Got Mosquitoes? Eliminate Mosquitoes with IPM

What Is IPM?

 Integrated pest management (IPM) uses information about pest species to choose methods of control that are safest and most effective. IPM methods include pest prevention, exclusion, and nonchemical tools first. If chemical pesticides are needed, products are chosen that pose the least risk to human health. With IPM, you start by asking, "Why is this pest here?" and try to remove the conditions allowing the pests to enter and live. This approach solves pest problems rather than just treating the symptoms. It also reduces the need to use pesticides repeatedly.

Why Use IPM for Mosquitoes?

• More likely to give long-term control
• Less hazardous to human health
• Less toxic to non-target organisms
• More cost-effective
• More site-specific

Steps to Managing Mosquitoes

Step 1: Pest Identification

Positively identifying mosquitoes will help you decide on a plan of action. Adult mosquitoes are slender, small, long-legged flies with narrow, hairy wings and extended mouthparts. There are more than 60 species in Pennsylvania, but only some bite humans. The most common pests around homes include the Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) and the Northern House Mosquito (Culex pipiens). They deposit their eggs in stagnant water, in tree holes, and at sites prone to flooding. During warm weather, mosquitoes can breed in any still water that stands for more than four days. Some mosquito species can complete their life cycles in as few as 7 days but in Pennsylvania, 10–14 days is more common—sometimes closer to a month.

As Pennsylvania becomes warmer and wetter with climate change, species are expanding their range, and their season is becoming longer, starting earlier in spring, and continuing until a hard frost in fall. The Asian Tiger Mosquito is a newer invasive species, arriving in Pennsylvania around 2000, and has become a major pest in urban areas.

Step 2: Prevention, Avoidance, and Exclusion

The most effective way to prevent mosquitoes is to eliminate standing water around homes.

• Remove old tires, tin cans, buckets, glass jars, toys, and other objects that can catch and hold water.
• Tightly cover rain barrels and buckets to prevent egg-laying.
• At least once a week, change the water in bird baths by flushing with a hose.
• Fill tree holes with water-resistant expanding foam that is typically used for home insulation (follow the product label).
• Keep rain gutters clean and free of obstructions.
• Drain excess water from flowerpots.
• Keep swimming pools chlorinated and covered when not in use.
• Turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Empty accumulated water from boats, cargo trailers, etc.
• Clear dense aquatic vegetation and algae from around edges of ponds to reduce stagnant water and allow fish to feed on mosquito larvae and pupae. Using a water fountain or a bubbler can also keep water flowing and reduce breeding grounds.
• Organize your community to clean up mosquito breeding areas, because mosquitoes can fly long distances. Homeowners can be encouraged to clean up their yards, and water-collecting containers can be picked up from vacant lots.
• Keep mosquitoes out by keeping windows, doors, and porches tightly screened.
• Consider replacing outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights that attract fewer insects.

Where there are mosquitoes, wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers and avoid outside activities during peak feeding times, usually dusk to dawn. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) registered insect repellents provide protection from mosquito bites. Before using repellents, be sure you thoroughly read and understand all directions and cautions on the product label. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has information on effective and safe repellents at Fight the Bite. 

Step 3: Controlling Mosquitoes Safely

Residential spraying or fogging outdoors is the least effective method for killing mosquitoes and is not recommended.  Eliminating or treating standing water around your home is easier and more effective than spraying pesticides for adult mosquitoes.

• For standing water that cannot be drained, try using Bti, a naturally occurring bacteria that does not affect mammals, birds, or fish, to kill mosquito larvae. Bti can be purchased in small, donut-shaped forms, often called "mosquito dunks," which are useful in small areas of standing water, such as a birdbath or small puddle of water. Granular Bti is also available, and effective for larger areas, such as backyard ponds.
• Methoprene, an insect growth regulator (IGR) that also does not affect mammals, birds, or fish, is available as "torpedoes" that sink to the bottom of the water source and can prevent mosquito larvae from developing into adults. It can be effective for up to 300 days (about 10 months).
• Avoid bug zappers. While these devices may appear to have value, research has shown that they kill few mosquitoes. They kill many beneficial insect species that can benefit insect control around your home and yard.

For More Information

PA Extension Problem Solver

CDC's Fight the Bite

Pennsylvania IPM Program at Penn State

Phone: 717-783-9550
Email: paipm@psu.edu

Pennsylvania IPM Program in Philadelphia

Phone: 215-264-0582
Email: pscip@psu.edu