Mosquitoes can transmit numerous disease.
Mosquitoes are potentially very dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mosquitoes can transmit a host of diseases, including malaria, encephalitis, yellow fever and West Nile virus. Since they tend to breed in stagnant water, their larval stage is one of their most vulnerable live-stages. You can take simple measures to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from mosquitoes. Does this Spark an idea?
Biological Control
Mosquitoes have many natural predators at all stages of their lives. Their larva are particularly vulnerable to fish. Live-bearers are a family of fish often used to control mosquitoes. This family includes the guppy as well as a drabber relative called the mosquitofish. Almost any smaller fish from this family will eat mosquito larva. However, they can become invasive (i.e., take over an area), so it is important to only use this method in artificial bodies of water.
Chemcial
Unchlorinated pools can become mosquitoe breeding grounds.
Adding chlorine to water is an effective way to control mosquito larva. Halogens (like chlorine) kill eggs and larva. Either commercial chlorine or bleach are effective ways of adding chlorine to water. This works best in standing water with no living things in it, like water features or swimming pools. Chlorine eventually breaks down and evaporates and should be replaced as needed.
Landscaping
Standing water is a magnet for mosquitoes.
Avoiding standing water is key to blocking mosquito larvae. Draining and filling swampy areas is important. Draining (or chlorinating) tree stumps and other waterholes is also important. Wells and cisterns present a threat but a firmly attached mesh screen can block mosquito entry. In short, any sort of water should be drained, blocked with mesh, chlorinated, or aerated to discourage mosquitoes from laying their eggs. If you prevent stagnate, standing water, you prevent mosquitoes.
Maintenance Practices
Upkeep is another area where you can combat mosquitoes. The key is to prevent standing water. Clearing your gutters prevents water from getting trapped. Also, if you have buckets or tires, flip them to prevent standing water from accumulating. Old tires and buckets are notorious mosquito breeding grounds. Change water in bird baths and outdoor pet bowls daily to prevent mosquito breeding. Lastly, replace chlorine in chlorinated water as often as the manufacturer recommends.
Tags: standing water, breeding grounds, chlorine water, mosquito breeding, mosquito larva, prevent standing, prevent standing water