Don't let the backyard bugs ruin your outdoor family BBQ this Memorial Day Weekend or during the summer. If you follow these easy tips, it will drastically reduce the pesky creatures from crashing your get together.

This information was gathered from several sources-the Cape May County Mosquitoe Control, The Center for Disease Control, the EPA and USDA.

Mosquitoes are attracted to moisture. Small amounts of water found in planting beds or leaves can be enough to provide a habitat for mosquitoes. Even though many areas are experiencing drought, mosquitoes only need a small space to breed. Some mosquito species' eggs are laid and hatched within 3 days, so you need to be observant. The life span of males (who don't bite) is 10-20 days. Females (the ones that bite and lay eggs) live 3-100 days, again depending on species. To control mosquito habitat:

*Look for low areas that might hold standing water. Improve drainage or fill them in.
*Remove as much debris (leaves, mulch and even grass clippings) from the lawn and garden as possible.
*Keep gutters and downspouts clear.
*Check and empty any object that can hold water. Children's toys, watering cans, planters and saucers, swimming pool covers all can hold standing water.
*Change water in bird baths once or twice a week. Or if you are lucky like me-your dogs will drink it dry constantly making me aware that I need to "just add water".
*Encourage natural pest control by providing habitat for bats and birds. (Not to sure about the bat thing-that seems a bit creepy, but it is after all the "cycle of life".
*Some species of mosquitoes migrate up to a mile in search of food (and end up in my backyard, this I am sure of). In addition to your own property, look around the immediate neighborhood for potential mosquito habitats and remove them if possible.

The dangers of contracting West Nile virus are currently minimal. There are, however, several hundred species of mosquitoes. The bite of any mosquito is something to be avoided, so preventing mosquito bites is important:

*Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active. Dawn and early evening are the most mosquito-prone times.
*Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants if you do go out. Lighter colored clothing is less attractive to insects in general.
*Apply insect repellent to thin clothing and exposed skin.
*Repair or replace window screens and screen porches if necessary.
*Use yellow "bug lights" in outdoor fixtures. 
*Cooperate with local authorities in their efforts to control mosquito problems.
*Use pesticides safely. Follow Integrated Pest Management principles to control pests in your home, lawn and garden. Recently, I called Western Pest Control of Cape May County to help control critters in my back yard such as ticks, fleas, and ants. I am a gardener and would like to avoid a tick bite, but I am also concerned about Lyme Disease as much as West Nile on my pets. Western guarentees their service and I have to say I have seen a remarkable difference in the bug culture in my yard. AND I haven't found a tick or flea on my dogs - knock on wood. Western Pest Control has helped considerably-their service is excellent. Tim Sweeney is my Sales Representative. He can be reached at 609-485-9441. A real nice guy. Tell him I recommended him.
*Install mosquito control devices where needed.

Here is a note on insect repellents from the Center for Disease Control:

"Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. An effective repellent will contain 35% DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). DEET in high concentrations (greater than 35%) provides no additional protection. Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children. Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on the product".

Visit these Web sites for more on West Nile and mosquito control:

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 
• USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)  
• Environmental Protection Agency