The beginning of June ’08 brought much rain and flooding to the Lake country area.
Shortly after the rain ceased an incredible number of mosquito based articles arose. Some said there was a possibility of a reduced amount of the little varmints due to the flooding and moving water washing the eggs away. This maybe so, but as we have experienced, plenty have remained and have hatched in the many remaining areas of high water.
I didn’t want to write a "mosquito article"; however, since there is NO outdoor activity right now, day or night that is not affected by this, I didn’t have much of a choice. So what I will attempt here is to draw upon all of these articles as well as information from other printed material to provide you with my own compilation of "skeeter beater" advice.
NOTE: SOME OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MAY OR MAY NOT WORK FOR ALL PEOPLE. These are only some suggestions I have found. Use them at your own discretion.
Mosquito eggs take 10 to 14 days to hatch and the result usually lasts from 3 to 4 weeks. In addition adults can travel 15 to 20 miles from where they breed.
In good breeding habitat, up to 100 mosquitoes can emerge per square foot of water per day.
An adult mosquito may live from 10 days to a month or more.
Mosquitoes are drawn to what they are going to feast on by carbon dioxide, warm humid air, (from breathing or sweating) and lactic acid. (A by-product of metabolism released through the skin.)
The female mosquito is only interested in biting when she is ready to lay her eggs, because she needs the blood to gain the protein to help her eggs thrive.
The male mosquito feeds only on plant juices.
When possible, wear long sleeves, long pants, socks, and possibly a hat when outdoors. Use lighter colors and tighter weave fabric. Possibly even invest in bug repellent clothing. ( example - BUZZOFF.com )
Consider staying indoors at dusk, dawn, and early evening.
Install or repair window and door screens so mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
At least once a week, empty or change water in, flowerpots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, wading pools, fountains, wheelbarrows, old tires, buckets, old lined ponds if improperly maintained, barrels, bottles and cans. Don’t forget to unclog gutters!
If you cannot empty or change the water, use non-toxic "mosquito dunks" to prevent breeding. (Find them at farm supply or hardware stores)
Check by faucets and air conditioners for puddles. Drain if possible, otherwise fill them in with dirt or stones.
Encourage natural mosquito predators like swallows and bats. (See my bat house link at right)
Mosquitoes relax in cool, damp and sheltered areas. Keep grass mowed - shrubs and vines trimmed.
The most effective repellents contain DEET (diethyl-meta-toluamide) Children between the ages of 2 months and 1 year should use a product with less than 7.5% DEET. Children over 1 year can use a product with up to 15% DEET. Child under 2 months? Keep the DEET away.
The percentage of DEET in a product will tell you, in general, how long the repellent will last. 7% approx. 30 minutes. 30% approx. 5 to 6 hours
Some natural repellents that may work: eucalyptus leaves or oil, soybean oil, peppermint, citronella, cloves, garlic, cedar, onion.
Supposed food repellents: Vitamin B complex, yeast, garlic.
Other backup methods: fans, mosquito coils, citronella candles or plants, a device by Thermacell.
Stopping the itch: echinacea, honey, vinegar, fennel, moistened aspirin, parsley, calamine lotion, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, diluted ammonia, aloe vera, wet bar soap, (I’ve used the last one for years)
Of course, winter is an excellent mosquito repellent as well. Until then-
See you ‘round the campfire
Sources:
Backwoods Home Magazine – In spite of DEET and Permethrin the mosquito still reigns supreme – March/April 1991
Backwoods Home Magazine - Tips on dealing with mosquitoes – July/August 1991
Lake Country Reporter – Rain makes way for bumper crop of mosquitoes - 6/19/08
The Freeman Lake Country – Eliminate standing water to keep mosquito numbers at bay – 6/21/08
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Less bitten, twice sly – 7/5/08
Lake Country Reporter - Take steps to reduce mosquito populations - 7/6/08
Good Old Days Looking Back magazine – Skeeter Beaters - July 2008