Taking care of the summer pests

Ol’ Ma Nature has finally turned off the tap above our area, providing a chance for the sun to come out and things to dry out. Of course, that much moisture causes plenty of growth in not only grass and flowers but those pesky weeds as well. It can also result in standing water pools, prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Jim Andreen with Hot Springs County Weed and Pest noted they don’t spray for weeds on people’s property, but do sell the chemical. He noted every March they have a private applicator class, and after taking it people can purchase a more restricted chemical.

Occasionally, Weed and Pest will also do a backpack loan program, for which they charge a small fee for equipment maintenance and chemical.

With regard to mosquito spraying, Andreen said they would not start until the mosquito populations get higher. The draining and filling of standing water pools can disrupt the breeding of the insects, he noted, and they have begun larvicide treatments for landowners in the county.

Landowners can contact Weed and Pest if they want their land put on a route checked for mosquito larvae.

Normally Weed and Pest sprays around July 4. Andreen explained this is typically when farmers have done their first cutting, and the mosquitoes lose their ground cover.

Weed and Pest will start monitoring mosquitoes, utilizing traps to get and idea of their population in the area and determine when they will do aerial spraying and ground fogging.

They also have small ATV foggers that people can rent. Much like with weed spraying, there is a fee for equipment maintenance and chemical. Those who want to check if equipment is available and can stop by Weed and Pest at 711 Springview or call 864-2278.