Everything is shaping up for a horrendous mosquito season. Not
only is there the much-publicized threat of West Nile virus, but we
had an unusually rainy season this past winter.
Everything is shaping up for a horrendous mosquito season. Not only is there the much-publicized threat of West Nile virus, but we had an unusually rainy season this past winter.
The latter translates to the fact that there’re probably mosquito-breeding sources in your garden right now – sources that need to be eliminated.
What is West Nile virus? It’s a disease that is transmitted to people and animals by infected mosquitoes.
Only certain species of mosquitoes carry the virus, but mosquitoes acquire the infection by feeding on a bird virus in its blood. The virus lives in the mosquito and is transmitted to a new host when the insect bites a person or animal.
West Nile has been found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa and now the United States, even California. Most people and animals who become infected with the virus have only a mild illness and no symptoms. However, in rare cases, people can become seriously ill or die. In 2003, there were 240 deaths attributed to West Nile virus in 45 states.
That said, it should be reiterated that most people infected with the virus will have no symptoms and not even feel ill. About one in five may get a fever, headache or body ache.
At the same time, why take the chance? Simply eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds around your garden. For instance, mosquitoes can breed in as little as a tablespoon of water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property that can support mosquitoes.
Prime breeding areas around your home are bird baths, garden ponds, extra garden containers and saucers that may be laying around, even that used tire that you saved for no apparent reason.
I know that I had several old saucers collecting water in the junk pile on the side of the house that my wife is always harping on me to clean up. Rain gutters clogged with leaves are yet another common source around homes.
So-called mosquito dunks for ponds and birdbaths can be found in many hardware and garden supply stores. You can also simply change the water in birdbaths weekly to make sure the standing water won’t become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Many counties also give away free mosquito fish (minnow-like fish that eat mosquito larvae). For information, call the Santa Clara County Vector Control District at (800) 675-1155.
When you are working the garden, try to avoid dawn or dusk, which are the prime times when mosquitoes come out biting. If you are in the garden at dawn or dusk, try to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
If you are in the garden during these times, apply insect repellent according to label instructions. Products containing DEET have been shown to last longer than other products.
Fight the bite, and act accordingly.
