Our recent daily rainfall is a welcome site for many of us after the drought of the past few years! However, all the generous rainfall brings the danger of a rise in insect populations, including mosquitoes. Mosquitoes pose a risk to humans and animals, carrying diseases like West Nile. They also can spread several other illnesses that if not treated can be fatal. We often see advertisements for charities buying nets to send to other parts of the world as a form of control, something that is unnecessary with the advanced methods of control we have in the United States. But, even with targeted spraying and commercial deterrents, citizens hold the key to lower mosquito populations.

These insects breed from stagnant water sources that stay around your home or barn. Buckets, pots, troughs, puddles, and even water bodies are ripe for a population explosion. You an reduce these by turning over all standing water sources. Also, invest in insect spray to use outside on yourself late in the afternoon. Some products are also available for animals and can be bought at your local feed store. We have recently seen a rise in West Nile throughout the southeastern US, meaning horse owners should also check vaccinations records and vaccinate if they haven’t already this year. Call your local vet for vaccine recommendations. For more information, please visit this website http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_mosquito_control.

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