Eliminate standing water to prevent mosquitoes

Mel Whitson, Senior Field Technical Service Manager, Zoëcon Professional Products

Spring is the season that provides a prevalence of mosquitoes. Wet and warming conditions are conducive to water accumulation, creating prime spots for mosquitoes to develop.

When treating yards, parks or other outdoor areas, let customers know that eliminating standing water is the first step to mosquito control. Spring cleaning also would involve trimming shrubs and landscaping around buildings and recreation areas. Trim low branches of shrubs off the ground for airflow underneath, and trim plants away from buildings. Elimination of moisture and increasing air flow reduces humidity and denies resting areas for mosquitoes. Explain to customers that it’s also important to patch and seal gaps in doors, frames or screens.

Although they may be seen by some as a mere annoyance, mosquitoes are never a threat to take lightly. In addition to being a nuisance, mosquitoes often can be carriers of diseases including, but not limited to, West Nile virus, dengue and Zika virus. Working together and communicating well will help you and your customers neutralize the threat of mosquitoes this season.