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 “Humans are mosquito magnets,” says University of Illinois
Extension educator Chris Enroth. “Not only are forgotten plastic
kiddie pools in the backyard good for mosquito breeding, we also
attract mosquitoes simply by being living, breathing mammals.”
Personal protection
What makes one person more attractive to mosquitoes than others?
Enroth says mosquitoes can’t resist the following:
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Carbon dioxide: “Yes, every time you exhale, you draw those
pesky little blood-suckers closer,” Enroth says.
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Lactic acid: Humans produce lactic acid on our skin. Some
produce more than others.
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High skin temperature
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Colognes and perfumes
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Dark-colored clothing
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Warm days with low winds. “Mosquitoes are pretty lousy
fliers, so cool days with high winds (over 10 mph) reduce
their activity. Placing a fan facing an outdoor seating area
will keep them at bay,” Enroth says.
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Studies have also indicated that some people are just more
desirable than others. Due to the complexity of factors that
can play into this, researchers are unsure why exactly this
is.
The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends DEET as the
most effective chemical to use to combat mosquitoes. Look for
sprays with DEET at 40% or higher for an effective, long-lasting
repellants Be sure to re-apply every 4-6 hours. DEET confuses
the mosquito and blocks the females’ ability to detect carbon
dioxide, heat, moisture, and human sweat.
Avoidance is only part of the strategy. Controlling mosquito
populations though habitat reduction and backyard treatments is
another strategy to minimize bites.
Breeding sites
“Only female mosquitoes bite,” Enroth says. This is because they
need a blood meal (protein) for reproduction. Once she has fed,
the female will search out a favorable site to lay her eggs.
Anything that holds stagnant water is her target. Preventing her
offspring from developing into adult mosquitoes is the most
effective control.
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Enroth suggests the following strategies to eliminate breeding
sites:
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Remove any object on your property that may hold water. For
example, tin cans, toys, flower pot saucers, stagnant pools, and
the notorious old tire in the backyard.
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Change water in birdbaths weekly
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Stock garden ponds with top-feeding minnows
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Make sure covers are tight and free of holes over grills,
cisterns, rain barrels, or anywhere water is stored
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Clean your gutters. This is often the unseen area for mosquito
development. Enroth recommends cleaning out gutters in the fall
and spring.
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If
you can’t remove the standing water, Enroth recommends treating
it with Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis). Bti only
targets the larva of mosquitoes and a few species of fly.
Controlling adult mosquitoes
“Avoid using bug zappers to control flying adults,” Enroth says.
“About 90% of insects killed with bug zappers are not
mosquitoes. In fact several are beneficial insects like the
brown lacewing.”
Mosquito foggers work for only a short period of time and are
well-suited to being used prior to an outdoor event.
Community-wide control programs work best. “Everyone has a role
to play in minimizing mosquito population,” Enroth says.
To prevent getting bitten by female mosquitoes and to minimize
the spread of West Nile Virus, Illinoisians should follow the
recommendations above for reducing habitat and personal
protection.
[News Source: Chris Enroth,
Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension ] |
