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GARDENER'S
READING ROOM
Ponds and Fountains
West
Nile Virus: A Common Sense Approach
Adapted
with permission from the Article by Sharon Collman,
IPM Outreach Coordinator, EPA Region 10
Center for Urban Horticulture Newsletter, Spring 2003
 As
the weather warms and gardeners spend more time outdoors,
mosquitoes begin biting. With West Nile Virus (WNV) now in
our state, there is reason for caution but not panic. Despite
heavy news coverage, WNV has barely arrived. Excessive and
unnecessary spraying can actually increase mosquito problems
by removing the checks and balances that keep mosquito populations
low. Here are some common sense tips to keep in mind this
summer.
Where WNV outbreaks have occurred, there is evidence that
many people have contracted it without knowing they were sick;
or they experienced only mild flu-like symptoms. The virus
is not spread by casual contact and humans are not a preferred
host. Birds and horses are vulnerable to WNV, but not most
dogs and cats.
In
the Home and Garden
Mosquitoes
breed in calm waters. Remove stagnant water sources by cleaning
gutters and drains, removing old tires, and turning over buckets,
pots, and toys. Replace the water in birdbaths or wading pools
every four days during warm weather. Stock ponds with fish
to consume mosquitoes. Turn low spots into bog gardens (no
standing water) with appropriate plants.
Protect
Yourself and Your Pets
People
vary in their attractiveness to mosquitoes. Most mosquitoes
are active at dusk. They have favorite sites that you can
avoid, and they are less active when it is windy and cold.
If you are among the “chosen”, wear long-sleeved
shirts and pants made out of tightly woven fabric. Use a mosquito
repellent formulated with DEET or Eucalyptus Oil. Apply lower
concentrations of DEET (10 to 35%) lightly to exposed skin
if needed. Use higher concentrations ONLY on clothing, netting,
or tents. READ AND FOLLOW THE LABEL. See health websites or
your doctor for more detail, particularly for children. For
pet birds, dogs, cats, and horses, do not use repellents unless
advised by a vet. Animals can ingest the repellent when they
are grooming.
Sky
has the expertise to help you with mosquito controls. From
mosquito dunks for fountains and pools, to the best marginal
plants to use in boggy areas, consult the professionals at
Sky and we will help you find a solution.
Skylights Spring/Summer 2003 Vol 17, No. 2
Other
articles on ponds and fountains
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