With increased worries about contracting illnesses from mosquitoes and ticks, we need to think beyond using repellents to protect ourselves from bites, but must also be mindful of the negative environmental impacts of aerosols in our landscapes.
It is vital to take measures to limit the ability of mosquitoes to breed around our homes and in our communities without harming beneficial insects, birds, and other mammals. It is to protect other insects that are critical to ecosystem—pollinators, and insects that provide food for birds and other wildlife. We also should know how to identify and manage ticks, and where to get more information if we’ve encountered them.
Here are sources of information to learn more about controlling mosquitoes and becoming better informed about ticks without creating a greater harm to the environment.
PowerPoint Presentation/Mosquito & Tick Management–Pesticide Reduction for Pollinator Protection identifies local mosquitoes and ticks, as well as controls, repellents, and avoidance strategies without use of heavy chemicals.
Additional Mosquito Resources:
Virginia Cooperative Extension — Mosquitoes and Their Control provides information on how eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, best personal protection, identification, habitat and life cycle of mosquitoes, common state species, and additional resources.
View the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service fact sheet that answers frequently asked questions about mosquitoes.
Mythbusters–Mosquitoes highlights the facts and fiction about mosquitoes.
For general questions about local mosquitoes and treatments, contact the Arlington Cooperative Extension Office. Click HERE for Virginia Cooperative Extension offices around the state.
Additional Tick Resources:
Virginia’s Most Common Ticks — ID and Disease Info provides photos, possible tick-borne diseases, tick bite prevention and removal information.