Connie’s Comments by Connie Strunk, Turner County Extension Educator—Agronomy 

May 28, 2009

 

Is anyone else in disbelief that it is June already?  If you are anything like me, you are probably wondering what happened to the month of May.  I know May was here but man it sure went by fast!  May is always a busy month for my family as we have hedges, hedges, and more hedges to trim, a garden to plant, and flower beds to work with.  And I can’t forget about a 3 ½ year old little boy and a 1 ½ year old little girl who both love being and playing outside. 

I can’t even begin to tell you how many hours we have logged on the swing, slide, or rock wall at the park.  Or the amount of time and miles we have walked with the stroller and wagon while Benjamin rides his bike.  With all this outside time I am sure exhausted by the end of the night!

If you are like me lately, you have been enjoying the warm spring evenings outdoors.  In case you have not noticed or seen them moving around mosquitoes and ticks are out.  Remember that you still must take precautions against mosquitoes and the West Nile Virus. 

The most effective way to prevent mosquito bites is with the use of a combination of products both applied to the skin and to our clothing.  We can treat our clothing?  Yes, you can treat your clothing and even your shoes with Permethrin.   Permethrin provides long-lasting protection.  You must apply Permethrin to clothing and shoes and allow it to dry for a minimum of two hours before wearing.  REMEMBER, Permethrin should not be directly applied to the skin—it can only be used on clothing. 

Mosquito repellents:  DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 can be applied on the skin while permethrin can only be applied to clothing.  DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 repels mosquitoes while permethrin actually kills mosquitoes on contact.  For those of you who are looking to protect yourself from ticks remember that basically any product that is used for mosquito control will also work for controlling ticks

South Dakota research of mosquitoes has found that the most critical time for becoming infected with West Nile Virus is mid-July through mid-September.  The Culex tarsalis is the species of mosquito most responsible for transmitting West Nile Virus in South Dakota and this is the time when they are most active. 

The South Dakota Department of Health recommends the following personal precautions to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of WNV:

·       Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.

·       Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt to limit mosquito exposure.

·       Limit time outdoors from dusk to midnight when Culex mosquitoes are most active.

·       Eliminate standing water that gives mosquitoes a place to breed.

·       Support local mosquito control efforts.

Personal precautions are particularly important for the elderly, pregnant women, transplant patients, and people with other underlying medical conditions.  Those with diabetes are also at a higher risk of complications from WNV and should take precautions.  People with a severe or unusual headache should see their physician. 

             As homeowners you can consider the use of residual treatments – applying pesticides to shrubs, tall grass, siding, eaves, and other areas where resting mosquitoes are likely to come in contact with the pesticide.  The most effective mosquito control is controlling the mosquito larvae with the use of larvicides.  Homeowners can also refer to SDSU Extension Fact Sheet FS923, “Controlling Mosquitoes Around the Home and Yard,” available online in pdf format at http://agbiopubs.sdstate.edu/articles/FS923.pdf or ask for it at your county Extension Office.

For more information about West Nile Virus and personal repellents refer to SDSU Extension Fact Sheet 920, “Personal Mosquito Repellents” online at http://agbiopubs.sdstate.edu/articles/FS920.pdf or ask for it at your local Extension Office.

Whether we want to accept it or not, West Nile Virus is here to stay in South Dakota.  For more information about West Nile Virus visit the SDSU Cooperative Extension Service at http://sdces.sdstate.edu/westnile/ or visit the South Dakota Department of Health at http://westnile.sd.gov.  As always, feel free to contact me at the Turner County Extension Office at (605) 297-3112 for more information.