Mosquito Control

The mosquito-borne West Nile virus continues to be a growing health concern in the United States. In 2003, there were 9,377 reported cases of WNV human infection, and 244 human deaths with the virus reaching 46 states. In addition to West Nile virus, mosquitoes can transmit many other infectious agents to people and animals, such as heartworm disease in dogs and cats. To address these threats, Vet-Kem® now offers a complete line of mosquito control products to help reduce you and your pet’s risk of contracting mosquito-borne disease.

Since mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant or slowly moving water, you can either eliminate or treat any standing bodies of water in your yard. Areas that should be treated include bird baths, water gardens, ornamental fountains, animal watering troughs, flowerpots, tree holes, old tires, pool covers, urns, rain barrels, roof gutters, abandoned swimming pools, and any other water holding receptacle.

To kill existing adult populations of mosquitoes, Vet-Kem® offers Siphotrol® Yard Spray and Siphotrol® X-Tend™ Handheld Yard & Patio Fogger. Both products are highly effective against adult mosquitoes and many other insects. Pets can also be protected against mosquito bites with Ovitrol® Plus Flea, Tick & Bot Spray. This product is pyrethrin-based and kills and repels adult mosquitoes and other insects for one week. Additional Mosquito Control Tips:

• Remove litter from your yard. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in small, discarded items that can hold water such as cans, bottles, and wrappers.

• Stay indoors during dawn, dusk, and early evening when mosquitoes are more likely to bite.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants for extra protection.

• For people, use a repellent on skin and clothing containing DEET. Apply repellent sparingly to exposed skin.

• Do not use DEET on animals. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reports that dogs and cats are very sensitive to DEET and may develop neurologic problems if DEET-containing products are applied to them.

• Do not use concentrated essential oils on animals. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also reports that products containing concentrated tea tree oil (melaleuca oil), pennyroyal oil, and d-limonene can cause serious health problems in pets, such as weakness, paralysis, liver injury, and seizures.