With all the recent rains mosquitoes are abundant. Mosquitoes are not only an annoyance, but can leave itchy bites and transmit diseases.

Since mosquitoes will attack all warm-blooded vertebrates, livestock, pets and humans are all susceptible. In livestock, large populations of mosquitoes can cause irritation and extensive blood loss, which can result in reduced productivity and sometimes death. Diseases affecting livestock from mosquitoes include Easter Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) virus, Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (WEE) virus and Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis (VEE). These are not exclusive to horses as the EEE has been reported in dogs and pigs. Heartworms in dogs are caused by the transmission of the filarial nematode by mosquitoes. These are just a few examples.

Now how to control mosquitoes, make certain that you are not contributing to the problem. All a mosquito needs to breed is a few leaves or small amount of organic material and water. Be certain to dump or drain any standing water. Also change out bird baths weekly, pet’s water bowls and check seals on cisterns and rain barrels. In low areas and ditches that cannot be easily drained consider filling in with gravel or soil. There are several products available for treating standing water that cannot be easily drained or filled.

Other backyard devices sold for mosquito protection include candles, bug zappers, ultrasonic mosquito repelling machines and mosquito suction devices. While some of these items have demonstrated relief in studies, the area of relief is minimal.  A few things we can do to help ourselves is to limit outdoor activities during evening and morning hours when mosquitoes are most active. If you must be outdoors during these times, wear protective clothing (long-sleeved shirt and pants) or a proven insect repellent.

For livestock the use of biological control can be used. Fish such as mosquito fish, goldfish, tilapia and others can be used to kill the larvae or the vegetation from areas where the larvae harborage in stock tanks and ponds. Chemical products can be found in many formulations (dust, powder, water soluble liquid, emulsion, oil-soluble liquid, granule, pellet, briquette).  The rate of usage will be dependent upon the biology of the target mosquito, the kind and size of habitat, the method of application, the chemical composition of the water and the presence of non-target organisms.

And whether in backyard or on the farm it’s best to rely on more than one control tactic when treating. For more information contact Chelsea Dorward at the Bosque County Extension Office at 254-435-2331.