The time of the year has come when we must start preparing for an afternoon battle with our neighborhood mosquitoes. Recent rains combined with a good ole southern climate make this time of the year great for mosquito activity. Here is a basic background on mosquito lifestyles and control strategies.

Q. Why do mosquitoes seem worse this time of the year?

The mosquito is a common flying insect that is found all over the world. Worldwide there are over 2,500 species of mosquitoes, approximately 60 of these species call Mississippi home. The females drink blood and the nectar of plants; the males only sip plant nectar, not blood. The mosquito is often a carrier of diseases, such as malaria, encephalitis, yellow fever, dengue fever and West Nile virus. They also transmit heartworms in dogs and viral encephalitis in horses. In south Mississippi and Louisiana our biggest concern is recent outbreaks of the West Nile virus over the past several years. The females, who drink blood, can carry disease from one animal to another as they feed. Mosquitoes undergo four distinct stages of development during a lifetime. After drinking blood the adult female will lay a raft of 40 to 400 tiny white eggs in standing water or very slow-moving water. Within a week, the eggs hatch into larvae. Larvae eat bits of floating organic matter and each other. Larvae molt four times as they grow; after the fourth molt, they are called pupae. Pupae also live near the surface of the water, breathing through two horn-like tubes (called siphons) on their back. An adult emerges from a pupa when the skin splits after a few days. The adult lives for only a few weeks.

Therefore in order for mosquitoes to live it is essential that they have adequate water. Mosquito control around the home can be frustrating. It is important during summer months to turn over all standing water containers that are not being used for a purpose; this includes trashcans, buckets, plant saucers or old containers without drain holes. This will not keep them away because they can travel up to a mile from initial location, but eliminates breeding areas. For areas where standing water is necessary like water gardens, birdbaths, or fishponds, Mosquito Dunks are biological pest control to put in water that kills mosquito larvae but is completely non-toxic to animals such as fish, birds, wildlife and pets. Dunks will last up to 30 days in standing water and will cover 100 square feet of surface. Health professionals agree that an insect repellent containing DEET is best for most people. Smaller children and other people can use an alternative to DEET, such as CedarCide natural insect repellent. Small children and senior adults are more susceptible to mosquito borne illnesses, due to weaker immune systems. Fogger systems with pyrethrin sprays are effective short-term control methods but have little lasting effect. Research has proven bug zappers, although effective for beetles and moths, have little to no effect on mosquitoes. Mosquito control is and will for the unforeseen future be a continual problem but hopefully this advice can help you understand some options. However it is simply safer to avoid peak mosquito activity times when possible by going inside.

David Carter is the director of the Adams County Extension Service. He can be reached at 601-445-8201.