Backyard Bites
By David Carson
David Carson is an area manager for Helena Chemical Company. He manages Helena's turf, ornamental, pest control and vegetation management business in the central United Sates from MN to TX. He has over 20 years experience in the pest control industry. David lives in Dallas, TX.
Savory aromas are emanating from the grill, and we’re all thinking that some delectable bite will be coming off the fire momentarily, when a ”bite” of a different sort brings us to the realization that mosquito time has arrived. Along with the arrival of this spring season has come another concern, that being the viruses that mosquitoes often carry. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), the Aedes aegyptis mosquito is one of the more likely carriers to spread viruses such as zika, dengue, and chikungunya. Often, this particular mosquito stays within a 150 yard flight area, and is primarily a “day biter” with most of its active time spent from dawn to dusk. Professional companies that do outdoor service should take this under consideration as they determine the needs of their customers.
Assessment of the area around the home should focus on determining places of standing water, and likely harborage areas. Cool, damp, dark places are the primary choice of mosquitoes. Items to check could include drains, birdbaths, clogged gutters, plant containers, pet bowls, flat roofs, wading pools, anyplace that water might collect. Eliminating standing water is the first line of defense. Likely harborage areas might include hedges, under a deck, eaves of the house, flower beds, or other places where it is darker or cooler.
Treatments include larvacides, adulticides, and chemical barriers. The primary larvacides include Methoprene IGR and BTI or Bacillus thurengensis israelisis. Adulticides include actives such as pyrethrum, pyrethroids, and various other active ingredients. Application of adulticides can be made by foggers, conventional sprayers, backpacks, and misting systems and blowers.
For more information about mosquito control contact your closest Helena location.