Help control mosquito population

To help control mosquito populations, inspect your property for standing water. This can include pet dishes, bird baths, old tires, dirty rain gutters, plant saucers, and more. Infestations in large pools can be controlled by adding mosquitofish, which are very effective at eating the immature life stage of mosquitoes known as larvae.

Rinse bird baths and bromeliads with fresh water at least weekly to flush out any newly hatched larvae. Check drainage ditches for good water flow. Remove excess vegetation and fill uneven depressions that hold water between rains. Cover water catchment reservoirs, including rain barrels, with fine mesh screen and make certain downspout connections are tight. Safe and effective mosquito control tablets are available from local garden centers that produces proteins toxic to certain insects. These tablets can safely be added to water gardens, bird baths and other areas that may harbor mosquito larvae.

It’s been hot and humid this month. Rainfall has become an almost daily event. With the heat and humidity, it is important to pace yourself, drink plenty of fluids, apply insect repellent and wear protective clothing. This is good news for our lawns, shrubs and plants, as well as the Florida aquifer.

Mosquito Insect repellent

There are many different types of mosquito insect repellent on the market. Those containing DEET have a longer-lasting effect than ones with natural plant extracts, such as lemon eucalyptus oil and citronella. Personal preference and degree of desired protection should be considered when making choices.

Sol Looker is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator at the UF/IFAS Flagler County Extension Service,