Keys to Lowering Risk of Mosquito Bites

Great weather and warm Summer nights bring only one downside: the mosquitoes.

Putnam County Ag Extension Agent Wayne Key said the mosquitoes can ruin a day, but there are many ways to prevent that from happening.

“Try to get rid of those nesting spots, places where they lay eggs, bird baths that aren’t being used very often or a leaky water faucet or an old wheelbarrow that’s collecting water where these mosquitoes can lay eggs. Wearing repellant and eliminating their source of water for laying eggs are the best ways to keep mosquitoes away,” Key said.

Key said mosquitos can lay several million eggs in just a few days. Key said taking action to reduce larval sites can help lower the risk of diseases the bug carries such as the West Nile Virus.

“People should be on the lookout for things like pool covers, old ornamental ponds, and clogged gutters that still have moisture, rain, and leaves in them,” Key said. “If we can do those things as a community it would certainly take care of spots that would eliminate their larval sites is the best thing we can do.”

Key said using preventive sprays can also repel mosquitos. Key said if you plan on going outside, and wearing long sleeve clothing goes a long way before other problems may arise.

“Wearing a long sleeve shirt and using protective products on your clothing will help repel the mosquitoes as well,” Key said. “Be careful of those overgrown locations of vegetation where they may be resting or waiting on moisture,” he said. “There are lots of things we can do to avoid those bites.”

“Overgrown vegetation locations and screen doors can be easily repaired to help prevent these issues,” Key said. He said using preventative products can assist in controlling local issues throughout the Upper Cumberland.