One of the few good things that happened as a result of the recent drought was the suppression of many mosquito populations. Unfortunately, when the rains return, so will many of these pest" /> One of the few good things that happened as a result of the recent drought was the suppression of many mosquito populations. Unfortunately, when the rains return, so will many of these pest" />

CAES Newswire

 College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences UGA Cooperative Extension
Menu
Published on 02/21/08

Mosquitoes: The ultimate unwelcome guest

By Elmer Gray
University of Georgia

Volume XXXIII
Number 1
Page 19
One of the few good things that happened as a result of the recent drought was the suppression of many mosquito populations. Unfortunately, when the rains return, so will many of these pests.

Mosquitoes transmit several serious diseases in Georgia, including Eastern equine encephalitis, LaCrosse encephalitis and West Nile virus. All of these diseases can produce encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain, and are extremely serious when a full-blown case occurs. At last count, there were 47 cases of West Nile Virus in Georgia in 2007.

Because there are 62 species of mosquitoes in Georgia, different areas of the state may be infected by different species.

Gardeners working in rural or coastal areas are often bothered by a wide variety of native mosquito species. The daytime black-and-white-striped Asian Tiger mosquito often bites gardeners in suburban and inland areas. This mosquito prefers to develop in containers or any manmade item that holds water. It doesn’t typically fly more than 300 feet.

The number of mosquitoes in Georgia isn’t the only problem. Peak gardening time – dawn and dusk – is also when mosquito activity is the heaviest. As a result, gardeners often have to deal with mosquitoes while enjoying their hobby after work or before it gets too hot in the morning. One of the most common recommendations is to avoid periods of peak activity, but this can be hard to follow.

The most effective technique for preventing mosquito bites is the proper use of insect repellents. Products containing DEET, the longtime standard, are still an excellent choice. Typically, concentrations from 10 percent to 30 percent will protect gardeners for the few hours they are active. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Academy of Pediatrics also approved these strengths for children over two months old.

Other repellents approved by the USDA for prevention of mosquito bites are oil of lemon eucalyptus and picaridin. Neither of these products are approved for use on children under the age of three. Products containing DEET are still the best choice for young children. When treating children, an adult should apply the repellent to his or her hands first and then rub the repellent onto the child’s exposed skin.

It is extremely important to cover all exposed skin with repellent. Mosquitoes are very adept at locating untreated areas.

Elmer Gray is a Cooperative Extension entomologist with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Experts/Sources:
Elmer Gray
The holiday season can be a time of anticipation and joy, but balancing multiple commitments and personalities across families and friends can be a source of stress for hosts and visitors alike. Like preparing parts of the meal ahead of time to spend more of the holiday with guests, taking time ahead of the day to set expectations can go a long way to ensuring enjoyable gatherings, said Ted Futris, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension specialist and professor of human development and family science in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. CAES News
Manage holiday stress with kindness, boundaries 11/21/24 Maria M. Lameiras
The holiday season can be a time of anticipation and joy, but balancing multiple commitments and personalities across families and friends can be a source of stress for hosts and visitors alike. Much like preparing parts of the meal ahead of time allows you to spend more of the holiday with guests, setting expectations ahead of the celebration can go a long way to ensuring enjoyable gatherings, said Ted Futris, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension specialist and professor of human development and family science.
Conner Hall CAES News
CAES welcomes 2024 cohort of Rural Scholars 11/20/24 Maria M. Lameiras
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences welcomed its fourth cohort of students chosen for the CAES Rural Scholars Program this fall just weeks after celebrating the program's first graduation. Georgia Orman, one of four inaugural Rural Scholars in CAES, graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education. The new scholars for 2024, all from Georgia, are Ela Ash of Ocilla, Lauren E. Coley of Cochran, Amelia Housley of Canon, and London O’Steen of Ambrose.
Women play a vital role in rural American farming, but much of that work is "invisible," like raising children or household chores, according to a new UGA study. (Getty Images) CAES News
The women and stress behind rural farming in America 11/19/24 Leigh Hataway
Recent research from the University of Georgia suggests the unique stresses from farm life may be taking a toll on one of the pillars of the families that make your dinners possible: the women who keep farming families running. “If we don’t control our food sources, we don’t control our health and safety,” said Anna Scheyett, lead author of the study and a professor in UGA’s School of Social Work. “It’s a matter of national security that farmers survive in the United States. And one of the big factors in helping farms survive is women.”
Mergoum at Creature Comforts CAES News
That's the spirit! 11/18/24 Maria M. Lameiras, Claire Sanders Kinnard
Wheat breeders spend years meticulously crossing varieties to coax the best traits out of each species, carefully propagating plant varieties that are healthier, heartier and better suited for the environments where they are grown. Professional brewmasters are equally painstaking when choosing the components that will give their beers a specific flavor profile.
Contest-winning concept becomes viable business for alumnus who developed solar-powered, self-propelled chicken coop as a student. CAES News
Poultry in motion 11/14/24 Sean Montgomery
Chris Ayers emerged from his orange and black rough-terrain vehicle with an ear-to-ear grin. “This is Chiktopia,” he said, sweeping his arm wide to indicate the back half of a 3,600-square-foot warehouse on his family’s farm in Ball Ground, Georgia. “This is where I manufacture and assemble the chicken coops. Everything is done entirely from over here.”
UGA Grand Farm Site Plan web CAES News
UGA Grand Farm wins stage two of 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund competition 11/13/24 Jordan Powers
Startups in the agricultural technology sector face significant barriers on the path to establishment, including access to training and capital. These barriers are heightened for underrepresented entrepreneurs seeking to start new companies. The University of Georgia Grand Farm, part of a historic partnership between the University of Georgia and Fargo, North Dakota-based Grand Farm, aims to change that.