Yesterday we highlighted the fact that mosquitoes can transmit nasty diseases, and general steps to eliminate standing water where their larvae grow.  As rain water harvesters, let's get specific:  Don't let mozzies* get to your water!  Our rain barrel design was inspected by an entomologist who said it is good for keeping out mosquitoes---as long as you keep the screened lid on and the overflow connected to its hose or pipe.

If you have a rain barrel or rain tank from Rain Barrels Iowa, it has an overflow: a brass hose adapter, a hose barb for corrugated hose, or a 3-inch or 4-inch diameter PVC, all of which to let extra water out in a controlled fashion when the container is full.  And all of which can let mosquitoes in. From the mosquito's view, still water without predators is an ideal place to lay a few hundred eggs at once!  So, if you haven't properly completed your rain harvest set up with a hose or pipe on the overflow opening, PLEASE DO THIS TODAY.

We want you to harvest rain, to save money as well as to use all the free soft rain water you can  Using rain water can take a load off the shrinking drinking water supply in addition to a load off your wallet.  Rain is free and should not be wasted.
Today our focus is on safety.  As rain water harvesters, let's be mindful of the hazard mosquitoes can bring -- not just you and your family but also nearby people and pets.  Mosquitoes carry an increasing number of nasty diseases, so let's look at how to harvest rain while eliminating mosquito habitat.

New Orleans has actively and successfully battled mosquitoes for 50 years with a 2 million dollar budget and a highly effective team. So let's take a look at what works.  New Orleans' new 50-page Zika Control Plan focuses first on eliminating habitat needed to grow more mosquitoes.  You may have heard that the most dangerous mosquitoes can reproduce in water-holding containers as small as a bottle cap, and take only a week to hatch.  Yep.  That means we have a really good reason to clean up thoroughly, and to clean up everywhere, every week.

Other "small containers" mentioned by New Orleans Entomologist Sarah Michaels:  "Pet food bowls, cans and glasses, the lids on ice chests and even the cup holders on the top of ice chests."
She said property owners should follow the same routine the city workers use when making regular neighborhood inspections:

• Remove any trash and clutter from the yard that can collect water, including old tires, tarps, toys, ice chests, trash can covers and the like.
• Containers that must remain open, such as pet dishes and birdbaths, should be emptied often and refilled.
• Although it takes about a week for eggs to hatch, eggs can remain viable even when dry for months at a time. So wiping the containers with a rag to remove any eggs is recommended.
• Manage lawns so they don’t hold standing water for days.
• Use insect repellent if you’re going to be outdoors when mosquitoes are most active – around sunrise and sunset.
• Cover any structures used to store storm water, such as rain barrels or cisterns, and make sure rain gardens drain properly.

So as we all harvest rain water and enjoy our flowers, herbs and vegetable beds this summer, what are YOUR plans to reduce mosquito habitat?  Share your comments and help us all to enjoy a safe, comfortable outdoors!