Mosquito Control

Website: http://www.mosquito-kill-net.com

At first glance, you might wonder why, as a home improvement specialist, you would need to be concerned with mosquito control. Everyone should be concerned about mosquitoes, because they are not just a nuisance anymore, but also a serious health threat because of the rapid spread of West Nile virus.

West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and has become a significant public health threat in the United States in the past few years, in particular. In 1999, a few cases were reported from the Northeast United States. By 2002, there had been reported cases in all states except Alaska, Hawaii, and Oregon. And the number of reported cases grows each year.

So many home improvement specialists work out of doors during mosquito season, that there is an enhanced risk of being bitten and catching the virus.

And, there is much that home improvement specialists can do to insure that their customer's homes are built and restored to protect against mosquito exposure also.

Here are a few tips and suggestions for both your own protection, and that of your customers.

PROTECT YOURSELF ON THE JOB

• When working in an outside environment, be sure not to leave any receptacles that can collect water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, and it only takes a few days for the mosquito to become mature enough to bite. And, it doesn't take much water, either. Something as small as an empty soda can house hundreds of mosquito larvae. You can be breeding several generations, if you are on an extended project, and allow water to collect.
• Clean up stacks of debris and trash—mosquitoes hide in shady places during the day, and will avoid bright sunlight.
• Wear light colored clothing—mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothing much more than lighter clothes.
• If possible, wear protective clothing; long sleeves and pants are best. The less exposed skin the better. Of course, in hotter climates, this may not be practical.
• Use an effective insect repellant; it is your best protection. And, be sure to check the directions for re-applying it. Many types are washed away by perspiration. And, mosquitoes are attracted to the scent of sweat also.

PROTECT YOUR CLIENTS

• Be sure all gutters and downspouts drain well, and quickly. And, gutters need to be easy to clean. Any leaves and debris will serve as hiding places for adult mosquitoes during the day.
• If you are building or restoring a porch, screened areas afford the most protection, if the client is open to it. And, if screens are used, be sure they are of good enough quality to hold up well. Holes in screens are an open invitation to mosquitoes, and it doesn't take a large one.
• Also, any windows that open should have good screening installed.
• If there is a place outside where an outdoor ceiling fan will fit, suggest installing one. Mosquitoes are not strong fliers and will avoid windy areas.
• Landscape professionals should consider spacing for shrubs, and smaller plants. Mosquitoes will hide out in shaded areas in the day. They will avoid bright sunlight, so less shrubbery may be better in some gardens.
• If you are asked to include a water feature in your landscaping, be sure it has running water, such as a fountain. Mosquitoes will only breed in still water.
• Porches and decks should be constructed to drain quickly and well, and no small pools or puddles should form on them. It only takes a very small amount of water for mosquitoes to breed.
• Consider whether there is a good place to construct an attractive housing for one of the new mosquito trap machines. While these machines are effective, they are not all that decorative in appearance.

THE BOTTOM LINE

All of these tips are good suggestions for providing quality work, which you would do anyway. Still, many people do not realize what a hazard mosquito bites have become. It is worth a bit of extra effort to avoid mosquito disease risks, for both you and your customers. And it can make working and living outdoors a lot more enjoyable.

Note: This article was submitted by a second party and the contents are subject to our disclaimer.