Tips for Battling Mosquitoes in Your Backyard
Warmer Weather Signals Increase in Dangerous Mosquito Populations

June 18, 2002, Schaumburg, Ill. -- The mosquito-borne West Nile virus is a growing health concern in the United States. The virus has spread rapidly across the country, already seen in virtually every state east of the Mississippi River. Many experts expect it to reach the Rocky Mountains this year and perhaps even the west coast. The seasonal battle against blood sucking mosquitoes is not only the concern of local health departments and entomologists but individuals as well.

"Individuals should be protecting themselves against mosquito bites not just with insect repellent, but also by taking measures to ensure that the area around their home does not become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, " said Dr. Jordan Siegel, technical services veterinarian for Wellmark International.

"You can't prevent mosquitoes from coming into your yard. But because the Culex species of mosquito, a common carrier of West Nile virus in the United States, has a limited flight range, homeowners can help reduce the population around their property simply by eliminating or treating any stagnant water. Stagnant water can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes to lay their eggs."

In response to increasing public concern, Zodiac®, a division of Wellmark International, developed Preventative Mosquito Control product that kills developing mosquitoes before they emerge as breeding, biting adults by using insect growth regulator technology. Available in a granule form, the product can be easily applied in areas where mosquitoes may breed to provide protection for up to 21 days.

Dr. Siegel advises that homeowners use Zodiac Preventative Mosquito Control product to treat areas such as bird baths, water gardens, ornamental fountains, and flower pots, as well as tree holes, old tires, pool covers, urns, rain barrels, roof gutters, abandoned swimming pools, and any other water holding receptacle.

In summary, Zodiac offers the following tips to help prevent or avoid mosquito bites in your backyard:

Prevention Tips:

• Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. Either eliminate or treat any stagnant bodies of water in receptacles or containers in your yard.
  
  
• Stagnant water can be treated with Zodiac Preventative Mosquito Control product. These granules can be easily applied in water gardens, ornamental fountains, roof gutters, bird baths, old tires, flower pots, tree holes, urns, rain barrels, pool covers, abandoned swimming pools, or any other water-holding receptacle. This product prevents developing mosquitoes from ever reaching the breeding, biting adult stage.
  
  
• Remove litter from your yard. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in small, discarded items that can hold water such as cans, bottles, and wrappers.

Other tips:

• Stay indoors during dawn, dusk, and early evening when mosquitoes are more likely to bite.
  
  
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants for extra protection.
  
  
• Use a repellent on skin and clothing containing DEET. Apply repellent sparingly to exposed skin.
  
  
• Protect your dog or cat with a product made especially for pets that repels mosquitoes.

Zodiac Preventative Mosquito Control can be found at most home/garden and pet specialty stores. For more information, visit www.zodiacpet.com.

Editor's Note: A press kit containing further background, as well as photography, is available upon request. Zodiac can provide further veterinary and entomologic expertise on mosquito control issues. For more information, call (630) 469-0700.