Protect Youself From The Mosquito Population In Amarillo

Have you seen the size of the mosquitoes in Amarillo here lately?  They look like flying spiders!  Recent rains have made for the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, and you've gotta do everything you can to fight the bite.

The city has increased its control measures, but there is no way they can get rid of every mosquito.  Citizens are strongly encouraged to take the necessary steps in their yards to reduce the mosquito population.

The City of Amarillo's Environmental Health Department suggests three ways you can help reduce the mosquito population.

1.     Tip and Toss the water from all containers around your property and eliminate all standing water in and around Amarillo. This action will keep mosquitoes from laying more eggs in water that grow into more adult biting mosquitoes.

2.     Consumer Control: Because community controls cannot reduce mosquito populations to zero, people need to protect themselves as well, particularly on morning and evening outings. Consumers have a wide variety of products available for personal mosquito control.  Our local lawn and garden centers stock many chemicals citizens can apply to control mosquitoes.

• These include aerosol products and outdoor foggers
• There are several personal repellents for mosquito control as well that can be applied directly to the exposed skin or clothing.
•  At this time, it appears that chemical-based mosquito control products are the most effective, while the mechanical and bug zapping devices are not very effective in controlling mosquitoes.

3.     Vegetation Management: Adult mosquitoes prefer to rest on weeds and other vegetation. Homeowners can reduce the number of areas where adult mosquitoes can find shelter by cutting down weeds adjacent to the house foundation and in their yards, and mowing the lawn regularly. To further reduce adult mosquitoes harboring in vegetation, insecticides may be applied to the lower limbs of shade trees, shrubs and other vegetation. Always read and follow label directions before using any pesticide.

The City of Amarillo offers up more information about mosquito control on their website. It's worth checking out.