GREEN COVE SPRINGS – As mosquitos emerge following recent storms and rains, many questions also arise about how to limit their numbers and impact.

With fears of itchy bites, annoying swarms and diseases such as West Nile Virus and Yellow Fever, there are many things Clay County residents can do in their own yards to help out in the battle against our buzzing foes.

What Can You Do

For personal protection, use bug spray containing DEET and wear proper clothing, such as long sleeves and pants. Also, be aware that they are most active at dusk and plan outside activities around this fact.

If living around natural waterways, recently flooded areas or pastures, mosquitos will be present with few options for the homeowner other than to wait for areas to dry out and county-wide pesticide applications to be completed along the roadways.

However, you can limit mosquito breeding grounds in your own yard. Areas to target include abandoned swimming pools, tires, tarps and any container that can hold water, which is where the larvae of several mosquito species like to live.

Dump out the water frequently if possible. Many plants such as bromeliads, tree cavities, and even ornamental grasses and shrubs can also hold water and provide shelter, allowing numbers to flourish.

Another control for landscape water sources you cannot dump are chemical or bacteria-based products you can add into small landscape ponds and standing water to kill or slow the development of water. With any pesticide, make sure to read the label and follow directions. It is the law.

Aside from chemical control, other animals can help to keep populations lower. Some creatures that do feed on mosquito larvae include fish, crustaceans and other insect larvae with frogs, lizards, birds, dragonflies and bats eating the adults. To attract beneficial mosquito-eaters to your yard, provide them with habitat and allow non-pest insects to thrive, providing a food source.

However, it is important to note that no predator will completely eliminate the issue and in cases such as a post hurricane outbreak, there are rarely enough to limit the population explosion. Biological controls, homeowner efforts, and government efforts to manage populations are all part of an integrated system to keep populations in check so that the public can be protected from disease outbreaks.

If you have any questions about controlling pests in your yard, call the UF/IFAS Clay County Extension Office at (904)284-6355. Furthermore, if you are interested in attending a class on Bats in the landscape that includes a bat house you can mount at home, there will be a class on Oct. 17 from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Cost is $50 and register online at http://ClayExtension.eventbrite.com.