Enjoy your Tulsa Outdoor Environment with Effective Mosquito Prevention

Mosquitos may often prevent you from fully enjoying your Tulsa outdoor environment. These irritating insects are not only bothersome, but can be life-threatening. Fifteen Oklahomans lost their lives because of the West Nile virus, which is transmitted to humans by mosquitos, in 2012, and so far five Oklahomans have died this year because of the disease, according to the Oklahoma State Health Department.

Although the weather is getting cooler, people are still at the greatest risk of expose to mosquitos infected with the virus from July through October, the OSHD said.

So what can you do to prevent mosquitos from spoiling your outdoor living space? Mosquito misting systems have become a popular and effective means of controlling mosquitos in outdoor areas.  These systems spray a fine mist of insecticide throughout your outdoor space to eliminate these pests. Mosquito misting systems can be automated to send out the mist at high-risk times, during dawn and dusk, or can be controlled with a handheld remote, perfect in preparing for special events or cook-outs. The automatic units can either be tankless or a traditional drum-based systems that ensure an even distribution of the insecticide.

Most insecticides in these misting systems use a botanical active ingredient called pyrethrin, which is derived from chrysanthemum flowers. While not exactly “organic” because the ingredient contains a man-made “synergist,” they are low in toxicity to people and pets, noted MistAway Systems, a popular mosquito misting system company. There is also a man-made misting treatment called permethrin that acts much like pyrethrin and is also low in toxicity. In fact, MistAway noted that these are important ingredients in many household products like aerosols and pet shampoos. However, they can cause respiratory problems, the company said, so it’s recommended not to use the misting system around people, pets, or food. Oklahoma Landscape offers mosquito misting systems to eliminate these irritants for Tulsa homeowners.

Another important way of preventing mosquitos is to remove items such as old tires, bottles, buckets, unused ceramic pots, jars, and other things that can hold standing water, where mosquitos breed. The Oklahoma City County Health Department reminded residents to change the water in birdbaths at least twice a week as well as emptying pets’ water pans daily.
Note these other prevention tips from the OCCHD mosquito checklist:

• Clean clogged gutters and/or slope to downspouts.
• Drain improperly installed and sagging swimming pool covers.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor spas, saunas, and hot tubs. If not used, keep them empty and covered.
• Change water and scrub containers holding outdoor plants twice a week.
• Screen or cover rain barrels and openings to water tanks.
• Repair leaky pipes and faucets.
• Stock ornamental ponds with mosquito-eating fish.
• Eliminate weeds and tall grass to prevent mosquito breeding sites.
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.

Air curtains and mosquito netting can also be used to reduce mosquitos as well as other portable traps and citronella candles. Insect repellents made with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus can also be effective in preventing mosquito bites when applied to the skin or clothing. Also, it’s recommended to wear long sleeves, long pants, and light colors when you’re in areas with a possible high concentration of mosquitos like when doing yard work, camping, or other outdoor activities.

The OSHD says that mosquitos most likely to transmit the West Nile virus are most active during early morning and evening hours, so staying indoors during dawn and dusk would help reduce the risk of infection.

Oklahoma Landscape can help keep your Tulsa outdoor living spaces like outdoor kitchens, outdoor fireplaces, and swimming pools free from mosquitos and help you enjoy your outdoor environment pain-free.