Two birds in metro Atlanta have already tested positive for West
Nile virus. The findings are reminding Georgians of the
importance of reducing mosquito breeding around our
homes.

You can often reduce your exposure to mosquitoes by getting rid
of standing water in your yard and neighborhood.

Mosquitoes must have water for their larvae and pupae to
develop. By emptying and removing containers that will hold water
(buckets, tires, tarps, boats, etc.), you can significantly
reduce the number of mosquitoes being produced on your
premises.

Gutters, Tree Holes

Mosquitoes can also develop in gutters that become clogged and
hold water. Change the water in birdbaths, wading pools and pet
dishes every 3-4 days. Fill or grade out puddles, ditches and
swampy areas so they don’t hold water long.

There are even mosquito species that develop in tree holes. So
fill tree holes with sand or mortar.

An important, but often forgotten, first barrier against
mosquitoes are the screens on doors and windows. It’s important
to properly maintain screens, considering the widespread
occurrence of West Nile virus in Georgia.

Screens should be made with 16- to 18-mesh wire. Screen doors
should open outwards and have automatic closing mechanisms.

Neat Landscape

Dense vegetation provides a shaded, protected, still area where
adult mosquitoes can rest during the day. So mow your yard
regularly, remove weeds and trim shrubbery as short as
possible.

If adult mosquito populations are unavoidable, use repellents.

Deet (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the most effective and
commonly used repellent in the country. Concentrations available
typically range from 10 percent to 100 percent.

The lower concentrations are usually effective for most
activities. If you’re exposed to especially high mosquito numbers
for extended times, the higher concentrations may be more
appropriate.

Careful With Children

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that repellents for
use on children up to 5 years old should contain no more than 10
percent deet. Apply the product to your own hands and then apply
it to the child. Don’t let children apply it to themselves.

Don’t treat the child’s face or hands, and wash off the areas you
do treat after the threat of mosquito bites diminishes. As with
all pesticides, it’s important to follow label instructions
closely.

If you have water you can’t remove that’s inhabited by mosquito
larvae, you have a few readily available choices.

Feed ’em Donuts

Most home and garden stores carry the biological control agent,
Bacillus thuringiensis var. israeliensis (Bti), in
mosquito dunks, donuts or briquettes. This is very effective, yet
safe to nontargets.

Another product is the highly refined alcohol-based,
monomolecular surface film product, Agnique (Adapco Inc.,
800-367-0659). This spreads across the water surface and prevents
the larvae and pupae from breathing.

If adults are present and you want a temporary reprieve, you
still have choices. Aerosols can be used in isolated sites, and
propane or electric foggers have been reported to be very
effective.

Barrier Bushes

You can also use barrier treatments with either permethrin or
malathion. In this case, treat the vegetation surrounding the
area to be protected. This targets the resting mosquitoes and
those that land on the treated vegetation.

Most mosquitoes can easily fly 300 to 500 feet, and many can fly
much farther in search of a blood meal. So homeowners often have
nuisance levels of mosquitoes that come from off their
property.

When this happens, it’s wise, helpful and courteous to help
elderly neighbors keep their yards free from mosquito breeding
and resting places.