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Water Treatments
Summer is biting season, for mosquitoes that is. This is often a concern of pond keepers (or the neighbors of pond keepers). By knowing the facts and control methods, you can better control the mosquito population on your property and reduce the concerns your neighbors may have.
Mosquito Control Options Biological: reduction
of pest populations by using living organisms encouraged by man. Such as using
Eco Labs products. Biological control agents also include bacteria that are
toxic to mosquito larvae but innocuous to non target organisms. A few fish in
your water feature will go a long way to reducing the mosquito population. Mechanical Control,
includes screening windows, construction to improve drainage. Another great
way to prevent mosquitoes for laying eggs is to add a pump, fountain or
spitter to your koi pond of water feature. Regulatory Control, laws
prohibiting tire dumps, recycling and the production of mosquito breeding
sites. Includes code enforcement of local ordinances. Chemical Control,
materials to attract and poison mosquitoes. Sanitation. Ridding containers, cisterns, roof gutters, and tires of standing water.
Mosquito Protection Essentials for Pets
By Ramona D. Marek
April 23, 2009
Mosquitoes carry diseases harmful to humans and animals, including heartworm disease, which ranks as the main concern for pet owners. Tom Nelson, DVM, past president of American Heartworm Society and Companion Animal Parasite Council board member, offered this information about mosquito control and heartworm essentials for pets.
•Twenty-two species of mosquitoes in the United States can transmit heartworms.
•Dogs (wild, stray or household pets), coyotes, foxes, wolves, cats and other animals infected with heartworm disease can carry it as well.
•About 55 percent of household dogs receive heartworm prevention medication.
•Five percent of owned cats receive heartworm prevention medication.
•Indoor-only pets are equally unsafe. Mosquitoes winter-over in houses, in basements, under crawl spaces and in garages. In one study that examined confirmed heartworm cases in North Carolina, 27 percent of indoor-only cats were infected with heartworms.
•Pet owners should apply one of four kinds of oral medication monthly: invermectin, selamectin, moxidectin or milbemycin.
•Year-round treatment proves most effective.
Nelson said products that contain pyrethrum or permethrin prove unsafe to use on cats. Never use DEET on animals, Nelson said, because it builds up toxicity in their systems.
Carefully read and follow all label and insert directions. “Any time it is warm enough for mosquitoes to be out feeding, it is warm enough for heartworms to transmit,” Nelson said. For more information, consult your veterinarian and visit American Heartworm Society and Companion Animal Parasite Council.
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