Hot Topics in the Urban Landscape

“Dump the Bucket” Mosquito Control in the Urban Environment

This year plan to be proactive about mosquito control. Protection starts at home with active steps that you can do to eliminate breeding mosquitos in your neighborhood. With the current concern about the Zika virus, it is important to remember that mosquitoes occurring in Virginia can carry other diseases that are more common. These include West Nile virus (WNV), Eastern Equine encephalitis (EEE), La Crosse encephalitis (LAC), and St. Louis encephalitis (SLE). According to the Virginia Department of Health it is not uncommon for Virginia to report a few imported cases of a mosquito-borne disease each year that may include malaria, dengue, or chikungunya.

Any area of still, shallow, standing water that stays for more than 3 days can successfully breed mosquitos. The number one complaint of mosquito bites in our area is from the Asian Tiger Mosquito which is a container breeder. Look for any item or container or water holding area that does not have a soil substrate. This includes a long list of items in our built environment that you and your neighbors banding together can work to eliminate. Learn about mosquito breeding habits. Mosquitoes require as little as a tablespoon of water to lay eggs in. Conduct a neighborhood “Dump the Bucket” inspection and walk-around. Look for:

Blocked Gutters, downspouts, and drain pipes- make sure that water is flowing freely and consider replacing corrugated non-perforated pipes with smooth walled pipes that flow freely.
Buckets, pet water dishes, plant pot saucers, watering cans, bird baths- do not allow water to stand and clean out at least once every 5 days.
Remove old tires, car parts, unused toys and gardening equipment that may collect water.
Tarps (over boats, firewood, cars, patio furniture)- make sure that these don’t trap water in them. Tighten them down and make sure that water is not puddling.

Water in standing drains like sumps and rain barrels can be treated with a natural larval control that will not harm other animals. The Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Pest Management Guide for Home Grounds and Animals Publication is accessible on-line and can answer your questions about control options for mosquito larvae and adults that are effective and rated for homeowner use.

Visit the VCE Horticulture Help Desk with questions and concerns about insects, plant identification, pesticides, plant disease, plant selection, household insects, ticks and mosquitos, and attracting and deterring wildlife.

For a full schedule of public education programs related to gardening go to www.mgnv.org

By ANR Extension Agent, Kirsten Conrad Buhls 2/22/2016