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Olympia Area
360-236-3980
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Mosquitoes
- Take the Bite Out of the Bug
Mosquitoes are a
problem because they not only deliver an itchy bite, but can spread
disease. Understanding these pesky bugs and where they live can help keep
you from being bitten. Here is some basic information on mosquitoes and
important tips on how to protect your family against mosquito bites and
possible contact with the diseases they can carry.
With about 45
species in Washington state, you are bound to have many annoying
encounters with mosquitoes, outdoors and around your home. These
mosquitoes all have one thing in common, their need for water to breed and
grow.
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They find moist surfaces
or still water to lay their eggs. This water is often stagnant and
close to home in old tires, toys, ponds or pools, uncovered boats,
birdbaths, even open buckets and dishes under flower pots.
Anything that holds standing water will do for a breeding site.
Before laying eggs,
mosquitoes seek out a blood meal from a warm-blooded host—a bird,
dog, horse, or you. While in search of a meal, mosquitoes are drawn
to carbon dioxide, heat, and moisture. They track you down by your
breath, skin temperature, and sweat. After dusk during peak feeding
time, mosquitoes find you a very attractive target. |
Did
You Know? |
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Girls
Only...
Only
female mosquitoes bite. They feast on a blood meal to nourish their
eggs. The males feed on flower nectar and plant juices. |
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MOSQUITO CONTROL TIPS |
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Empty
anything that holds standing water—old tires, buckets, plastic
covers, and toys.
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Change
water in your birdbaths, fountains, wading pools and animal
troughs at least twice a week.
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Recycle
unused containers that may collect water—bottles, cans, and buckets.
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Did You Know? |
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Make
sure roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters in
the spring and fall.
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Fix
leaky outdoor faucets and sprinklers.
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Make sure windows and doors are
"bug tight." Repair or replace screens.
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Stay indoors at dawn and dusk, if
possible, when
mosquitoes are the most active.
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Main
Attraction...
Carbon
dioxide that you exhale attracts mosquitoes. They
can
find you from up to 20 feet away.
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Wear a long sleeve shirt, long pants, and
a hat when going into mosquito-infested areas, such as wetlands or
woods.
-
Use mosquito repellant when necessary,
and carefully follow directions on the label.
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Now that
you know the basics about mosquitoes, you can take action. Don't
let your yard become a mosquito breeding ground—get rid of all
standing water. Don't let yourself be on their menu—avoid
mosquitoes when possible and protect your skin.
Repellents that contain the active
ingredient, DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus,
PMD—the synthesized version of oil
of lemon eucalyptus, or
IR3535 typically offer long-lasting protection against mosquito bites. Before you use any repellent, read
the label and carefully follow the directions. Take special care
when using repellents on children. |
Did You Know? |
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Busy
Mom...
Culex
mosquitoes lay their eggs in "rafts" that float on the
water's surface. Each raft may contain hundreds of eggs. Under
favorable conditions, these eggs can hatch and grow into adults in
about a week. |
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Did You Know? |
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It's
in the Spit...
When
feeding, mosquitoes inject saliva into your skin to help extract
your blood. It's the saliva that causes the itching you suffer
from a bite. Mosquito bites can also spread serious diseases such
as western equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, and West
Nile encephalitis. |
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