Mosquitoes have become one of the most serious threats to public health.  Public health is where our industry started, and mosquito control is one of our primary services. 

The rainy season is here and combined with our heat, mosquitoes are breeding fast and furious. Since the outbreak of West Nile Virus, the Center for Disease Control has reported more than 4000 human cases and nearly 300 deaths. Now, let's get serious. The media has stories on West Nile almost every night. It is truly tragic that people died, but this is far from epidemic. Horses are much more susceptible. St. Louis encephalitis is a much more severe form of the brain debilitating disease that should command our attention to controlling mosquitoes.

We could all go hide indoors, but that is a severe imposition on our quality of life. Mosquitoes like water and they can lay their eggs in less than a teaspoon full. The eggs will mature as adults in 7-10 days. We all know this, but are we really vigilant in taking care of standing water on our property?

They can actually lay their eggs in a very small drop of water, so, as homeowners, we must become much more aggressive. Drain excess water from potted plants, make sure your home gutters are draining properly, don't over water your lawn. If you have fountains, ponds, water troughs, or other necessary standing water, it can be treated with Altosid granules. The active ingredient is methoprene and it is toxic to the mosquito larvae, and when applied as directed is harmless to fish, birds, and mammals.