Protect yourself from West Nile virus
It was almost ironic that I found this post of Chris Smith's today. (Re/Max - Chay Realty Inc., South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Estate - New Tecumseth, ON)
My wife and I were sitting out on our deck just last night enjoying the quiet and beautiful weather ... but noting how many more little bugs and mosquitoes we were already swatting versus that of previous years. Seems like Chris's predictions of higher insect populations is right on the money.
So I'm passing this information on about the increased risk of possible exposure to West Nile Virus on for your viewing and action. Hope it helps to safeguard you and your loved ones ... and also increases how you enjoy your own outdoor activities.
Stay healthy, safe ... and enjoy your summer!
Gene
Protect yourself from West Nile virus (WNv)
Multiple sources have predicted that the mild Winter of 2011/2012 will result in higher insct populations this Summer 2012.
You can, proactively, reduce your risk of exposure to WNv by reducing standing pools of water (where mosquitoes like to breed).
Remember to drain water from containers, tires, wading pools, wheel barrows and other items in your yard where standing water might collect.
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Put screens on Rain Barrels, Change water regularly in Bird Baths (at least weekly).
If you have a pond, whether a small man-made water feature or a large natural pond, consider attracting or adding natural mosquito larva predators rather than larvacides and other chemicals to kill the mosquito larva.
Natural Mosquito predators include:
Gambusia Affinis (known as the Mosquito fish) - very efficient natural predator of mosquito larvae. If you consider this fish, research and ensure that this fish will not enter the eco-system as it can harm local aquatic vegetation and fish populations. This fish has been added to pools of stagnant water in various parts of the world and has been thought to reduce and/or eradicate instances of malaria.
Goldfish, Carp, Koi - will also effectively reduce mosquito larvae populations in ponds.
Dragonflies - consumes mosquitoes as adults and mosquito larvae in the larval stage
Damselflies - consumes mosquitoes as adults and mosquito larvae in the larval stage
Bats - will consume adult mosquitoes (among other flying insects), but not enough to control mosquito populations
Purple Martin - mosquitoes are thought to be only 0-3% of their diet
Frogs, Toads, and Tadpoles - larger tadpoles might consume mosquito larvae, will consume mosquitoes, but will not control mosquito populations.
Chris Smith CSSBB
Sales RepresentativeInterested in Buying or Selling Real Estate?
ph: 1.866.936.3500
Re/Max
Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage
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