Mosquitoes readily lay their eggs in rainwater that has collected in tree holes. In fact, tree holes or other natural cavities are a favorite breeding site for the Asian tiger mosquito, a potential vector of Zika virus. Tree holes are usually the result of decay that follows injury from breakage, pruning, lightning, trunk damage, limb
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With all the concern lately about mosquito-transmitted diseases, there seems to be some heavy marketing on the part of plant nurseries and garden stores to sell “mosquito-repellent plants” for your home and yard. The claim is that you can simply put pots of these repellent plants anywhere that you don’t want mosquitoes and your family
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I keep reading that we have one of the mosquitoes here in Massachusetts that can transmit Zika virus. What does it look like so I’ll know if I have it here in my yard? C. F., Blackstone, MA You’re talking about the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus. Although this mosquito is not the primary vector
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At this time of year, we often get calls from panicked citizens who are seeing huge swarms of mosquitoes hovering in their yards. We can usually reassure them by explaining that what they are seeing are chironomid midges. These flies are also known as “nuisance midges,” to distinguish them from other smaller midges that bite.
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1. We’re protected because we use a bug zapper outside. These insect electrocuting devices, commonly called “bug zappers” are not an effective control for mosquitoes. Most of the flying insects that are zapped look like mosquitoes, but they are really harmless (and beneficial) midges (see Do Bug Zappers Work?). 2. I’m sure our mosquito problem
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Because we’re hearing so much scary stuff about mosquito diseases, I’m in the market for a super-duper, big bug zapper for our backyard. My wife objects though, she says that those things don’t work and she hates the zapping sound. What’s the latest on mosquito traps? P.P., Heniker, NH Bug zappers use ultraviolet light to
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We now have confirmation that a second mosquito is also capable of transmitting Zika virus in the U.S. This news is not a surprise but it is a concern because this mosquito, the Asian tiger mosquito, occurs right here in New England. Unless you live in a cave, you know that Zika virus is a
VIEW MOREJohn Maher: Hi, I’m John Maher and I’m here today with Tim Chase of Colonial Pest Control. Tim is an entomologist and a pest control technician and today our topic is mosquito control devices. Welcome, Tim. Tim Chase: Good morning, John. Types of Mosquito Control Devices John: So, Tim, what are a few of the different types of
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Spring can be a rainy and damp time. Most of us don’t really mind it, knowing that flowers and warm weather are not far behind. Pests, however, love April weather since they require high humidity to keep their soft bodies from drying out. Some, like mosquitoes, need spring rains to complete their development. Outdoor Foundation
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