DON’T ABANDON USE OF YOUR LAWN !
All County Pest Control offers mosquito control in Wappingers Falls, Hopewell Junction, Fishkill, Pawling, Patterson, Carmel, Mahopac, Mahopac Falls, Lake Peekskill, Katonah, Mt Kisco, Bedford, Pound Ridge, Armonk, Scarsdale, Port Chester and the surrounding areas in Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester counties.
1. Why do we need New York mosquito control programs?
Without control programs the mosquito Population would flourish and cause potential health and comfort problems. From a health standpoint, mosquitoes are known carriers of encephalitis, malaria, and the yellow fever and dengue viruses. Mosquito-borne diseases cause more than one million deaths each year around the world. Mosquito bites can also infect a pet with the deadly canine heart worm. We also like to enjoy the outdoors. Well planned municipal control programs begin by eliminating mosquito development in the early stage-the larval stage.
2. How can we control mosquito breeding?
By identifying their breeding sites and preventing the larvae from maturing to adults. Preventing larval development into adult mosquitoes can be accomplished through carefully planned and implemented programs while meeting sound environmental standards.
3. Why is it necessary to spray for adult mosquitoes in populated areas?
Because a well-planned, integrated program involves stopping mosquitoes in both the larval and adult stages. Mosquitoes can migrate up to 15 miles, which overrides local larval control efforts. This results in the need for adult mosquito control.
4. Are insecticides being used for mosquito control dangerous?
No. Industry and government testing procedures are so advanced and so demanding that it is virtually impossible to use a control product which could have an adverse effect upon people, animals or plant life. What’s more, the insecticides being used today are not only highly effective, but also degrade rapidly.
5. Do mosquito control insecticides pose any threat to the environment?
Insecticides are the most rigorously tested of all chemicals. They meet stringent standards before they are registered for use by the Environmental Protection Agency. When properly used by trained professionals, insecticides do their job and biodegrade quickly.
6. What methods other than the use of insecticides are there for controlling mosquitoes?
One effective approach involves the use of mosquito fish, which can be stocked in mosquito breeding sites to feed upon the larvae. Studies have shown that many homeowner methods such as bug zappers, bird and bat houses, and citronella plants eliminate only a very small percentage of the mosquito population. In fact many beneficial insects suffer the effects of these devices as well.
7. What can I personally do to help control mosquito development?
Look for possible breeding sites in your yard and community. Advise your local officials of potential problems with mosquitoes in New York.
- Dispose of old tires, buckets, and any other containers that might hold water.
- Don’t allow water to accumulate at the base of flower pots or pet dishes for more than a few days. Clean your dog dish regularly.
- Clean debris from rain gutters and remove any standing water on patios or flat roofs.
- Check around air conditioner units and repair leaks or puddles that remain for several days.
- Change water in bird baths and wading pools at least once a week.
- Remove tall weeds and grass in the yard to eliminate the mosquitoes favorite daytime resting places.