Mosquitoes... What you should know...

10 Things You Should Know About Mosquitoes 1.      Some species that are active in the winter, in fall and summer, with the greatest number being the summertime species. 2.      The southern house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus) is a medium-sized brown mosquito that is found in the southern United States and is present throughout Texas.  Southern house mosquito is a vector of many pathogens including encephalitis virus and West Nile virus. 3.      Most mosquito species bite during dawn, dusk, twilight hours, and night. However, some species bite during the day, especially in wooded or other shaded areas. Avoid exposure during these times and in these areas. 4.      To avoid being bitten cover up with clothes and repellent when you're outside.  Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors so clothing should cover arms and legs completely and be light-colored. 5.      Electrocuting devices or bug zappers that use ultraviolet light to attract bugs are not effective against mosquitoes. Bug zappers mainly kill beneficial moths, beetles, and other harmless night-flying insects. 6.      Citronella smoke can reduce the number of mosquito bites - but only for people who stand very close to the candle or Tiki torch. 7.      The Citrosa plant does not contain citronella. It is actually a scented geranium that does not repel mosquitoes. 8.      Devices that use ultrasonic waves to repel mosquitoes do not work. 9.      Garlic or taking garlic pills by mouth do not repel mosquitoes. 10.  Protect pets from deadly heartworms carried by mosquitoes. Heartworms occur in both dogs and cats, although they occur more frequently in dogs. Cats are at most risk for heartworms when many infected dogs are around or if the cats are sheltered. The effects of heartworms in cats are usually more severe than in dogs. Cats can not be treated for heartworms, so prevention is the key. Do not give your cat the same medicine your dog gets for heartworm prevention, as their needs are different 10 Things You Can Do To Prevent Mosquitoes 1.      Clear out weeds, leaves, dirt, and other debris from pipes, especially those under a driveway. Make sure that water does not stand inside or near the ends of the pipe. 2.      Drain or fill any low places, such as potholes, on your property where water collects and stands for more than 5 to 7 days. Drill holes in tire swings so rainwater will drain out. Inspect septic drain fields. Do not allow water to accumulate on the ground surface. 3.      Repair leaky pipes and outdoor faucets. 4.      Clean out rain gutters and downspouts regularly. Clogged gutters are one of the most overlooked breeding sites for mosquitoes around homes. 5.      Empty and turn over containers that hold water such as cans, jars, drums, bottles, flower pots, buckets, children's toys, wheel barrows, old appliances, plastic sheeting or tarps used to cover objects like grills or swimming pools, etc. Make sure that all permanent water containers such as wells, septic tanks, cisterns, water tanks, and cesspools are tightly covered and insect-proof. 6.      Place screens over rain barrels so that adult female mosquitoes cannot lay eggs there. 7.      Root or grow outdoor plants in sand or soil instead of water only. 8.      Change the water in bird baths (and flower cuttings) at least once a week. 9.      Clean out and change the water in your pet's water bowl or trough every day. 10.  Stock ornamental pools/ponds with mosquito-eating minnows, and keep vegetation trimmed from the edge of the pond. If you need help locating mosquito breeding sites on your property, call ACME Pest & Termite Management LLC at 817-784-6838