5 pointers for mosquito season

Heather Patterson

Are you ready for mosquito season? With this warmer, wetter weather, now is a good time to brush up with these five pointers:

1. Eliminate breeding sites. Removing standing water where larvae develop can have a major impact on the mosquito activity in the area. Look for and address places that collect and hold water, such as gutters, flowerpot saucers, bird baths and other containers.

2. Use larvicides. Larvicides kill immature mosquitoes before they develop into biting adults. These products can be applied to labeled sites where larval development occurs, which may include drainage areas, ditches, ponds and gutters.

3. Use adulticides. Adulticides kill adult-stage mosquitoes. There are different formulation types that can be applied as a spray or fog in outdoor spaces or on vegetation. It’s essential, however, to follow the directions for use carefully; apply only in the areas for which it’s labeled and use the recommended labeled rates.

4. Use insect repellents. Protect yourself from mosquito bites by using insect repellents. Educate your customers on effective repellents and proper application techniques. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of insect repellents registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) because they are proven safe and effective.

5. Educate your customers. Providing information to your customers about potential breeding sites and why they should be eliminated helps them understand the conditions pests depend on for development. Additionally, it can help get them invested in the success of the service. Education and communication with customers are a worthwhile investment.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/05/03/5-pointers-for-mosquito-season/
Sacramento CA