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Fighting Mosquitoes Around the Home By John Albright, Biologist, Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District
The Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District has received a steady stream of calls from residents of the district concerned about whether higher than average rainfall will mean an over-abundance of mosquitoes this year. Early surveys by district personnel have shown high numbers of mosquito larvae in areas that would not normally hold water long enough to produce mosquitoes. The district's field technicians are actively seeking out these sources and treating them as they find them. The water-logged soil in the district is not allowing these areas to drain off normally, and so far there has been little wind and heat to help dry out this unusual excess of mosquito-breeding habitat. There is much that residents in the district can do to help Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District personnel fight these biting pests and make themselves more comfortable in the coming weeks. Many of the sources that produce mosquitoes are small objects that have been laying around people's yards collecting water all winter. It is impossible for district personnel to go into every yard in the district and dump every bucket, barrel, wading pool, or swimming pool cover that is holding a pool of water at this time of year. Since mosquitoes prefer to feed close to where they breed, a brief walk around your property emptying these potential mosquito nurseries will greatly improve your comfort level by reducing mosquito numbers around your home. Check for and remove old tires and trash that hold hidden water that mosquitoes find and lay their eggs in. Hollows in oak trees are currently breeding large numbers of the very hard-biting mosquito that transmits canine heartworm in this area. Filling these treeholes with sand, or cutting drain holes will kill these mosquitoes which are due to begin hatching within the next week or so. Some areas on properties where water ponding has occurred this year may be filled in, or drained by digging a small trench away from the area. For areas too large for homeowners to drain they should call the Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District at (530)365-3768 and we will be happy to look at the situation and plan a course of action for controlling the source. More information on mosquitoes and other pests is also available at our web site at www.snowcrest.net/mosquito/index.html .
For More Information:
(530) 365-3768
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