Backyard Mosquito Control

With some of the highest precipitation totals on record for the month of June in Ohio, mosquito populations are bound to be abundant in the coming weeks. While there are a number of products that claim to reduce mosquito populations around the home, the most effective control is achieved by interrupting the breeding cycle.

Most species of mosquitoes (e.g. Aedes) fly just a few miles from where they hatch. Therefore, it’s important for homeowners to follow a few management techniques in order to reduce breeding sites around the home.

Mosquito eggs require water to hatch. Therefore, locate sources of standing water around your home and eliminate if possible. Old tires, clogged gutters, bird baths, children’s toys, flower pots, tree stumps and over-irrigated lawns and gardens are all possible sources of standing water ideal for mosquito breeding. When faced with mosquito control on permanent standing water such as aquatic gardens, a number of larvae killing materials are available. These products are naturally occurring bacterium: Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) (e.g. Vectobac, Aquabac) or B. spaericus (e.g. VectoLex). These bacterium products are designed to target mosquito and black fly larvae and the risk to non-target insects and aquatic life are non-existent to low.

Research has shown that mosquito traps are not effective enough to reduce populations in an outdoor setting. Likewise, foggers and misting products are effective at killing adult mosquitoes, but only provide temporary relief as they do nothing for larval control. Other control measures include repellents in the form of citronella candles and the Citrosa “mosquito plant,” but research has shown these products have little to no effect on biting rates. Some so-called “bug zappers” have also been marketed to control mosquito populations, but studies show less than 1 percent of insects killed are mosquitoes. Most kill beneficial insects.

For more information on mosquito management, see OSU Extension Bulletin 641, “Mosquito Pest Management,” available through Extension offices or online at:ohioline.osu.edu/b641/index.html.

Source: Amanda Bennett, bennett.709@osu.edu

Earwig Populations are on the rise

Earwigs are insects that are about one-half inch long, brown, with a pair of pincers on the rear end. Earwigs prefer moist conditions, are active at night under lower temperatures and higher humidity, and hide under mulch, low-lying leaves and other debris during the day. Populations can perhaps be reduced by habitat modification: reduce mulch and moisture, if possible. In very dry seasons, earwigs may invade homes, and are usually found in kitchens and bathrooms when they are searching for moisture.

There are different species of earwigs; some feed on decaying organic matter, some prey on other insects, and some feed on plant material, such as daylily and daisy flowers. If you are noticing plant damage but can’t find any suspects, check plants about midnight with a flashlight. Earwigs may be doing the damage.

Earwigs can be trapped with moist burlap or corrugated cardboard laid on the ground; they congregate under these items and can be destroyed the following day. Several residual insecticides are labeled for use. Granular formulations are available and can be applied to the soil around plants. Follow label directions carefully.

Food Preservation Classes Continue

With all of rainfall we have experienced, when the sun does finally come out our gardens should be brimming with produce and weeds, too. If you would like to learn more about safe home food preservation FCS Educator Shannon Carter will be offering two more classes. From 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Fairfield County Ag Center, 831 College Ave., Lancaster, the focus will be on canning fruits and tomatoes using water bath canning. The following day, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., classes will also be conducted on canning vegetables, meats and combination foods. Contact OSU Extension in Fairfield County at 740-752-7260 to register. The classes are without charge and open to all.

The OSU Extension Office Update is compiled by Connie Smith, program assistant and Master Gardener coordinator with the Ohio State University Extension Office in Fairfield County.