Oklahoma Farm Report masthead graphic with wheat on the left and cattle on the right.
Howdy Neighbors!
Ron Hays, Director of Farm and Ranch Programming, Radio Oklahoma Ag Network  |  2401 Exchange Ave, Suite F, Oklahoma City, Ok 73108  |  (405) 601-9211

advertisements
   
   
   
   
   

Agricultural News


Avoid Making Your Home a Haven for Mosquitoes

Mon, 01 Jun 2015 15:36:01 CDT

Avoid Making Your Home a Haven for Mosquitoes As Oklahomans slog their way through a stormy, rain-soaked spring, homeowners should take extra precautions against conditions inviting mosquitoes.


Aside from cutting the risk of being bitten, doing so will add a layer of safety against the West Nile virus. The virus is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which pick up the disease from feeding on diseased birds.


In Oklahoma, the West Nile virus is, in part, related to the rise of the Culex mosquito, said Justin Talley, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension livestock entomologist.


"Culex mosquitoes are most active in the morning and evening, especially close to dark, and they're so small, sometimes people don't even realize they've been bitten," Talley said.


West Nile-infected mosquitoes can occur anywhere, said Bruce Noden, OSU medical and veterinary entomologist.


"The storm drains and locations where Culex mosquitoes breed occur in both urban and rural areas in all parts of the state," Noden said.


Household items such as buckets or tarps collecting water can turn into fertile breeding grounds for mosquitoes, said Gina Peek, OSU Cooperative Extension housing and consumer specialist.


"The key is to cut down on any areas around the house where water could build up," she said. "For instance, you should refill your outdoor pet's water bowl everyday."


This also means properly maintaining outdoor hot tubs and swimming pools, as well as draining plastic wading pools when they are not being used, and storing them so they cannot collect water.


Boats should be covered or turned upside down.


Meanwhile, clear your home's gutters of leaves and debris that could collect water if clogged, and discourage potential mosquito habitats by keeping the grass trimmed and brush dismantled.


"Around the outside of your house, repair or replace broken or torn window and door screens and fix leaky lawn irrigation spouts," Peek said. "Birdbaths should be rinsed, scrubbed and refilled on a weekly basis."


If you are planning to be outside, especially during the times of day when mosquitoes are most active, wear long pants, long sleeves, socks and shoes.


However, a repellent with 10 percent to 30 percent DEET is the most effective option, Talley said. You also can apply Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin and clothing, but not underneath any clothing.


   

 

WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI

 


Top Agricultural News

  • Oklahoma Youth Expo Sale of Champions Sale Order Available Here- Sale Set for 4 PM Friday  Fri, 17 Mar 2023 04:50:54 CDT
  • Rural Voters Dominated Vote to Defeat Recreational Marijuana March 7th  Fri, 10 Mar 2023 07:13:05 CST
  • Ron Hays Talks to Israeli Ag Tour Guide Colin Lotzof About the Miraclel of Ag in Israel  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 22:11:04 CST
  • OALP Members Experience First Hand View of Cutting Edge Drip Irrigation Technology as Israel Travel Ends  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:51:49 CST
  • OALP Members Get First Hand View of Cutting Edge Drip Irrigation Technology as Israel Travel Ends  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:50:10 CST
  • Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program Sees Fruit, Beef and Dairy Production North of the Sea of Galilee in Israel  Mon, 20 Feb 2023 21:56:02 CST
  • Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program Sees Diverse Farm Operations in Jordan River Valley of Israel  Sun, 19 Feb 2023 21:17:30 CST
  • Israeli Tour Guide Mark Kedem Talks About The Cultural Aspects of What Class XX of OALP is Experiencing   Sat, 18 Feb 2023 22:17:23 CST

  • More Headlines...

       

    Ron salutes our daily email sponsors!

    Oklahoma Beef council Oklahoma Ag Credit Oklahoma Farm Bureau National Livestock Credit Ag Mediation Program P&K Equipment Oklahoma City Farm Show Union Mutual Stillwater Milling Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association KIS FUTURES, INC.
       
       
       
       
       

    Search OklahomaFarmReport.com

    © 2008-2024 Oklahoma Farm Report
    Email Ron   |   Newsletter Signup   |    Current Spots   |    Program Links

    WebReady powered by WireReady® Inc.