Page 86 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2015

HEALTHY LIVING what’s bugging you?
Keeping away
those pescky pests
of summer
story by Susan Ruddiman photo courtesy of Dr. Jerome Goddard
utdoor activity can turn into
a slap happy dance as people react to the bites of two of the most annoying insects on the Coast — mosquitoes and gnats. As a result of the welts, bumps
and accompanying itchiness caused by these insects, enjoying a relaxing afternoon by the pool or grilling up burgers for the family can be a challenge.
While Mississippi has almost 60 species of
mosquitoes, only six are significant pests to humans,
said Dr. Jerome Goddard, associate Mississippi State
University Extension Service professor of medical/veterinary entomology.
Mosquito breeding grounds can range from the coastal marshes to containers that hold water. Property owners are asked to remove anything that can hold water to reduce the mosquito population. Because of their blood feeding need, mosquitoes can get germs from animals and later transfer them to humans or other hosts. The most recent diseases that mosquitoes carry that can be passed to people are West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis, Goddard said.
The gnats — or no-see-ums as they are commonly known — are biting midges. The larvae develop in wet soil and the tiny adults, like the mosquitoes, are looking for a blood meal. They are particularly noticeable when the weather turns nice in the spring and fall, and feed in the early morning, late evening or when it is overcast.
How can families spend time outdoors without exposure to mosquito and gnat bites? Protection can be either physical or chemical, Goddard pointed out.
Physical barriers can be a hat, long sleeve shirts, slacks, socks and shoes
to have less exposed skin for the insects to bite. There is apparel available infused with insect repellent. While mosquitoes can be stopped by tight fitting screens and netting, gnats are small enough to go through them.
Chemical protection using insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin or natural herbal based products such as oil of lemon and eucalyptus can be effective for repelling mosquitoes.
Gnats can be temporarily controlled by fogging the area with insect repellent, according to Tim Lockley, a retired entomologist in Gulfport. However, gnats are not strong fliers and even a good breeze will keep them away.
Dr. Jerome Goddard
86 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • July 2015
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