Rains Will Lead to Mosquito Activity, by Mike Waldvogel

The warming temperatures and recent spate of heavy rains will lead to increased mosquito activity in the next week. Before people start planning their chemical assault on the biting menaces, they can put a reasonable dent in populations simply by engaging in some "Tip and Toss" (which has nothing to do beer and watching TV). Our most common mosquito pest is the Asian tiger mosquito which takes advantage of water-filled objects as breeding sites. So, now is a good time to correct problems before you start hearing that familiar buzz of mosquitoes in your ear when you're sitting outdoors in the evening:

• Empty or (preferably) get rid of those objects that collect water - old cans, tires, and trash cans missing their lids.
• Put fresh water in bird baths and pet water bowls (both will be grateful for the new water!).
• The purpose of your rain gutters is to collect rain water, not pine needles, leaves, and other debris. Remove debris from your gutters and make sure water runs freely through through them. And make sure rainwater doesn't just splash and pool at the end at downspout. Make sure it drains out into your yard.
• Likewise, drainage ditches in front of your property are not meant to become "mosquito swimming pools." Clear them of debris and vegetation so that they don't impound water and let it stagnate.
• If you're going to collect rainwater to save for watering your gardens, make sure you have a screen over the top of the rain barrel to keep out debris and mosquitoes that are hunting for a good playing to lay eggs.

Pass along these suggestions to your neighbors as well because mosquito control takes a community effort to truly succeed.

You can find these details and more information about mosquito control on our website:http://insects.ncsu.edu/Urban/mosquito.htm