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Health & Fitness

DON'T LET MOSQUITOES CRASH YOUR PARTY

Experts believe that Hurricane Sandy left more than damage in its wake – the super storm may have also increased the presence of mosquitoes on the island this summer. If in fact Hurricane Sandy has created areas where standing water can accumulate that would certainly increase the presence of mosquitoes, which also increases the risk of The West Nile Virus. The summer season on the East End of Long Island requires time spent outdoors, backyard BBQs and evening pool parties but mosquitoes have the ability to ruin that. We recommend party sprays to our clients because they are both effective and environmentally friendly. We have found that the most effective product to get rid of mosquitoes is garlic oil. When sprayed on your property, the garlic oil disappears in 15 to 30 minutes and so do the mosquitoes. It is not the garlic scent that keeps the mosquitos away, it is the 33 sulfur compounds in the garlic that becomes systemic in your yard plants. The application can last anywhere from a few days to a whole month depending on the weather and your location in relation to mosquito breeding grounds. In 2012, there were 103 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in New York State, including five deaths. According to the NYS Department of Health’s Mosquito Borne Illness Surveillance & Response Plan of 2012, in addition to personal protective measures, mosquito control is an effective means of protecting people and animals from mosquito-borne diseases. “An effective control program includes source reduction, larval and adult mosquito control activities,” the report states.

Personal protective measures include the following:

1. Drill holes in the bottom, not the sides, of garbage and recycling containers stored outdoors.
2. Keep gutters clean and unclogged.
3. Keep swimming pools cleaned and chlorinated, even when not in use.
4. Walk around your property after a rain and look for areas in the landscape that are not draining well.
5. Ornamental ponds should be aerated to keep water moving and discourage mosquitoes from laying eggs.
6. Dump anything that holds water twice per week if it has rained such as birdbaths, non-chlorinated wading pools, garbage can lids, pottery, and flowerpot saucers. Don’t leave water in pet bowls for more than two days.
7. Keep the property clean of items that can hold water including discarded aluminum cans and tires.

 In addition to limiting the breeding habitat and water sources, it’s also important to limit the adult habitat. Adult mosquitoes rest during the day, usually on tall weeds or other vegetation. Mow the lawn regularly and keep weeds away from the house to make the yard less hospitable.

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