Mosquitoes in New Hampshire | How to Protect Yourself

Mosquito bite "How to get rid of mosquitoes"

From Catseye

Mosquitoes in New Hampshire ain’t nothing to mess with. With EEE, West Nile Virus, and now, the Johnstown Canyon Virus detected in New Hampshire, it’s vital we stay informed. The New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) put out a warning to NH residents against mosquito-borne viruses. Now, mosquito season is upon us – and with Fall well underway, mosquitoes are becoming more aggressive in search of food, which happens to be you.

Keep reading to find out how to best protect against mosquito bites and the latest green mosquito control efforts in New Hampshire…

 

Newly Identified Mosquito Virus detected in New Hampshire

In 2021, WMUR Manchester reported on the first-ever confirmed case of a little-known virus spread by mosquitoes known to be fatal. – By WMUR Manchester from Yahoo! News

Symptoms – Johnstown Canyon Virus (JCV)

Many people have “no symptoms”, although others may experience fever, fatigue, headache, and respiratory symptoms. In extreme cases, JCV can lead to more serious diseases such as encephalitis and meningitis. Half of all patients are hospitalized and can be fatal – although, death is rare.  – By WMUR Manchester from Yahoo! News

JCV is just one life-threatening disease caused by mosquito bites present in New Hampshire, though.

Read more about EEE and West Nile Virus here – 

EEE and West Nile from Mosquitoes Pose Serious Health Risk In MA

Mosquitoes | Risk Map for EEE and West Nile Virus

How to protect yourself against Mosquitoes in New Hampshire

“How do I get rid of mosquitoes?” “How do I prevent mosquito bites?”  

In the “live free or die” Granite State, perhaps some protective measures against mosquitoes would help with the “live free” part.

Choose Your Defense New Hampshire Fish and Game Department

  • Deet (N, N-Diethyl-3- Methylbenzamide): Formulas with 20 to 30 percent are effective unless in a heavily infested area. Apply higher concentrations to clothing to avoid skin irritations. 
  • Piperidine: Not yet on the market; currently being tested by the U.S. military. 
  • Permethrin: Soaking clothes in this insecticide can provide protection through several washings.
  • Oil of citronella: Found in candles, torches and coils that are burned to produce a smoke that deters the bugs. It’s usually less effective than repellents applied directly to the clothes or body. 
  • Clothing: Mosquitoes are less attracted to light colors, such as whites, yellows or light blues. Shoulder-length headnets provide excellent protection. 
  • Bug zappers: There’s no evidence that they really control mosquitoes. Instead, they’re probably frying larger insects that feed them. 
  • Electronic mosquito repellers: Several laboratories have found the devices are completely ineffective.
  • Avon Skin-So-Soft: A hung jury. Studies have proven that there is no scientific evidence as to its effectiveness but can thousands of welt-free customers be wrong?
Did you know?

Female mosquitoes “get the bad rap, as they are the only ones that feed on blood. The male insects feed on the nectar of flowers” – New Hampshire Fish and Game Department

More Mosquito Protection

The American Mosquito Control Association put together a bulletproof list of Offensive and Defensive strategies for you to use to stop from getting bit.

Offense

  • Remove tin cans, old tires, buckets, unused plastic swimming pools and other things that can collect water. 
  • Don’t let water accumulate at the base of flower pots or pet dishes for more than two days. 
  • Remove any standing water under or around structures. Keep rain gutters clear of debris. Change water in bird baths and wading pools at least once a week. 
  • Stock ornamental pools with top feeding predacious minnows. 
  • Drain or fill tree holes and stumps with mortar. 
  • Eliminate standing water around animal watering troughs. 
  • Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent build-up of standing water. 
  • Install screens that have a 16-18 mesh.

Defense

  • Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and on warm, cloudy days. Reschedule your outdoor activities to avoid exposure. 

New Green Pest Control Developments in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, an incredible new green pesticide technique is being used in standing water to control various pests…

A “microbial pathogen” is being used to eat mosquito larvae, as well as black flies and certain midges. 

Bacillus thuringiensis variety israelensis (BTI) [are] spore-forming bacterium found naturally in soil. It kills only the larvae of mosquitoes, black flies and a group of midges. The good thing about this larvacide is that it is not toxic to humans or wildlife and won’t contaminate the water.” – New Hampshire Fish and Game Department

Wow! What a hopeful reminder that non-harmful, natural solutions to pest control are not only possible but safe and effective.

Looking for mosquito control strategies for professionals? Read the CDC’s More Resources for Mosquito Control Professionals

A1 Exterminators Mosquito Control

Mosquitoes ruining your outdoor time? “It’s your yard. Defend it.”

Contact A1 Exterminators today to stop mosquitoes – Now proudly protecting New Hampshire.

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