Fight Back Against Mosquitoes During National Mosquito Control Awareness Week June 20-26, 2021
BALTIMORE, May 25, 2021 (Newswire.com) - The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) has declared June 20 through June 26, 2021, as National Mosquito Control Awareness Week. The goal of Mosquito Control Awareness Week is to educate the public about the dangers of mosquitoes and the importance of mosquito control in the prevention of disease.
According to the AMCA, it is impossible to live in a completely mosquito-free environment. But you can reduce your chances of getting bitten by being "mosquito smart" and reducing places where mosquitoes can breed.
Reduce Mosquito Breeding Sites
It doesn't take much standing water to become a mosquito breeding site. "Some species of mosquitoes can lay eggs in as little as a bottlecap full of water," said Jonathan Cohen, mosquito control expert and President of Summit Responsible Solutions. "Homeowners need to be vigilant in eliminating standing water in their yards and gardens."
To reduce mosquito breeding grounds, dispose of cans, plastic containers, old tires and other items that can collect water. Turn over wheelbarrows and children's wading pools. Clean clogged roof gutters, which can become prime mosquito-breeding spots. Periodically empty the saucers under ceramic pots to make sure they are not harboring mosquito larvae.
Use BTI to Kill Mosquito Larvae
To prevent mosquitoes from breeding in places where water collects—including ponds, birdbaths, animal watering troughs, gutters, ditches, and rain barrels—use a sustained-release mosquito control product. Mosquito Dunks® contain BTI to kill mosquito larvae. BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) is a bacterium that naturally kills mosquito larvae before they can become disease-spreading adults.
BTI is deadly to mosquito larvae, but it is harmless to people, pets, fish, wildlife and beneficial insects. A Mosquito Dunk® placed in standing water will release BTI and kill mosquito larvae for up to 30 days. The BTI is continually released as the Mosquito Dunk® naturally breaks down in the water.
In places where small amounts of water collect—such as tree holes, potted plant saucers, water reservoirs in self-watering planters, discarded tires, and even in water-collecting plants like bromeliads—a BTI product called Mosquito Bits® can kill mosquito larvae.
Mosquito Bits® provide a quick kill of mosquitoes because the BTI is released instantly. Mosquito Bits® are perfect for use in swampy areas and in areas of extremely dense populations of mosquito larvae. A quick-kill Mosquito Bits® application can be immediately followed by the addition of Mosquito Dunks® for effective long-term mosquito larvae control.
Kill Adult Mosquitoes
To kill adult mosquitoes, use a high-quality outdoor spray insecticide such as Summit® Mosquito and Gnat Barrier. The active ingredient in Summit® Mosquito and Gnat Barrier kills and repels mosquitoes and other insect pests for up to four weeks. Simply attach a garden hose to the hose-end sprayer bottle and spray the yard perimeter and fences, plus the lawn and vegetation where mosquitoes can hide and rest.
For more information, visit www.summitresponsiblesolutions.com.
Source: American Mosquito Control Association