If there's one thing that bugs Arkansans more than anything else in the summer, it's probably the mosquito.

Rainy conditions, plus warm weather, have provided perfect conditions for mosquitoes. Always be aware that you're going to have increased mosquito activity following summer rains. There's no surefire way to keep mosquitoes at bay, but there are things you can do to lessen the chance that you will be plagued with those irritating mosquito bites.

Anything that holds standing water for about five to seven days can be a source for mosquitoes to breed. It is very important to look around outside your house to find things that hold water for more than a week and then dump, drain or fill them. Buckets, wheelbarrows, cans, tarps over pools or boats, gutters, cisterns, and tire swings are among the most common things that hold water.

In addition to dumping and draining, there are products such as mosquito dunks (bacterial insecticides) that are available at many retail stores, garden centers and online garden suppliers, that people can add to standing water to prevent larval growth. One example of these products contains a bacterium known as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis or "Bti." This bacterium kills mosquitoes but does not harm fish, birds or other wildlife.

When families plan for outdoor activities in the backyard, mosquito adults can be temporarily suppressed by spraying/fogging with labeled insecticides targeting foliage and other mosquito resting areas. However, this method comes with some potential risks, such as adverse impacts on beneficial insects like butterflies and honeybees, and possible drift into neighboring properties. Citronella candles and torches have been shown to provide relief from mosquitoes in areas where there is no air movement. Bug zappers provide very little mosquito control and actually kill more beneficial insects than pests. University research indicates that there is no evidence that ultrasonic mosquito repelling devices work. Electric or propane-powered suction traps have been found to work, but only for a small area.

When it comes to managing mosquitoes and preventing bites, remember the four "D's":

• Drain -- Drain all standing water. Check rainwater collection systems (hopefully you have screening to block mosquitoes on your rainwater system), dishes under flower pots, pet dishes, buckets, tree holes and low-lying areas in the yard. If you have areas of standing water that it is not possible to drain, try using mosquito dunks (active ingredient Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis).

• Dusk and dawn -- Many mosquitoes are most active during dusk and dawn, so try to avoid being outside during peak times.

• Dress -- Dress in light-colored clothing with long sleeves and long pants.

• DEET -- Wear some type of insect repellent. DEET is a common insect repellent for mosquitoes and works very well, but there are other options. Other active ingredients to look for are picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always read and follow label directions.

Start now and prepare for this summer's outdoor activities. For more information go to our website at http://www.uaex.uada.edu or call our office at 501-623-6841.

There are several 4-H Clubs for Garland County youths who are 5 to 19 years old. For more information on all the fun 4-H activities available, call Carol Ann McAfee at the Extension office, 501-623-6841, or email [email protected]

Master Gardener meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Elks Lodge. They're open to the public and guests are welcome. For more information call Luke Duffle at 623-6841 or email him at [email protected]

Are you interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For information about EHC, call Alison Crane at 501-623-6841 or email [email protected]

Print Headline: Don’t be bugged by mosquitoes

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