Taking steps to minimize West Nile threat
Published 10:00 pm, Wednesday, June 4, 2003
The weather is warming and mosquitoes are more prevalent, so gardeners should be aware of ways to minimize their contact with the insects, which are potential carriers of the West Nile virus.
Remember that mosquitoes are more active in the cool of the day -- early and late -- and in shade. No need to get rid of water in the garden, but do replace the water in all birdbaths (and other small containers) every three or four days (it takes a week from egg to adult mosquito).
Keep an eye out for the larval stage, known as wrigglers because of their constant movement up to the water surface.
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Larger features with still water may need a treatment of the biological control Bt, usually in "doughnut" form, which floats in the water.
And remember that a diverse garden is a healthy garden -- birds (Seattle Audubon Society, www.seattleaudubon.org), bats (www.batsnorthwest.org) and fish (Russell Water Gardens, www.russellwatergardens.com) can all do their part to control the mosquito population.
For more information: www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/Zoo/WNV/ WNV.html.