Mosquitos in middle TN - what's happening? (house, buy)

[46Barb]

I've only lived here a little less than 2 years but don't remember the mosquitos being this bad last year. I sprayed with a bug spray but they bit me through my t-shirt and my back is covered in mosquito bites.

Some make a loud buzzing noise as they come at you. Believe me, I'm running! We have a fly swatter in the house and wet towels because when you smash them, blood comes out.

Is anyone else experiencing this. I live north of Nashville. I have dogs that go in and out during the day so I can't not open doors. I'm being bit even during the afternoon hours, not just early morning and late evening.

[alleycat]

It might be all the rain we've gotten has created more places for mosquitoes to lay their eggs and make more mosquitoes. You might take a walk around your area and make sure there's no standing water that mosquitoes can use.

I haven't really noticed them being that bad at my house.

[46Barb]

You're lucky. The homes in our development were built on acreage from a cow pasture. There is no water nearby. I guess it's from all the rain and the ground being damp. It's just a pain since I love going outside on my deck and enjoy playing ball with the dogs.

[denawilliams]

Yes, it's a common thing here. Maybe you stayed in on some of the worst days last year, but it's a yearly summer occurrence. Some are big enough that they look like could carry you away. And yes, when they all get together, it's a scary loud sound that makes you want to run for shelter. Funny, I was actually just thinking that they didn't seem as bad this year yet.

[alleycat]

All it takes is an open paint can filled with water, an old tire, a bucket holding water, or anything that can hold water and that will provide a comfy place for mosquitoes to lay their eggs.

[LI2South]

We are heading to TN the beginning of August and I "heard" that the mosquito repellent we use here in NY will not work on the mosquitoes in TN? Is this true? Something about there being tiger mosquitoes there?
We have a young child and we are looking for a home so we will be out and about quite a lot and I certainly do not want her to get bitten up. What do you suggest I use to protect her?

[alleycat]

Originally Posted by LI2South

We are heading to TN the beginning of August and I "heard" that the mosquito repellent we use here in NY will not work on the mosquitoes in TN? Is this true? Something about there being tiger mosquitoes there?
We have a young child and we are looking for a home so we will be out and about quite a lot and I certainly do not want her to get bitten up. What do you suggest I use to protect her?

I always hear recommendations for something with Det in it for here (but ask your doctor before using on very young children). I don't recall ever hearing anything especially suggested for tiger mosquitoes.

[1st_Time_Homebuyer]

West Nile virus was just confirmed in East Nashville from the mosquitoes, so do be cautious of any symptoms.

[DonCorleone]

I actually think they've not been as bad this year, but I, too, am in a new development and living in a new area. I've had a few bites but nothing like I used to at the old place in Mt. Juliet (lots of old growth trees).

I'm sure the mosquito repellent in NY will work here. You might buy some heavy strength stuff (Deep Woods Off for example) or anything with DEET in it just to be on the safe side. We also have these flea-like critters called chiggers that are really annoying and leave you with mosquito-like bites (I think they're worse than mosquito bites, personally). A heavier repellent will take care of them too. But you'll only run into chiggers if you're hiking in heavy forest or get into some vegetation. They're not going to get to you sitting on a patio or deck.

[Capo]

I agree with what some others have said:

-Make sure you have no standing water around your property (even if it's small). That's just a breading ground for them.

-If you have a resess in your land where water collects, consider spraying it or getting some of that stuff (forgot the name) which is made to kill any eggs or whatnot in the water without making it toxic to kids/pets.

- Don't leave food outside, pick up dead carcasses (birds, mice, etc.), etc.

- Spray

- Use personal bug replants...

- Avoid being outside at dawn/dusk.

Hope this helps!