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The pest management industry advocates an integrated approach to
pest management - using the right tool, at the right time, in the
right way, in the right place. More specifically, that means integrated
pest management (IPM), a continuous pest-management system. Pests
are identified, various actions (including prevention) are considered
and the proper action taken: and this is only if the pest problem
could not be prevented in the first place. The following are measures
you can take.
Minimizing exposure to mosquitoes -- tips
for gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Wear long pants and long sleeves, as well as shoes and socks
when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are
most active.
- Wear loose clothes made of tightly woven materials that keep
mosquitoes away from the skin.
- Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened
structure and to protect babies when outdoors.
- If you choose to use a mosquito repellent or a control product
in the patio and garden area, be sure to follow label directions.
Some mosquito species thrive in water polluted with organic wastes.
The females feed mainly at night and mostly on birds, but they will
also bite people both outdoors and indoors. Avoiding exposure to mosquitoes
when they feed will help reduce the chances of contracting WNV.
Another way to control mosquitoes is to get rid of places they tend
to breed. Since mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, and can do so
even in very small quantities, remove any possible breeding areas
where mosquitoes could lay eggs.
- Eliminate sources of standing water in your yard such as flower
pots, gardening cans, wheelbarrows, and puddles and store items
upside down that must remain in your yard, such as boats and gardening
containers.
- Empty tire swings of any water and, if possible, replace the
tires with swing seats.
- Cover any garbage, recycling or composting containers, to prevent
water from accumulating in them. Drill holes in the bottom of
containers that must be left outdoors.
- Replace water in birdbaths and outdoor pet dishes at least every
week to help eliminate stagnant water in them and also provide
fresh water.
- Empty your rain barrels if the water is more than a week old.
- Repair or replace old and torn screens in doors, windows and
vents that no longer prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
Repair any other possible access points into your home.
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