Reflecting on the AMCA’s Mosquito Awareness Week
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Collapse ▲From June 19th through June 25th, the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) promoted “Mosquito Awareness Week”. The annual event served as a timely reminder that we all play an important role in community mosquito management.
As we all know, mosquito issues in the south extend far beyond just one week in June. As the season ramps up here in North Carolina and we make outdoor plans for the 4th of July holiday, now is a great time to think about how to protect ourselves and our pets from mosquitoes, their bites, and the diseases they can potentially transmit.
A big piece of mosquito management is halting their development at the source. Mosquitoes go through three life stages before they become the annoying, airborne pest we are all familiar with. In fact, when a mosquito hatches from an egg, they look nothing an adult and the juveniles spend 100% of their time in the water. Because mosquitoes spend a lot of their life swimming, the “tip and toss” method is a great way to reduce mosquito numbers.
At least once weekly, tip and toss the water out of any permanent items around your home that collect water. Ideally, throw away as many of these items as possible. Remember, even a bottle cap full of water is enough to hold mosquito larvae and produce a few adult mosquitoes. In addition, now is a great time to clean out or repair fixtures (gutters, etc.) that could be holding stagnant water.
Mosquitoes can easily move from the outside-in, too. Be sure to patch old holes in window and door screens and repair/seal any gaps in door frames or other areas that could allow mosquitoes (or other insects) to pass through.
Additionally, the AMCA recommends the three “D’s” to discourage mosquito presence:
- Drain: The same as “tip and toss”—empty water-holding containers once weekly.
- Dress: Wear light colored, loose-fitting long sleeves and pants. Dark colors can attract mosquitoes.
- Defend: Apply an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR 3535, or oil of lemon-eucalyptus. Remember that lemon eucalyptus essential oil is NOT the said as oil of lemon-eucalyptus.
Mosquito-borne illnesses affect animals, too. Awareness of these diseases, including canine heartworm and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is another important component of mosquito control. Do not forget to protect your pets. Talk to your veterinarian for the best and most appropriate options.
Let’s make the rest of the summer and the holiday weekend as bite-free as possible. If you would like more information, please check out our fact sheet!