Mosquitos and Ticks

Mosquitos

It’s mosquito season! Did you know you can pick up mosquito larvicide for your yard free of charge? Stop by or call us for more information! See helpful tips to keep yourself and your family safe from mosquito bites this season.

Did you know there are over 60 types of mosquitoes in Oklahoma? Though not all of them carry disease, all of them are annoying!  

In Oklahoma, the most common mosquito-borne disease is West Nile Virus.  It is primarily transmitted through the Culex mosquito, which is the primary species the sanitarians have been capturing each week behind the health department.  While most people never become ill, those that do can develop severe enough symptoms that they require hospitalization. 

Take steps to protect yourself from bites and possible mosquito-borne diseases this summer: 

1. Protect yourself indoors:  repair window screens to keep mosquitoes out of the home.  If you like to leave doors open, consider adding a screen door (permanent or removable).  Mesh should be 16:1 grid size or smaller to keep out mosquitos.
2. Protect yourself outdoors: Use an insect repellent when outdoors.  Be sure the repellent is appropriate for your use (whether that’s spray, lotion, or treated clothing), and contains an EPA-registered component.  For more information on options that work and are safe, visit https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents
3. Don’t be fooled by mosquito repellent wrist bands.  The FTC has fined one maker $300,000 over deceptive marketing practices connected to the bands.   Consumer Reports confirms that the general idea is not sound, and that mosquito bands are ineffective.
4. Different mosquito species are active at different times of the day, so it’s important to take precautions no matter the time of day.
5. Wear light-colored long sleeves and pants (weather permitting) to expose less skin to biting insects, and make those that do land easier to see.  Closed-toe shoes with socks will also help prevent bites.
6. Prevent mosquitos before they start:  treat, cover, or remove standing water outside.   Mosquitos love to lay eggs in standing, stagnant water.  Some species are even able to lay eggs in water that may evaporate, only to have the eggs continue their life cycle after the next rain.  Take a look around your outdoor living spaces to find water collection points.  For items like bird baths or pet water bowls, change the water daily.
7. Unclog gutters and lawn drains!  Water trapped in a clogged gutter or drain system makes a great undisturbed spot for mosquito egg-laying.
8. To help treat standing water that cannot be removed or covered with a lid, ask a sanitarian about our mosquito larvicide packets. These packets do not contain pesticides--instead, they contain bacteria that will eat mosquito larvae after they hatch. These packets are available free-of-charge to the public (and staff) while supplies last.  Home visitation staff are welcome to grab packets for their clients, too.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are tiny insects that are making a comeback in the US. They can cause itchy and painful bites, but do not appear to transmit diseases. Removing bed bugs can be a very hard task, and a licensed pest control operator is your best chance for achieving complete eradication. If you are interested in bed bug life cycles, habits, and how to check for bed bugs in furniture, please click here.

Controlling Pests & Vermin

The EPA's Integrated Pest Management checklist covers many vectors/vermin likely to be found in the home—bed bugs, mosquitos, mice, roaches, and more. It can be a helpful starting document as you begin your work with a licensed pest control operator.