The Great Mosquito Battle

The weather in Acadiana gives us countless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Unfortunately, that same weather also makes it a breeding ground for the infamous Louisiana mosquito. More than just a nuisance, mosquitoes carry and transmit diseases that kill more than a million people worldwide every year, according to the American Mosquito Control Association.

Fortunately, you can take effective steps to protect your home, family, and pets from exposure to mosquitoes. Eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed will stop their efforts and help keep your environment mosquito-free.

To help reduce the overall mosquito population in your yard, local experts advise homeowners to be aware of standing water on their property. Mosquitoes use standing water as a breeding location, laying their eggs in still or standing water. When you locate a source of standing water, simply pour it out or treat it with an approved larvicide, being cautious and mindful of people, pets, birds or other animals that may be affected by its use or contact.

Places to look for standing water are:

• Low areas in your yard that retain water

• Downspouts and gutters

• Bird baths

• Children’s wading pools

• Flower pots or watering cans

• Drainage issues with landscaping

Stop feeding the mosquitoes

Some mosquitoes will travel a mile or more for a meal. By taking the following steps, you’ll be much closer to protecting yourself, your family and pets from mosquitoes hunting for their next bloody dinner.

• Wear insect repellant on exposed skin and apply it to clothing as well. Look for repellants with an active ingredient that's recommended by the CDC and EPA, like DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

• Dress in lighter-colored clothes as mosquitoes are attracted to darker colors.

• If it's not too hot, wear long sleeves and pants to reduce skin exposure, especially between dusk and dawn.

• Burn citronella candles outdoors or toss some sprigs or rosemary on the grill.

• Run a fan at ground level to help keep mosquitoes away

• Keep screens on your windows and doors closed to reduce mosquito infiltration of your home, especially between dusk and dawn.

Start protecting your family and pets for potentially dangerous mosquito bites today and enjoy your summer.

Sources: The American Mosquito Control Association, U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Louisiana Dept. of Agriculture.