From Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM,
Your Guide to Veterinary Medicine.
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From Your Guide: Mosquitoes need water to live and breed. I live in an arid environment, so mosquitoes are not as plentiful as they are in other areas, but they still exist! I recently heard a news report urging more people to use mosquito repellent, since many people are afraid of repellent chemicals and possible risks associated with use. The report said that the current rate and severity of mosquito-borne diseases is increasing. The potentially serious disease risks are present for humans, pets, and livestock, so the mosquitoes are now more than simply annoying pests. In this press release from Farnam Companies, Inc., learn about a new product that stops the mosquito life cycle where it begins; the larval stage that matures in areas of standing water (ponds, lakes, even bird baths and pet water sources). Farnam reports that this product is safe for humans, pets and livestock.

Press Release from Farnam Companies, Inc
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Carrie R. Foote
(602) 664-1271
cfoote@mail.farnam.com

PHOENIX (July 20, 2005) – Mosquitoes are widely recognized as one of the most annoying insects on the face of the planet. But they are more than simple annoyances; some carry a wide range of diseases infecting 500 million people around the world each year, resulting in as many as 2 million deaths. Not all mosquitoes bite people however. Some prefer horses, or birds, or even frogs and turtles. With more than 3,000 mosquito species worldwide, the one thing they all have in common is the need for water to complete their life cycle.

Any body of water is a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises, "The most important step any property owner can take to control mosquito populations is to remove all potential sources of stagnant water in which mosquitoes might breed." Unfortunately, this is not always possible. Many necessary water sources cannot be eliminated such as livestock ponds, horse troughs, and even birdbaths; yet they provide mosquitoes with all the room they need to lay their eggs.

A new weapon in the fight against mosquitoes is here. Bite Free™ Granular Larvicide for Mosquito Control from Farnam Companies, Inc. controls mosquito larvae within 24 hours. The product is packaged in easy to use, pre-measured, water-soluble packets that you simply toss into any body of water. Each packet treats up to 2500 gallons of water for up to 30 days.

"Bite Free mosquito larvicide granules contain a microbial insecticide effective against mosquitoes in a variety of habitats," explains Laura Welch, marketing manager for Farnam premise pest control products. "This is a new level of protection against mosquitoes for animals and the people who care for them; by killing mosquitoes before they become breeding, biting adults including those which may transmit West Nile virus (WNV), and heartworm disease to dogs and cats. Bite Free mosquito larvicide granule packets provide a convenient method for controlling mosquitoes, that is effective yet will not harm humans, horses, birds, fish and other animals," Welch adds.

Although West Nile virus can harm humans, it is particularly dangerous and often lethal to horses. The USDA recommends that horse owners implement safeguards to prevent animals’ exposure to these extremely hazardous mosquitoes.

"Given the severity of the diseases mosquitoes may carry, it is essential that horse owners provide protection against mosquitoes," said Tom Kennedy, Ph.D., vice-president of new product development at Farnam. "Having your horse vaccinated against West Nile virus is the first step, but it’s not enough to leave it at that. For further protection it is best to treat standing water and use mosquito repellents all summer while the insects remain a threat. Prevention is always the best cure," added Kennedy.

As an additional precaution, a spray that protects against mosquitoes and other biting flies is available. Bite Free™ Biting Fly Repellent provides protection for horses against mosquitoes as well as biting stable flies, horn flies, horse flies, deer flies, gnats and other nuisance flies. It also repels and kills deer ticks that may transmit Lyme Disease. Bite Free Biting Fly Repellent may be applied either as a spray or as a wipe. The ready-to-use, water-based formula is gentle and contains sunscreen for protection against harmful UV rays.

Founded in 1946, Farnam Companies, Inc., is a privately held company and a leader in the animal health products industry. For information about Farnam Horse Products, in the U.S. call toll free at (800) 234-2269, direct at (602) 285-1660 or go to www.farnamhorse.com on the internet.

Farnam – We Make Life Better for Animals and Their People

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Bite Free Granular Larvicide for Mosquito Control is produced and sold under agreement with Certis USA.