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Waging a war on backyard bites
Perhaps there is no bigger nemesis to the outdoorsman or woman than the pesky mosquito. While other insects may buzz, swarm and occasionally sting, mosquitoes can pack quite a wallop with their bites. That's why many homeowners are on an eternal quest to eradicate mosquitoes from their yards. But is it possible to completely wipe out this pest? Probably not. However, every homeowner can do his or her part to reduce their numbers, and stay safer doing so. In order to fight this foe, it's first important to test your knowledge of the adversary. Review these common facts and fictions about mosquitoes to better arm yourself for the attack. Fact or Fiction? 1. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in just about any water source. FICTION: Mosquitoes only lay eggs in standing water, such as ponds, puddles or bird baths. They will not lay eggs in moving water, like that in streams or filtered pools. The eggs lie in wait until the conditions are right and then hatch into larvae. Keeping the yard free of standing water sources (emptying buckets, flowerpots, etc. after rain) can help cut the numbers of mosquitoes. 2. Worldwide, mosquito-borne illnesses kill more people than any other single factor. FACT: Diseases such as malaria, West Nile virus, malaria, and encephalitis can be transmitted to humans. For pets, heartworms can be passed to cats and dogs. 3. Mosquitoes feed on blood. FICTION: Only female mosquitoes suck blood to help develop eggs. Their food sources are flower nectar, juices and decaying matter. 4. Mosquitoes can live anywhere from 3 to 100 days. FACT: Female mosquitoes can live for that amount of time, whereas male mosquitoes live on average 10 to 20 days. 5. Mosquitoes have no natural predators. FICTION: Many birds, bats and other insects feed on mosquitoes. You can help increase the chances of mosquitoes being consumed by attracting birds and bats to your yard by putting up bird/bat houses. However, they cannot consume enough to eliminate all mosquitoes, but will certainly do their part. 6. Mosquitoes don't see very well. FACT: These insects have poor vision. They track their "victims" from the carbon dioxide exhalation from your mouth and the general heat of your body. 7. Hundreds of eggs can be produced from one female. FACT: One female mosquito may lay 100 to 300 eggs at a time and may average 1,000 to 3,000 offspring during her life span. 8. Mosquitoes prefer sucking the blood of humans. FICTION: Many mosquitoes just target what is most abundant in their breeding/living area. There are those mosquitoes that are more apt to track and target certain species of birds. For example, there are few people near the Arctic Circle, but millions and millions of mosquitoes. 9. Bug zappers are a good way to rid a yard of mosquitoes. FICTION: Bug zappers may do more harm than good because they attract mosquitoes but do not kill them. Instead, larger insects, such as moths and butterflies - which eat mosquitoes - can be killed by zappers. Additionally, bug zappers can illuminate water sources and make it easier for mosquitoes to find breeding areas. One last thing: Zappers are designed to explode insects that come in contact with them. Therefore bits of pulverized insect matter could be let loose in your yard and inadvertently end up on your barbecued food the next time you're dining al fresco. 10. Coils and citronella candles are pretty much ineffective.
FACT: While these two devices can repel mosquitoes slightly, you'd have to remain in their direct smoke or fragrance plume. All it takes is one light breeze to render them ineffective. There are expensive products that lure insects with CO2 and heat that may work better if you have the funds to spend. However, mosquitoes are not something you can completely eliminate.
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