AgBIO COMMUNICATIONS UNIT
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
For release: June 29, 2004
Contact: Jim Wilson, (605) 688-4752
Use mosquito repellents over Fourth of July
BROOKINGS, S.D. -- Use mosquito repellents on Fourth
of July outings to guard against West Nile Virus, South Dakota State
University Extension specialists said.
Jim Wilson, SDSU Extension's pesticide education coordinator, said
personal repellents offer the best protection against mosquitoes that
can transmit West Nile Virus.
Individuals can also protect themselves by wearing loose-fitting,
long-sleeved clothing and by not being outdoors when mosquitoes are
most active near dusk and dawn, Wilson said.
Scientific tests show repellents containing DEET offer protection for
the longest duration, Wilson said. DEET-free alternatives that offer
protection for shorter lengths of time are also available.
Wilson added that when planning an outdoor
event, homeowners can use portable thermal foggers that use either
propane or electricity to convert an insecticide (resmethrin) into a
thermal or “hot” fog. Thermal foggers only kill mosquitoes that come in
contact with the insecticidal fog, which usually dissipates within
hours after fogging.
Homeowners can also consider longer-lasting barrier
or residual treatments of mosquito resting areas when outdoor
gatherings are planned. Apply a labeled insecticide onto mosquito
resting areas around the yard and home with an ordinary household
sprayer, hose-end sprayer, or ready-to-use container equipped with a
spray gun.
Apply the insecticide to surfaces where mosquitoes
will be resting during the day such as the north or sheltered sides of
board fences, wall siding, eaves, and outbuildings; trees and shrubs;
under decks; and in tall grass or weeds.
Apply in advance of the planned activity so that the
treated surfaces are completely dry before use. For more information
about controlling mosquitoes refer to SDSU Extension Fact Sheet 923,
“Controlling Mosquitoes around the Home and Yard,” available at your
local Extension office or online at
http://sdces.sdstate.edu/westnile/publications.htm.
-ljn-
Lance
Nixon,
Editor
AgBio
Communications Unit
South Dakota
State University
ACC, Box 2231,
Rm 200
Brookings SD
57007
Telephone: (605)
688-4653
LANCE.NIXON@SDSTATE.EDU