After an abundance of rainfall this spring

After an abundance of rainfall this spring, coupled with warmer-than-normal temperatures over the past two weeks, the subject of mosquitoes has arisen — and how to keep the population at bay.

We usually start hearing reports on the news of disease-carrying mosquitoes about this time of year.

The Oklahoma County Health Department shared the following insight that helps citizens reduce their risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases, such as the West Nile virus, by getting rid of standing water around houses and by using insect repellent.

Unfortunately, there is no easy solution for managing mosquitoes. Countless products on the market claim to be effective and easy to use, but few have appreciable value in lessening the annoyance and incidence of bites.

Unlike most insects found around homes, mosquitoes are pervasive outdoor pests, and there are limits to what can be done to minimize their abundance. Nonetheless, there are measures that can afford some relief.

The most effective way to reduce the number of mosquitoes around homes and neighborhoods is to find and eliminate their breeding sites — standing water. Adults of some mosquito species remain near their breeding site. Others can travel long distances, even up to several miles. Because of this, problem mosquitoes may come from breeding sites some distance away.

Regardless of recent weather patterns — wet, dry, warm or cool — there are plenty of potential places in which mosquitoes can develop. A neglected bird bath, swimming pool or clogged rain gutter can produce hundreds of new mosquitoes in just a few days. Trees uprooted by storms leave soil depressions that collect seepage and rainwater. Large areas of standing water, such as from swamps, sluggishly moving streams or ditches may require efforts beyond those of individual property owners.

However, there are effective steps that individuals can take to minimize mosquito breeding on their property:

• Dispose of old tires, buckets, aluminum cans, plastic sheeting or other refuse that can hold water. Empty accumulated water from trash cans, boats, wheelbarrows, pet dishes and flower pot bottoms. If possible, turn these items over when they are not in use.

• Clean debris from rain gutters and unclog obstructed downspouts. Clogged rain gutters are one of the most overlooked breeding sites for mosquitoes around homes. Remove any standing water on flat roofs or around structures. Repair leaking faucets and air conditioners that produce puddles for several days.

• Change water in bird baths and wading pools at least once a week and keep swimming pools cleaned and chlorinated. Ornamental pools can be aerated or stocked with mosquitoeating fish. Aeration/water movement helps because mosquitoes prefer quiet, non-flowing water for egg-laying and development.

• Fill or drain ditches and swampy areas and other soil depressions. Remove, drain or fill tree holes and stumps with mortar or sealant to prevent accumulation of water. Eliminate standing water and seepage around animal watering troughs, cisterns, and septic tanks. Be sure that cistern screens are intact and that access covers fit tightly.

• Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days.

Use of a mosquito larvicide may be beneficial when it is impractical to eliminate a breeding site. Larvicides are insecticides which are used to control immature mosquitoes before they have a chance to develop into biting adults. There are numerous Larvicides that are available to the public.

Mosquito breeding sites are not always obvious or accessible, so some nearby sources will remain undetected or impractical to treat. Also, mosquitoes can fly in from some distance away. Therefore, it may be necessary to take additional measures against adults.

Mosquitoes prefer to rest in protected sites during the day. Yards with lots of trees, shrubs and dense vegetation or properties adjoining such areas can have nightmarish problems. Consequently, removal of tall weeds and overgrowth is part of an integrated mosquito management program.

Last spring, there were three or four tires leaning up next to our barn. I noticed standing water in them. It was a mosquito paradise.

While I’m certainly no expert, the tires also had what I considered to be larvae present. I did observe a small swarm of mosquitoes, and this prompted me to clean these out and do the research on this topic to alert others.

Any water standing in your backyard can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. It can just be a small puddle.

If you haven’t already, let’s clean up around our property and greatly reduce the mosquito numbers this summer.

• • • Kilgore is the former Greenleaf State Park manager. He can be reached by e-mailing him at jkilgoreoutdoors@yahoo.com.