How to cut down on mosquitoes, enjoy outdoors

This week, Ann and I are at the Dirty Dozen 4-H Camp with nine 4-h'ers and two counselors from Bourbon County along with nearly 350 other youth and agents. Rock Springs ranch is neatly tucked into the Flint Hills area south of Junction City, surrounded by creeks, timber, and nature. Therefore we are certain to have our run ins with mosquitoes and other irritable insects.

According to Kansas State University entomologist Ludek Zurek, nothing repels mosquitoes better than products containing DEET (for skin and/or clothing) or permethrin (for clothing only). For kids, a product labeled for kids or a soy based product should be used, realizing it will have to re-applied more often.

The more of the ingredient a product has, the longer its effects will last. But that does not mean to use the strongest product out there! It is recommended that adults do not use a product with more than 33 percent DEET. The strongest is not better; it refers to how long the product will remain effective. A product with 20 percent will repel insects for four to five hours, which for most is long enough or will provide enough time to re-apply.

He also warns that when applying a sunscreen product and DEET at the same time, the effectiveness of the sunscreen can be reduced as much as 33 percent.

There are ways to cut down on the number of mosquitoes in your yard. Populations can be controlled by:

* Adding goldfish or guppies to standing bodies of water or adding an aerator.

* Clean out and replace water in children's pools, birdbaths, and water bowls at least once a week.

* Eliminate and regularly empty other items which collect water -- clogged gutters, toys, buckets, wheelbarrows, empty cans and bottles, old tires, etc.

* Make sure all windows and doors are bug tight.

* During summer months, mosquitoes are most active from dusk until dawn.

* Place netting over infant carriers.

* Mosquito traps based on the release of carbon dioxide or ultrasound technology are not effective for reducing the nuisance level.

Enjoy your time outdoors by following the above recommendations to help reduce the mosquito populations and protecting yourself and your children.

More information on mosquitoes is available in a K-State Research and Extension publication, titled "Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus" which can be found online at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/ENTML2/MF2571.pdf.

Editor's Note: Delta George is a K-State Research and Extension agriculture and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720.