The frequent rainfall in 2010 has lead to ideal conditions for mosquitoes to flourish. There are over 60 different species of mosquitoes that we find in Ohio but all have a common life cycle which we can exploit for control. The lifecycle goes from egg, larvae, pupa and adult. Depending on the species and temperature, the insect can produce a new adult population in less than 7 days. Adult mosquitoes can be active for 30 days.

            Mosquitoes require standing water to complete the larvae and pupa lifecycle stages. Reducing the presence of standing water, if present for more than 4-5 days around the house, can be helpful in reducing insect numbers and is a good form of control.

            Sometimes it is not practical to eliminate standing water. In these cases there are larvicides that can be used in the standing water to control this early development stage.

            There are two types of larvicides. Type 1 is an insect growth regulator called methoprene which kills the larvae or wriggler stage. A homeowner version of this product is sold under the label of PreStrike. Type 2 is a Bti product which is a bacterial product. Homeowner versions of this are sold under the label of Mosquito Dunks or Quick Kill. These products are sold in solid forms of either briquettes or granules with the treatment amount based on the size of area treated.

            Adult mosquitoes will rest in protected areas during the day. Trees, shrubs and other dense vegetation provide cover. Removal of this vegetation or treatment with insecticides can reduce numbers. Products containing cyfluthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin or permethrin are labeled for this purpose. Aerosols or foggers can be effective for short periods of time. Professional applicators can be contracted when homeowners do not want to make applications themselves.

            Personal protection from bites can be accomplished with DEET.  Long sleeved shirts and pants can help an individual cope also. Young children should be protected with lower percentage DEET products.

            In heavily infested areas, no one control method will likely provide satisfactory control and homeowners will want to implement as many of these strategies as possible.

 Ohio Mosquito Factsheet

Current Control Guidelines University of Kentucky