Who knows if the influx of mosquitoes in Nassau County can be attributed to the mild winter, standing water or overgrown vegetation; however, one thing is certain – this is the summer of the “skeeter.”
These bloodsuckers aren’t your grandparent’s mosquitoes – the Asian tiger mosquito is more aggressive, harder to kill and bites during the daytime. I predict an outbreak of agoraphobia way before we see another West Nile scare.
Spraying for these types of mosquitoes has proved to be virtually ineffective for a number of reasons. If you’ve noticed these thirsty little monsters in your backyard, consider the following steps to beat the skeet:
– Tiger mosquitoes need only a small pocket of moisture and seven days to breed; check gutters, toys, containers and tires for standing water.
– Wear light-colored clothes and keep your ankles and legs covered, if possible, as Asian tiger mosquitoes fly close to the ground.
– Products containing DEET are shown to be most effective in preventing mosquito bites.
– Change bird bath water regularly (every two to three days) and keep bushes and shrubs trimmed and under control.
– Call Nassau County (571-6900) to report mosquito, drainage or standing water problems.
–CT
