Entomologist Taz Stuart is a huge supporter of reducing the risk of mosquitoes as we are into outdoor living.
He agrees that we should look at our lawns and yards through the eyes of a mosquito to eliminate or treat breeding areas for these annual pests.
The risk to our health is real, according to Stuart.
Standing water is a big draw for these winged nuisances and Taz’s mantra is to dump it, drain it, cover it, fill it, or treat it. There are commercially available products known as mosquito dunks which when added to open water according to package instructions will poison the larvae, drastically reducing their number without harming any other lifeforms.
Personal protection is key as well.
Stuart reminds us that these sprays only last up to 6 hours at most and must be reapplied after any swimming dips or more frequently when we’re sweating. Simply using an electric fan in sheltered areas can also reduce the number of bites as mosquitoes find it difficult to fly in breezy conditions.
Story by Brian Turner