For insects, residential mosquito spraying is like dropping a nuclear bomb — there's a lot of collateral damage to unintended targets. It's important that homeowners exhaust a variety of other tactics before picking up the phone to call a mosquito control company.

Here are some tips from the Georgia Board of Public Health suggests:

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• Eliminate sources of standing water (flower pots, buckets, etc.) where mosquitos breed 

• Add mosquito larvicides (e.g., BTI “dunks”) to fountains, ornamental ponds, etc. These safe, biological products kill mosquito larvae before they become biting, breeding adults

• Cut back overgrown vegetation that can harbor mosquitos

• Keep rain gutters clear of wet leaves and standing water

• Apply skin-based insect repellents to exposed skin when outside  (DEET is proven safe and the most effective repellent against mosquito bites; Picaridin and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus are proven alternatives.)

• Avoid outdoor activity at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active

• Use fans to circulate air when entertaining outside

• Wear loose-fitting pants and long-sleeved shirts to reduce skin exposure

• Fix damaged window screens to deny mosquitoes entry

 

 

DOWNLOAD:
DeKalb County Board of Health
Mosquito Prevention Checklist

 

Repellents Information:

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• A Guide To Mosquito Repellents, From DEET To ... Gin And Tonic?
   

• How Safe Is DEET?
  Despite assurances about the chemical, consumer concerns persist. Is there a reason to worry?
   

• 5 DEET-free Ways to Protect Yourself From Bugs