MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. — If mosquitoes and other insects are taking a bite out of your customers’ summer fun, the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) has tips to keep those pesky intruders under control.
Always remember the three D’s of protection from mosquitoes:
- Drain — Many mosquito problems in your neighborhood are likely to come from water-filled containers that you, the resident, can help to eliminate. All mosquitoes require water in which to breed. Be sure to drain any standing water around your house.
- Dress — Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing. Some of the 176 mosquito species are attracted to dark clothing and some can bite through tight-fitting clothes. When practical, wear long sleeves and pants.
- Defend — Choose a mosquito repellent that has been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency, such as DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Registered products have been reviewed, approved, and pose minimal risk for human safety when used according to label directions.
For other summer mosquito safety tips, visit the AMCA Web site, www.mosquito.org.
AMCA has declared the week of June 22-28 as National Mosquito Control Awareness Week 2008. Now in its twelfth year, AMCA’s “Mosquito Week” educates the general public about the significance of mosquitoes in their daily lives and the important service provided by mosquito control workers throughout the United States and worldwide.
More than one million people die from mosquito-borne diseases every year, according to the association.
To raise awareness of the association and the work of mosquito control professionals in the eye of the public, Gary Clark, former president of AMCA, drafted a resolution in 1997 calling for “Mosquito Week.” National Mosquito Control Awareness Week is observed annually in June, the week which includes June 26 in honor of the founding of AMCA in 1935.
While nationally observed, the scope of activities for “Mosquito Week” is determined by local agencies based on need of the community. Displays, lectures, demonstrations, and educational programs for children are just a few of the events which will focus on mosquitoes as disease carriers and pests. Information on the mosquito life cycle and tips on how to eliminate mosquito egg-laying sites around homes will help citizens reduce the numbers of mosquitoes in their own neighborhoods.