Mosquitos!

The recent rains cooled the temperatures and greened up our yards but they have also ushered in a wave of the pesky mosquito.  Here are some tips to minimize this pest.

Tips For The Home

Personal protection
During peak biting times (dawn, dusk, and early evening)

• Try to stay inside.
• Wear loose light colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you go out.
• Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. An effective repellent will contain 35% DEET.
• When using repellents always read and follow directions for use as printed on the product 

What you can do to help

• Throw out old tires
• Empty, buckets, pails or any water holding containers.
• Fill in or drain any low places (puddles, ruts) in yard.
• Keep drains, ditches, and culverts clean of weeds and trash, so water will drain properly.
• Cover trash containers to keep out rainwater
• Repair leaky pipes and outdoor faucets
• Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week or store in a position that water will drain.
• Make sure your backyard pool is maintained properly.
• Change water in bird baths and plant pots or drip trays at least once a week.
• Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house, so adult mosquitoes will not hide there.
• Keep gutters clean and free of debris and leaves.

I have found that the yard sprays available at Home Depot and Lowes that hook to your garden hose work pretty good. 

If the mosquitos are out of hand call  the City's Vector Control at 806-775-3110

http://healthdept.ci.lubbock.tx.us/vectorControl.aspx

We could use some bats.