By Mary Hightower,
U of A Division of Agriculture
With rain returning to some regions of Arkansas and Missouri, so have mosquito breeding sites, said Kelly Loftin, extension entomologist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
Mosquito breeding sites are divided into three major types: 1) floodwater, 2) permanent or semi-permanent pools and 3) artificial containers or tree-holes.

“Homeowners can help reduce mosquito populations—particularly the container-breeding mosquitoes,” he said.

Some easy and effective tactics to reduce mosquitoes:

* Properly discard used tires and other items that collect water.

* Flush water from birdbaths at least every four to five days.

* Store objects such as canoes and boats upside down so they no longer collect water.

* Unclog gutters. Though it’s not yet fall, leaves have fallen in many regions of the state and clogged gutters. Remove fallen leaves and other debris from gutters so that water drains freely.

* Check and make sure drains and culverts on your property are clean and not causing water to pool.

“With hunting season just around the corner, many are venturing outdoors into prime mosquito habitat to scout for wildlife sign and hunting sites,” Loftin said. “In many of these situations, mosquito repellents are a must. Skin repellents containing DEET are effective and one of the newer products, Bio UD, looks promising.”

For clothing-only repellents, those containing permethrin are effective and long-lasting. These include Repel Permanone Insect Repellent Clothing Spray and Sawyer Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent.

“Remember, these products are considered insecticides, so follow label instructions very closely,” he said.

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