recover completely and do not require any specific medication
or laboratory testing.
What's New in the Battle over the Mosquito?
- Recent studies have shown that catnip oil is actually several
times more effective than most mosquito repellants, although it
is not safe to apply it directly to the skin.
- If you have a pond, birdbath or other water feature on your
property, try Mosquito Control Rings containing Bt 'Israelensis,'
a naturally occurring bacterium that kills mosquito larvae. They
can be used in ponds, water barrels, birdbaths and water gardens
-everywhere the insects breed. http://paradoxpro.com/mosquitos.html
These simple techniques can reduce the nagging mosquito problem,
at least in own your backyard.
About The Author: Copyright Paradox Productions, Inc.
Subscribe at no charge to Home Style News, the email newsletter for homeowners. You'll get tips on home decor, home improvement, gardening, moving, and home buying and selling. Get the maximum return on your house, and the most enjoyment! Award winning newsletter editor. http://www.paradoxpro.com/ezine.html
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