Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sources

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Spring cleaning this year on your farm should include finding and draining potential mosquito breeding sites. This year, reducing mosquito numbers is essential as West Nile Virus is anticipated in all parts of Ohio this summer.

“Look around your farm for places where rain water can stand for more than three days,” said William Saville, an Ohio State University Extension veterinarian. “A good place to start looking is back of the barn where old tires, discarded watering tanks and other unused equipment is kept.”

Anything that could hold water, such as wheelbarrows and buckets, should be drained and turned over to prevent from filling with rainwater. Tires should be discarded to prevent water from collecting, said Saville, an assistant professor with the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. Old tarps, feedbags, tin cans, bottles or anything else lying around should be picked up and thrown away if necessary. Watering tanks should be emptied once a week and kept free of algae.

Mosquitoes breed in shallow water that stands for more than three days. Low areas in driveways, barnyards and pastures should be drained or filled with dirt or gravel.

Saville reminds farm owners to also look for mosquito breeding areas around the house. Roof gutters need to be cleaned and tight covers should be kept over cisterns, septic tanks and rain barrels. The water in birdbaths and wading pools should be drained once a week. If there is a farm pond, keep the banks mowed and free of vegetation. A stocked fishpond, which is well managed for weeds and algae, will help reduce mosquitoes.

Horse owners should take extra precautions to protect their horses. Saville encourages keeping horses indoors during peak periods of mosquito activity, which is early evening (dusk) and early morning (dawn). Lights should be kept off in the stable as this attracts mosquitoes to the area. All birds, including chickens, should be kept away from the stable as these can serve as a host for the virus.

Mosquito control products, such as fog products, are available for the stable area. When choosing a pesticide, read the label and only use products labeled for the animal or for the area where the spray will be used. Always follow the label directions for amounts, mixture and application directions. Topical preparations containing mosquito repellents are available, but read the label for application directions.

Protection from mosquitoes should also be provided for humans. If possible, avoid being outside during the peak periods of mosquito activity. When outside, plan to wear light-colored clothes with long sleeves, long pants, shoes and socks. Use insect repellent with no more than 20 percent to 30 percent DEET for adults and less than 10 percent DEET for children.

Last year, West Nile Virus was confirmed in dead birds in all 88 counties in Ohio. The virus is spread to birds, horses and people through the bite of an infected mosquito.

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