Clean and dry key words to reduce fly, mosquito problems Published Aug. 26, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Steven Millerd 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Here are tips for keeping the number of flies and mosquitoes down around your residence. Mosquitoes For mosquitoes, eliminate any standing water. Look for areas around flowerpots, outside toys, grills, tin cans, old tires, buckets, unused plastic swimming pools and any container that collects and holds water. Change the water in birdbaths and wading pools at least once a week. Mosquitoes usually live their lives within a mile from where they hatch. A simple but effective strategy for people sitting outside is to place a large fan so that it blows across the patio. Wind speeds of more than one mph will disrupt mosquito and biting midge flight. Wear light-colored clothing and pants and long sleeve shirt. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothes because they see it as a resting site and if they rest on you they will also see you as a meal. Use insect repellent with DEET as the active ingredient; anything with more than 36 percent DEET is overkill, however, and isn't more effective. Flies With fall right around the corner the amount of flies should be dropping with the temperatures. But we will not see a massive decrease until the first good freeze. The dairies are one of the major producers of our fly buddies, but there are some steps we can take to help control them. The key to managing flies is sanitation. Eliminating breeding sites are usually sufficient to eliminate and prevent fly infestations. Therefore, trash should be kept in sealed containers. Possible breeding sites for include decaying grass, decaying or damp organic material, garbage, manure and rotting fruits and vegetables. Clean up after your pets as quickly as possible. Next summer the Entomology Section for the 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron will look at new ways to reduce the amount of flies on base. Entomology will be fogging the housing area with an ultra-low volume fogger. If you see or hear the fogger, please stay inside your residence until the vehicle has passed. Also, keep your windows up on your vehicles. There is no residual effect on the fog that will be sprayed. It's a contact pesticide so the only insects it will take down are the ones it contacts. This will give base residents temporary relief , but is not long-term control. If there are any questions or concerns about any insects, rodents, and animals, call Base Entomology at 784-2439.