Expert Says Early Spring Will Bring 'Worst Mosquito Summer Ever'

BALTIMORE, April 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Unusually warm weather has brought the earliest spring season in recent memory across much of the U.S. While many folks are delighted by the early warm weather, mosquito control experts are already warning about the onslaught of biting mosquitoes that is sure to follow.

"Mosquito breeding season typically begins with the onset of warmer temperatures," said Jonathan Cohen, mosquito control expert and president of Summit Responsible Solutions (http://www.summitresponsiblesolutions.com), which makes Mosquito Dunks®, the number-one selling biological mosquito control product. "Because of this year's early spring, mosquito populations will be increasing sooner and faster. This summer could become the worst mosquito summer ever in the U.S. and Canada."

More mosquitoes mean more of the pesky, painful mosquito bites. Not only do mosquito bites bring uncomfortable itching and swelling, but mosquitoes also transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and canine heartworm disease.

The expected bumper crop of mosquitoes has already resulted in an early increase in sales of mosquito control products. According to Cohen, sales of Mosquito Dunks® are way ahead of normal for this time of year. Sales of mosquito repellants and mosquito killers are expected to continue at a record pace throughout the long, hot summer season.

The trend toward organic and eco-friendly ways to control mosquitoes is expected to continue. This move away from chemical controls has helped make Mosquito Dunks® the leading organic and biological mosquito control product. The active ingredient in Mosquito Dunks® is called B.t.i. (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), a bacterium that naturally kills mosquito larvae but is harmless to other living things. When placed in ponds, ditches, rain gutters, birdbaths and any area where water collects and mosquitoes can lay eggs, Mosquito Dunks® will kill mosquito larvae for up to 30 days.

Unlike other mosquito control products that target adult insects, Mosquito Dunks® kill mosquito larvae before they become flying, biting adults. "It's always more effective to control mosquito populations by killing the larvae," said Cohen.

To reduce mosquito breeding areas, homeowners are advised to be vigilant in eliminating places where water can collect and stand in their yards and gardens. "Mosquitoes can breed in a coffee cup of standing water in less than a week," says Cohen.

Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, old tires and other items that can collect water. Turn over wheelbarrows and empty children's wading pools. Clean clogged roof gutters, which can become prime mosquito-breeding pools. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors. Periodically empty the saucers under ceramic pots to make sure they are not harboring mosquito larvae.

To reduce the chances of getting mosquito bites, limit your outdoor activities during the times of day when mosquitoes are most active - an hour before and after dawn and an hour before and after dusk.

Also, don't forget that clothing is an excellent barrier between you and a mosquito. Wear clothing that will protect more of your body, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during the evening hours.

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Media Contact: Randy Schultz, [email protected], (505) 822-8222

This press release was issued through eReleases(R).  For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Summit Responsible Solutions