Recent rains have been a blessing to our parched land but have left a buzzing nuisance in the air.  That buzz is being heard, seen and felt with the increase in humidity and moisture.  No doubt mosquitos are a nuisance.  Here are a few tips to reduce the sting and bite of those annoying pests. 
Mosquitos are known to transmit disease causing organisms to humans and animals.  They spread such diseases as encephalitis, yellow fever, malaria, and west nile virus.  Mosquitos are also known to spread heartworms in dogs.  They have four distinct stages during their life cycle in as little as 8 to 10 days.

Egg stage
Mosquito eggs may be laid individually or in clusters on the surface of water or individually in dry locations that are subject to periodic flooding.

Larval stage
Eggs hatch into larvae called wigglers, which are seldom more than?” long.  Wigglers live in water and feed on microscopic plants, animals and organic debris suspended in water.

Pupal stage
Pupae do not feed.  They spend most of their time at the water surface and tend to move only when disturbed.  Sometimes called tumblers because of their tumbling motion when disturbed.

Adult stage
Adults live on the land and are winged.  The males feed on nectar, plant juices and other liquid carbohydrates.  Female mosquitoes also feed periodically on nectar, plant sap and other sources of plant carbohydrates for energy.  However, females of most mosquito species require a blood meal as a source of protein before they produce eggs.
Eliminate breeding sites for larvae
Reduce standing water that provide breeding sites. Eliminate containers such as cans, buckets and bottles that collect and hold water.  Drain water from flower pots, bird baths, rain gutters, rain barrels, and pet dishes at least once a week.  Fill holes or depressions in the landscape with sand or soil and repair any leaky pipes and outside faucets.

Reduce adult mosquito populations
Mow tall grass and weeds or reduce the amount of brush and other foliage in your area to reduce the resting sites for adult mosquitoes.  For temporary relief in yards or high traffic areas, use fog treatments or surface treatments of insecticides that are labeled for that use and apply them following directions on the product label.

Avoid contact with
mosquitos
Use screening in your homes and pet kennels.  Mosquitos are most active at dusk and dawn.  Wear long, loose fitting clothing to avoid bites.  Use repellents that contain DEET.  Citronella candles come in handy in patios or picnic areas.

Treat larval breeding sites
Use mosquito fish or other fish species in ponds or tanks of water.  Use products such as Mosquito Dunks to treat permanent bodies of water to eliminate larvae.

West Nile?
According to the Center for Disease Control, West Nile is seasonal and hits during summer and fall months.  It is spread by infected mosquitos that feed on infected birds.  Mosquitos then spread the disease to humans and animals through their bites.  For more on West Nile visit the following website at:
http://www.cdc.gov/
ncidod/dvbid/westnile/

Tom Dominguez is an agent with the Quay County Extension, NMSU Extension Service. He can be reached by emailing todomingu@nmsu.edu or calling 461-0562.