Mosquitoes are bothersome in many areas because of the wet weather and extensive 

 flooding of low land. Populations can be expected to increase for the next two 

 to three weeks, even though floodwaters recede. These are the so-called "flood- 

 water" or "temporary pool" mosquitoes that lay their eggs on soil in lowland areas 

 before flooding occurs. They move readily from outlying breeding sites into urban 

 areas, coming from as far out as 10 to 20 miles. 



Floodwater mosquitoes do not transmit St. Louis encephalitis and, in general, do not 

 present a health problem to man. Mainly, they are a nuisance because of the discom- 

 fort they cause. However, they can transmit heartworm (a roundworm) to dogs. 



Permanent -pool mosquitoes and those that breed in back-yard bird baths, eaves, troughs, 

 childrens' swimming pools, old tires, storm sewers, and similar places will general- 

 ly not present problems for another four to six weeks. These are called the common 

 house mosquito and are at their worst during dry periods. 



The individual homeowner can do little to combat problems with floodwater mosqui- 

 toes. At best, control efforts around the home yard will only take the edge off 

 for a short time. Tax-supported mosquito abatement districts, if large enough (usu- 

 ally at least countywide districts or larger), with trained personnel and equipment, 

 are able to provide satisfactory control. 



Individuals can help lessen floodwater mosquito problems in the home and home yard 

 by following these suggestions: 



Inside the Home 



1. Keep the screens on doors and windows in good repair. 



2. Hang plastic resin strips containing 20-percent dichlorvos (DDVP)--one strip per 

 1,000 cubic feet of space, or about one per room. These strips will kill mosqui- 

 toes and flies for several weeks. Do not use these strips in kitchens or other 

 areas where food is exposed. Do not use them in rooms where infants or ill or 

 aged persons are confined. 



A 0.1-percent (or stronger) pyrethrin space spray- -applied from a pressurized 

 spray can- -can be used for quick knockdown in place of the dichlorvos resin 

 strips. Repeat treatment will be needed. 



Outside the Home 



1. Apply a water-base spray containing 1-percent malathion (2 ounces of 50-57 per- 

 cent liquid concentrate in a gallon of water) to shrubbery and tall grass. Re- 

 peat the treatment in about a week if needed. 



2. For quick knockdown at cookouts , outdoor parties, or picnics, use either 0.1- 

 percent pyrethrin or 0.5-percent dichlorvos (DDVP) as a space spray. Spray the 

 mist or fog lightly beneath tables and chairs and into the air for a few feet 

 around the area. Repeat the treatment as needed. 



3. When entering mosquito-infested areas, use a repellent. One of the most effec- 

 tive mosquito repellents is DEET (diethyl toluamide) . 



Ticks are annoying campers, picnickers, hikers, fishermen, and other persons. The peak 

 period of activity is in May and June. They cling to the vegetation along paths in and 

 near wooded areas, waiting for man or other warm-blooded animals to come along. They 



