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Controlling Mosquitos
Look for Problems in Your Own Backyard
Sam Dickson, Ph.D, of the Salt Lake Mosquito Abatement District offers advice for people trying to keep mosquitos at bay: "The main thing for homeowners to remember is that it takes standing water to produce mosquitos."
He suggests you check the following areas for standing water:
Animal's water dish
Rain gutter
Curb and street gutter
Pools, ponds
Pots
Anything that can hold even a small amount of water
Mosquitos that breed and live in holes of mature trees are a problem in many areas in Utah. For more information about the western tree hole mosquito, click here.
Once Mosquitos Arrive
Some things that may help keep mosquitos at bay include
citronella candles
dry ice
area foggers
wearing long sleeves and long pants
using insect repellant (expert recommend the kind that contains DEET)
How To Use Insect Repellant Safely:
Apply only to exposed skin and/or clothing. Do not use under clothing.
Never use over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
Do not apply near eyes, mouth, and apply sparingly around ears. When using sprays, do not spray directly into face; spray on hands first and then apply to face.
Do not allow children to handle this product, and do not apply to children's hands. Apply it to your own hands, then put it on the child.
Do not spray in enclosed areas. Do not use near food, and avoid breathing the spray.
Use just enough to cover exposed skin and/or clothing. If biting insects do not respond to a thin film of repellant, apply a bit more.
After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water. This is particularly important when repellants are used repeatedly in a day or on consecutive days.
Also, wash treated clothing before wearing it again.
(Source: Environmental Protection Agency)
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