By Jen Miller
Daily Journal Online Coordinator

Published: Sunday, June 28, 2009
Updated: Sunday, June 28, 2009 7:43 AM CDT

Everyone knows that mosquitoes can be a big problem. What most people have issue with is getting rid of the biting menace that invades their yards every year.

There a a few different options for people who want to eliminate the growth and spread of mosquito larvae. First, it’s important to understand that mosquitoes can develop from egg to adult in less than a week. They require still bodies of water in which to lay their eggs. Fountains, waterfalls and any kind of moving water usually doesn’t pose a problem. What usually causes the breeding problem are rain barrels, bird baths, old tires, roof gutters, cans and other debris that might be laying around your yard. Mosquitos can also lay their eggs at the base of vegetation holding water and low-lying ditches on property. One of the worst potential problem areas that most might not think about is the dish that your flower pots sit in outside.

The most effective prevention control is to dispose of anything lying around that might contain water. Bird baths should have their water changed every week. Swimming pools should be cleaned and chlorinated on a regular basis. Ponds or ornamental ponds can be aerated or stocked with mosquito-eating fish. Mosquitoes prefer still, non-flowing water in which to breed. Water movement discourages this.

Drain or fill in ditches or depressions in your yard that might contain standing water and irrigate lawns and gardens to prevent water buildup.

If you’re not able to change water in bird baths on a regular basis or aerate your pond, mosquito dunks and other insecticides have been proven safe and will not harm your plants or fish.

Consider bats an added bonus to your environment. They are known for keeping night-flying pests at bay and one of their favorite things to eat is mosquitoes. You could also try the mosquito-eating fish. They can consume 100 to 500 larvae per day. They should only be used in ornamental ponds and animal water troughs. Never place them in natural streams, creeks, lakes or rivers. They could disrupt the natural balance of the eco-system. Check with the local fish & game department in your area regarding regulations before stocking your pond.

Remember that a mosquito’s life cycle is short, about four weeks. If you want to make a dent in the population, you must utilize these control methods on a regular basis. The more you do, the more effective the control measures become.

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