The buzzing, the biting and the itching; these are only the beginning of menacing mosquitoes. The worst insect on earth, these detested public enemies spread diseases that kill millions of people and animals every year. Malevolent mosquitoes have been around for more than 100 million years, co-evolving and exploiting many species, including humans.

The female mosquito takes blood. For biting, certain species have body region preferences. First, the female mosquito smells you, then lands and slathers you with saliva, which has antiseptic and anesthetic functions. Then, with her serrated mandibles, she inserts her proboscis to probe for a blood capillary. As if that is not enough, she then draws up 2 to 3 times her weight in your blood.

Because mosquitoes transmit diseases like Zika virus, West Nile virus, yellow fever, dengue and malaria, millions are spent to mitigate these mobile menaces. Why not wipe out all mosquito species? The obvious answer: That is probably not possible. And if it were possible, what would be the result?

• Food sources for other animal species would be lost.
• Pollinators would be lost.
• Another set of species and possibly worse antagonists might take their place.
• It is really unknown, and we could not predict what would happen.
• Would it be worth the ecological risk?

In the fight against mosquitoes, various types of traps, nets and repellents are commonly used. But taking the real fight to mosquitoes may begin in the backyard.

Beat backyard buzzing and biting with Bifen I/T and Tekko™ Pro.

With the active ingredient Bifenthrin (7.9%), Bifen I/T is the product pest management professionals rely upon for sure-fire control of the toughest mosquito problems. To control mosquitoes around buildings, landscapes, and lawns, dilute 0.33 to 1.0 fl. oz. per gallon of water and use one gallon of dilution per 1000 square feet as a general spray. Bifen I/T can be mixed at lower concentrations and applied at higher volumes to ensure application of the proper amount of product per given area.

A new product containing the JHA, Pyriproxyfen (1.3%) and Novaluron (1.3%), Tekko® Pro is a groundbreaking combination insect growth regulator that disrupts the life cycle of mosquitoes. It knocks out mosquitoes by preventing them from developing into adults.

Take the backyard bite out of mosquitoes with a winning IPM strategy, Tekko® Pro in alternation or in a tank mix combination with Bifen I/T. This strategy assures quick knockdown and more rapid control of menacing mosquitoes. For more information on quality CSI products, go to www.controlsolutions.com.

Stuart Mitchell, D.O., is a board-certified family practitioner and entomologist who serves as technical editor for PMP magazine. He can be reached at docmitchell@northcoastmedia.net.

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