CALVERT COUNTY, Md. — Mosquitoes are not only annoying — they’re also considered the world’s deadliest animal, according to the CDC. Yet mosquito control remains a significant challenge in Maryland. In past years, the Department of Natural Resources has asked residents to take mosquito-reducing measures on their properties, and just recently, Anne Arundel conducted an unscheduled mosquito control activity. So, what can you do?
Southern Maryland’s marshes, rivers, creeks and woodlands are prime mosquito territory. Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water, and even small amounts can host hundreds of larvae. The warm weather speeds up the mosquito life cycle, so by the time summer hits, the mosquitoes are everywhere.
But they’re not just pests. While Maryland doesn’t have to contend with serious diseases like malaria, the state has had cases of West Nile virus, and mosquitoes spread diseases like heartworm among animals. It’s important to keep populations down to mitigate risk.
What You Can Do About Mosquitoes
See if your county or town has a mosquito spray schedule. Some areas also have resources you can use or will help remove mosquito risks, like standing bodies of water, if they’re on public property. Calvert County, for example, has a dedicated mosquito control line.
Use bug spray. This is probably the most common solution, but in the height of summer, you can get bites as soon as you step outside. Keep bug spray by the door and spray yourself as soon as you go outside. You can also keep a travel-sized bottle in a commonly used bag or purse. You can also look into non-spray solutions for around your property.
Watch out for water. If you have standing water on your property or notice some on public property, take steps to get rid of it. Standing water is mosquito heaven. If you have water features, try to make them less mosquito-friendly by using running water or placing repellents nearby.
If you have to keep windows open in the summer, using fans can also help repel mosquitoes. They’re weak fliers, so using fans in and around your house makes them less likely to come inside. Make sure you also have screens on all of your windows.
If you do choose to use repellents or sprays on your property, make sure they’re pet- and kid-safe.
It may also come as no surprise that there are plenty of mosquito professionals in this area who can help you make the best choices for you. Necessity breeds innovation, as they say — just as long as it doesn’t breed more mosquitoes.
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