In late summer months, mosquitoes are an extreme nuisance upon those that venture outdoors, especially with all our recent rainfall over the past few weeks. Pop-up evening showers provide the perfect scenario for breeding through shallow, standing water. Standing water including gutters, flowerpots, bird baths, etc. and it provides perfect mosquito breeding grounds for the insect and should be removed as soon as possible.

Another approach is to help eliminate mosquitoes is to use “Mosquito Dunks.” These are often sold at garden and retail outlets. These are donut-shaped tablets that contain beneficial bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) that kill mosquitoes. These products are not intended for use in bowls or buckets used as drinking bowls for pets.

Researchers at N.C. State reveal that spraying insecticides provides a temporary fix, but it does not completely solve mosquito problems if standing water providing the breeding sites are not addressed. Eliminate these rain collectors and you’ll have more success at reducing mosquito populations. If you do decide to spray, please remember to follow the label. Try to avoid treating flowering plants that are most likely full of beneficial pollinators. Spraying lawns and shrubs will kill resting mosquitoes, but again it is not likely to have a tremendous long-lasting impact. Also be aware that insect foggers tend to drift and may cross boundaries. Also note: mosquitoes can fly for miles, therefore if you decide to spray for mosquitoes, be advised the spray only controls the pest in the immediate area and only for a very short time. Go to https://entomology.ces.ncsu.edu/mosquito-control-around-homes-and-in-communities/ for more detailed information on mosquito control.

Darrell Blackwelder is the retired horticulture agent and director with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. Contact him at deblackw@ncsu.edu.