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A SINGLE FLY CAN CONTAMINATE FEED/FOOD
WITH ENOUGH BACTERIA TO CAUSE ILLNESS
The fly is an enemy because it is one of the biggest disease carriers in existence. Moist, warm, decaying material protected by sunlight is favored for fly eggs to hatch and in only 8 short hours for fly larvae or maggots to grow. An uncovered garbage can is an ldeal breeding place. Flies feed and reproduce on filth, decaying matter, and water.
Flies are tranmitters of disease primarily because they feed on human and animal wastes. The dangerous bacteria present in these wastes stick to the mouth, footpads and hairs of flies and may then be deposited in feed intended for animal consumption. Fly feces, which contain disease-bearing organisms, can also contaminate human food. Flies defecate every four to five minutes. And since flies have no teeth and must take their nourishment in liquid form, they spit on solid food and let it dissolve before consuming. Fly spittle, or vomitus, is swarming with bacteria and contaminates feed and areas where feed is stored.
A fly can infect feed/food by merely landing on it.
Flies can enter a building that has openings not much larger than the head of a pin.
Although they rarely travel very far from where they are hatched, flies may be lured to the sources of attractive odors. Flies may also be carried long distances by air current.
One female fly can produce thousands of offspring in a single breeding season. Flies have favorite resting places. They are especially fond of places protected from the wind and on edges such as garbage can rims and electric wires
Flies carry bacteria that can cause many diseases known and unknown to man.
One fly can carry over 33 million disease-causing microorganisms on the inner and outer surfaces of its body.
There are over 87,000 different fly species.
The fly is one of the fastest flying insects.
A fly's vision is sharp for only 24 to 36 inches.
One successful hatch can result in well over 2 million flies.
One season can breed as much as 25 generations.
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Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are a pest that are capable of ruining
a great day at the park, a romantic evening on a deck
or even spending time in the garden. People will do
anything to avoid being bit. They will wear long pants
during the summer, use hats with screen veils and even
spray themselves with everything imaginable hoping
that no mosquito will find them. However, mosquito
population's are more active today then ever. If you
enjoy the great outdoors, get used to dealing with
mosquitoes. They are here to stay and this article
will explain methods of control you may use to help
diminish their numbers around the home.
The author will not get in to great detail about
all the species throughout the world. Furthermore, this
article is not about diseases - specifically the West
Nile Virus - nor detailed mosquito biology. There is some
basic information the author will discuss but the focus
of this article will be to offer control methods for
all kinds of mosquitoes - regardless of species!!!
There are over 150 species of mosquitoes in the
United States. Some are able to fully develop from eggs in
less than a week. Most take 10-14 days to reach maturity
but what is important is they grow rapidly. Mosquitoes
need water and high levels of moisture to sustain themselves.
Although female mosquitoes may live for up to a year,
most die in the season they were born. Mosquito populations
are able to continue from year to year because
one stage is able to overwinter and start their cycle
again the next spring. It may be the adult, the pupa,
the larva or the egg which is needed. Each species has
different winter survivors. Some adult females don't
need a blood meal to begin to reproduce. In general,
male mosquitoes live a short time. Most mosquitoes
lay several hundred eggs and are able to generate huge
populations within a short period of time. Although
standing water is the prime location for them to
reproduce, there are many locations around the home
that afford fertile egg laying areas. Such places
include water in the bottom of planters, drainage
streams, street sewers which don't drain completely,
rain barrels, buckets of water, swimming pools, drain
lines from rain gutters, old tires, mulch around the
home, shrubs, trees, firewood, slow moving water,
small decorative ponds for pet fish, bird baths, water
accumulating around windows or doors, water accumulating
from an automatic sprinkler system, pet water dishes,
leaks around water spickets and just about anywhere
water is used or is able to accumulate during the
warm summer months any where in the country. Mosquitoes
need water to reproduce. They will readily move to
moist, shady areas under decks, around pools, in garages,
in dense shrubbery or flowers, any kind of ivy, holes or
nooks of trees, water in a clogged rain gutter or
simply the water on a leaf of shrubs which are being
watered during the hot summer months. Most people
believe mosquitoes are coming from great distances
to their yard in search of food. In fact, most
mosquitoes migrate to a yard first and foremost
because there is something about the yard which the
mosquito finds attractive for living. In most cases,
mosquitoes are finding a great place to live around
the home and then take advantage of the free meals
the homeowner or their children present when outside
in the yard. Mosquitoes don't migrate far from where
they will find shelter and protection from the hot
sun.
Shade and moisture are two ingredients needed
for their survival and can be found around any home.
If your home is on a lake or pond, the mosquitoes
could be breeding in the water. Generally, they will
do so close to shore. Don't expect to find them more
than 10 feet from shore. They like shallow water
and will keep themselves close to plant life and
wet lands if possible. Open deep water which is moving
is not the kind of water they like for reproduction.
Barns or sheds are another great location for
reproduction or shelter. The underside of most decks
which are built close to the ground offers great
shady shelter and protection for weak mosquitoes
susceptible to the hot sun. It is important to locate
any area around the home where mosquitoes may be
seeking shelter or using for reproduction. The author
has experienced a trend in recent years which will
only continue. Many homeowners are creating perfect
breeding and shelter conditions which are attracting
mosquitoes. If you have any of the conditions described
above, chances are you will have mosquitoes. Don't
be placing the blame on someone else. Mosquitoes will
stay where the breeding and shelter areas are best
for them. If you are creating a moist shady area around
your home, you will be luring mosquitoes. Once they
find the shade and moisture to live, expect them to
find you and your family for their food!
Mosquito control is easy if you are able to
determine where they are living or breeding. Inspect
around your home and locate where the mosquitoes are
most prevalent. Although you may believe they are
coming from an adjacent lot, be sure to inspect your
property thoroughly. If you have any of the sights
listed above, chances are mosquitoes are taking
advantage of such conditions. Another way to determine
where the mosquitoes are living is to simply stand
in certain areas and wait to see how long it takes
for them to find you. Mosquitoes will not travel far
away from where they are comfortable. The faster you
have mosquitoes find you and the more that find
you indicate a prime nest or shelter location which
needs to be treated. Such "pockets" of mosquitoes
exist around most any home and the secret of getting
control of the situation is to find as many of these
locations. Once found, there are several methods of
treatment that can be used.
Pesticides
Pesticides are poisonous. Always read and carefully follow all precautions and safety recommendations given on the container label. Store all chemicals in the original labeled containers in a locked cabinet or shed, away from food or feeds, and out of the reach of children, unauthorized persons, pets, and livestock.
Confine chemicals to the property being treated. Avoid drift onto neighboring properties, especially gardens containing fruits and/or vegetables ready to be picked.
Dispose of empty containers carefully. Follow label instructions for disposal. Never reuse containers. Make sure empty containers are not accessible to children or animals. Never dispose of containers where they may contaminate water supplies or natural waterways. Do not pour down sink or toilet. Consult your county agricultural commissioner for correct ways of disposing of excess pesticides. Never burn pesticide containers.
Asian Lady Beetle
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