Wellmark International Offers Advice on Keeping
Mosquitoes and Other Pests to a Minimum
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (February 28, 2004) - After what was one of the harshest winters in memory for many parts of the country, homeowners are understandably looking forward to getting outside again. Unfortunately, they’ll be joined by mosquitoes and other nuisance insects that plan on spoiling the fun…and it’s not just itching that people have to worry about. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the West Nile Virus has become a health concern in virtually every state as cases were reported everywhere except Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington during 2003. In all, there were 9,122 cases with 69% of these being West Nile Fever (milder disease), 30% were West Nile meningitis (severe disease) and the remaining cases were clinically unspecified.* Schaumburg, Illinois-based Wellmark International, a leading manufacturer of products to control nuisance and disease-carrying insects, has come up with a list of suggestions to make enjoying outdoors a reality during the warmer months for homeowners and horse enthusiasts.
According to Wellmark, the following easy-to-follow suggestions may help take some of the sting out of outdoor pests:
- Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Either eliminate or treat any standing bodies of water in receptacles or containers in your yard. Standing water can be treated with Wellmark’s Pre-Strike larvicidal products that won’t harm humans, animals, fish or vegetation. These granules can be easily spread in water gardens, ornamental fountains, roof gutters, bird baths, old tires, flower pots, tree holes, urns, rain barrels, pool covers, abandoned swimming pools, or any other water-holding receptacle. This product prevents developing mosquitoes from ever reaching the breeding, biting adult stage and works for up to 21 days. (A 30-day formula is planned for introduction later this year.)
- For horse owners or stable operators, there’s an economical, one-pound granule version specifically designed to treat horse troughs in a cost-effective manner.
- Remove litter from your yard. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in small, discarded items that can hold water such as cans, bottles, and wrappers.
- Stay indoors during dawn, dusk, and early evening when mosquitoes are more likely to bite.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants for extra protection.
- Use a repellent on skin and clothing containing DEET. Apply repellent sparingly to exposed skin. Look for a repellent containing approximately 28 percent DEET. Consult your child’s physician regarding proper dosage levels for children.
- Protect your dog with a product made especially for pets that repels mosquitoes. Keep in mind that DEET should not be used on pets.
“As you can see from our suggestions, common sense and proven pest control products go a long way in keeping the outdoors an enjoyable activity,” observed Terri Considine, Wellmark International vice president, consumer division. “Consumers can also visit www.wellmarkint.com and www.prestrike.com to find out more about the entire line of Wellmark’s product offerings.”
About Wellmark International
Wellmark International (www.wellmarkinternational.com) is a leading manufacturer of products to control economic, nuisance and disease-carrying insects and is dedicated to improving the wellness of people and pets through effective pest management. Wellmark International is a leading producer of chemical and biorational products for professional pest control and pioneered insect growth regulators—using the insect’s own chemistry as a means to reduce pest populations.
*Centers for Disease Control West Nile Virus Case statistics as of January 28, 2004. For updated information, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov.
