First it was ticks carrying Lyme disease—now it’s mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus. You’ve probably heard that West Nile has made an appearance in Delaware County.
Female mosquitoes must have blood to lay eggs. When a West Nile virus-infected mosquito settles down for dinner on a host, it infects the bite-ee with the virus. WNV is most dangerous for people over age fifty and anyone who has a weakened immune system.
Mosquitoes used to be annoying—now they can be downright dangerous. As if we didn’t have enough reason to avoid these irritating insects--now we have to be extra vigilant to protect ourselves from being bitten.
How can you protect yourself? For starters, know the enemy! Mosquitoes are out and about at dusk, dawn, early evening and after a rain, so take extra precautions at these times. Temperature affects a mosquito’s level of activity. They are most active at 80 to 90 degrees, become lethargic at 60 degrees and are inactive at 50 degrees. Mosquitoes can’t handle winds in excess of ten miles per hour, so a fan on your patio could spoil their meal. Incandescent lights attract mosquitoes, so use fluorescent lights outdoors.
The best way to foil the bloodsuckers is to stop them from multiplying. Take the following steps to prevent mosquitoes from breeding on your property:
• Do not allow even one drop of stagnant water on your property. Dispose of ANYTHING outside that could hold water—saucers under flowerpots, used tires, tin cans, old buckets.
• Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters are a choice egg-laying environment for female
mosquitoes.
• Empty your birdbath and refill it with fresh water daily. (the birds will love you for it--and they deserve it, since they work hard eating mosquitoes)
• Use Mosquito Dunks in pond water, water gardens, gutters and ornamental pools. Mosquito Dunks contains BTi (Bacillus thuringienis israelensis), a natural bacteria that is safe for the environment.
• Alter the landscape of your property to eliminate standing water.
• Tell your neighbors! Mosquitoes can travel up to three miles in their quest for blood, so eliminating breeding areas is a cooperative effort.
Feel the need for a mosquito repellent? Penn State and the CDC recommend Deet. To find out how to properly and safely apply Deet, go to CDC Insect Repellant
Delaware County is working with our Penn State County Extension in Smedley Park to implement a mosquito control and surveillance program. For comprehensive information about West Nile virus, how to protect yourself and Delaware County’s program to control it, go to Delaware County West Nile Virus Program
Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON.
UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS
September 13, 2008
Fall/Winter Garden Prep & Composting
Not sure what to do? Learn the steps for proper garden maintenance and how to compost at the same time. Take home a free compost bin. Cost: $10
September 27, 2008
FALL FEST
Calling all garden lovers! Celebrate Fall with us at our fourth annual Master Gardeners Fall Fest. We've planned workshops, plant, frugal gardener and bake sales, and other fun events for your enjoyment. Go to Fall Fest for a brochure or call 610-690-2655.
The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School
A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save.
For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022.
Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our website for a registration form.
