Upcoming Events
BULK TRASH SET-OUT
who: HH Residents
when: Thursday, Sept. 9
where: Hampton Hills
HHNA MEETING
who: HH residents
when: Tuesday, Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m.
where: Rosemont Christian Church
LAST FRIDAY,
FIRST CALL
who: HH Residents
when: Friday, Sept. 24, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
where: 1615 Hollywood Ave.
RSVP: 214-621-9530 or e-mail Jon Garinn. |
protection against mosquitoes
Around 29,000 cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in the U.S. since 1999, according to the Centers for Disease Control. This makes the use of repellents very important as we begin to enjoy outdoor activities. There are many excuses for not using repellents such as they don’t smell good or they’re too expensive, but the bottom line is that repellents are needed to prevent the possible transmission of diseases from female mosquitoes. The female mosquito consumes blood in order to develop her eggs, which causes her to be considered one of the biggest medical threats to humans, since they are capable of transmitting not only West Nile but also Malaria, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Yellow Fever.
Mosquitoes are a diverse group of flies, and there are over 85 species in Texas. Mosquitoes develop through a complete lifecycle with an egg, larva, pupa and adult stage. Mosquito eggs may be laid individually or in clusters on the surface of water or in dry locations that will flood periodically. The eggs hatch into larvae that eat microscopic plants, animals and other organic material in the water. The larvae will then develop into pupae, which do not feed. Then the adult stage will emerge from the water and take flight.
Some Options to Prevent Mosquito Bites:
Apply chemicals to the skin and clothes to prevent bites. There are many mosquito repellents on the market, such as those containing DEET, picaridin, oil of eucalyptus, and soybean oil-based repellents.
Avoid wearing dark colors, since mosquitoes rely on visual cues to locate hosts.
Avoid exercising or yard work in the heat of the day, since mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide and perspiration.
Avoid wearing fruity or floral fragrances in perfumes, hair products, or sunscreens, since these scents are more attractive to mosquitoes.
Wear long, loose-fitting clothing to avoid mosquito bites.
Some Options For Controlling Mosquito Populations Outdoors:
The No. 1 way to reduce mosquito populations in your yard is source reduction. Mosquitoes need as little as a bottle cap full of water in order to complete their life cycle. If standing water is eliminated, then the overall mosquito population in your area will be reduced. Areas containing water should be changed once a week or emptied, such as wading pools, buckets, bird baths, pet dishes, ponds, boat covers, and irrigation systems. Holes or depressions in trees should be filled with sand or mortar. Leaky pipes should be repaired. If standing water can not be drained, then mosquito dunks containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) can be used.
Mow tall grass and reduce the amount of foliage, to reduce the resting sites for adult mosquitoes.
Insecticides can be applied to trees and shrubs, such as those containing pyrethrins, to kill adult mosquitoes.
Source: AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M University
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