Mosquito Control in the Old Pueblo
July 17, 2007 | By Kelley Koehler | Filed Under Odds and Ends
It’s that time of year again – the monsoons are bringing Tucson some much appreciated rain, and the standing water is bringing back the not at all appreciated mosquitos.
Hundreds of mosquito larvae can develop in areas of standing water that last more than 7 to 10 days, even in small containers. During this season, I have to empty and refill my dog’s water dish outside every week or so to keep from breeding the little critters. The larvae look like tiny little wriggling worms, maybe a quarter inch long, just hanging out in the water bowl.
Other mosquito breeding areas may include:
- uncovered trash containers
- plant and flower pots
- tires and tire swings
- wheelbarrows
- tarps or coverings on outdoor equipment
- bird baths
- wading pools
- fountains
- rain barrels
There are several steps you can take to control the mosquito population in your yard. First, remove all standing water, or change it more frequently. If you remove the water saucers from under pots outside, or drill holes in the tire swing, that will help those areas drain and dry better. See how many standing water areas you can eliminate.
If you do need to keep standing water, consider placing a “mosquito dunk” in the water. Dunks are widely available at the hardware store, and should provide about a month of protection. They are made of a garden spray, are targeted at controlling mosquito larvae, and are considered organic controls, harmless to birds, pets, and wildlife.
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It may be very appropriate to add unused swamp coolers ( with water in them) and even rain gutters on roofs ( many do not completely drain water thereby leaving standing water). The easiest way to test your gutters is to use a water hose on a dry day – fill it from the middle of the gutter and see which way the water runs; identify standing spots and take corrective measures.
You’re right, I hadn’t thought about those!