374th AMDS provides mosquito awareness information

  • Published
  • 374th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health Food Safety Office
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Believe it or not, Japan is home to around 50 different species of mosquitoes. Of that 50, roughly a third of them bite humans, and fewer than 10 are capable of transmitting disease.

Mosquitoes generally feed from two hours prior to sunset through dawn. Daytime biting may still occur if their resting habitat or area is disturbed. Everyone is asked to help Yokota maintain our low level of mosquito activity by eliminating potential breeding areas.

What you can do to help:

Remove, clean, repair, cover or invert any potential water-holding objects. These include but are not limited to, plugged gutters, leaky faucets, flower pots, toys, wading pools, cans, bottles and stray tires.

If you are plagued by large numbers of mosquitoes and/or other flies, or if you have water-holding areas and/or slow moving ditches near your workplace or housing area, contact the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron Pest Management customer service office at 225-5282.

Additional facts and recommendations to help you stay "bite free" this summer:

Mosquitoes are less attracted to light-colored clothing. Minimize bites by wearing light-colored, loose fitting and long sleeved shirt, pants and socks. Use netting over a stroller, if possible.

Use DEET-based repellents on your skin and clothes, and use it according to the products printed label. Using mosquito coils, citronella candles and oils can be effective for a very small area, but it may not protect exposed areas of skin.

Bug-zappers and especially electronic (ultrasonic or sonic) repelling devices are ineffective mosquito controllers. Bug-zappers can attract more mosquitoes into your yard than they kill. Not only that, but they kill mostly beneficial insects.

Next time you are having family fun outdoors, be aware of your surroundings. Ensure your family is prepared for the weather and use proper protective equipment to help reduce mosquito attraction.

If you have a nuisance mosquito (or other insect problem), breeding sources in your area or desire additional information, contact the pest management office.

For health concerns regarding mosquitoes or other vectors, call the 374th Aerospace Medicine Squadron public health food safety office at 225-4360.