By ANNE LENOX BARLOW, Cornell Co-op Extension
One recent evening, I had a wonderful time chasing a katydid around my house.
Somehow, the large green insect had made it inside, and since I have a fondness for these bright green, night-time singing insects, I wanted to release outside.
After a few failed attempts, I finally captured her and gently placed her back outside where she belonged.
Finding a katydid in the house is rather unusual, since they tend to stay in the trees. Of all the insects that get inside during the summer, the one that I notice the most is the mosquito — because, of course, it bites.
And this summer's wet weather is only helping the local mosquito population.
SAFE REPELLENTS
There are more than 3,500 species of mosquitoes in the world; 62 of these live in New York state. All mosquitoes need water, preferably still water, to breed. Female mosquitoes feed on blood to nourish their eggs, which are laid in water. The larvae hatch, feed, grow, pupate and emerge out of the water as adults. The adults breed, the female feeds on blood, and the cycle continues.
Because the bites of mosquitoes are itchy and annoying and because there are several diseases the insect can transmit, including West Nile virus, there is much interest in controlling populations and preventing bites.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends three different ingredients as safe repellents. These include N, N-dithyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET), picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus. DEET is the tried and true repellent that has undergone 25 years of testing, though recent tests have shown the picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are remarkably close in effectiveness. Using a repellent is up to the individual, but everyone who does so should always read and follow the instructions on the label.
BEWARE GIMMICKS
Besides repellents, there are many devices for sale that supposedly help rid a property of mosquitoes. The one we see and hear the most is the bug-zapper, which uses electrocution in combination with a light that attracts the insects. While bug-zappers do kill a lot of bugs, independent investigators from the University of Notre Dame showed that mosquitoes comprise a very small amount of the insects killed (only between 4.1 and 6.4 percent). The same study found no difference in the number of mosquitoes found in yards with bug zappers and those without them. In addition, it is estimated that 71 billion to 350 billion beneficial insects may be killed each year in bug-zappers in the United States.
Other devices include ultrasonic ones and mosquito traps. The ultrasonic devices are supposed to repel mosquitoes, but research has shown they do not work.
A lot of research has also gone into the traps, some of which use carbon dioxide to attract mosquitoes while others use a lure. The idea behind the traps is that they will reduce the number of female mosquitoes in an area and hence reduce the population. Besides being expensive and requiring regular maintenance, there is mixed evidence that they are effective.
Another control method homeowners try are backyard misting systems and sprays, which broadcast insecticides across the yard. While the insecticide does kill the mosquitoes, it also kills many non-target and beneficial insects (such as pollinators and predacious insects).
REMOVE CONTAINERS
Since mosquitoes require water to breed, one of the most effective control methods is to eliminate their breeding places. Making sure there are no places for rain water to collect and sit on your property is simple and effective. Easy steps such as removing old tires, childrens' toys and containers and placing screening over the top of rain barrels can help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your house. Most likely, there will never be one single silver bullet that will prove to be the ultimate answer, but removing breeding opportunities can help reduce mosquito numbers.
Anne Lenox Barlow is the horticulture educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension in Clinton County. Office phone numbers: Clinton County 561-7450, Essex County 962-4810, Franklin County 483-7403. E-mail questions to: askMG@cornell.edu.
