MOREO* (Mosquito Repellent Oil)  ~ Environmentally Friendly ~ For external use against mosquitoes and other biting insects. Apply evenly to exposed skin areas. MOREO also moisturizes dry skin and removes blemishes. Made from processed extracts of plants belonging to Arecaceae, Loranthaceae, Meliaceae, Myrtaceae and Poaceae families.             Store in a cool dry place.                       Keep out of the reach of children.             A PRODUCT OF EVERGREEN NATURE STUDY CLUB     217 Lamaha street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown.     GUYANA.                            www.sdnp.org.gy/evergreen        Contents: 284 ml                                        Batch No. -----                                                                   Best by:  ---------

  


 

Mosquitoes

There are more than 60 different species of mosquito in the world. Several of them are capable of transmitting serious, possibly even fatal diseases, such as mosquito-borne encephalitis and malaria to humans. Even in the absence of disease transmission, mosquito bites can result in allergic reactions producing significant discomfort and itching. In some cases excessive scratching can lead to bleeding, scabbing and possibly even secondary infection. Children are very susceptible to this because they find it difficult to stop scratching. Frequently, they are outside playing and do not realize the extent of their exposure until it is too late.

Female mosquitoes can produce a painful bite during feeding, and, in excessive numbers, can inhibit outdoor activities and lower property values. Mosquitoes can be a significant burden on animals, lowering productivity and efficiency of farm animals.

Identification

Adult mosquitoes are small, fragile insects with slender bodies; one pair of narrow wings (tiny scales are attached to wing veins); and three pairs of long, slender legs. They vary in length from 3/16 to 1/2 inch. Mosquitoes have an elongate "beak" or piercing proboscis. Eggs are elongate, usually about 1/40 inch long, and dark brown to black near hatching. Larvae or "wigglers" are filter feeders that move with an S-shaped motion. Larvae undergo four growth stages called instars before they molt into the pupa or "tumbler" stage. Pupae are comma-shaped and nonfeeding and appear to tumble through the water when disturbed.

Life Cycle, Habits and Diseases Carried

Mosquitoes may overwinter as eggs, fertilized adult females or larvae. Eggs, larvae, and pupae must have water to develop. Some female mosquitoes lay their eggs directly on the water surface. Others lay their eggs on substrates above the water line (flood pool mosquitoes); the eggs hatch upon flooding. In some cases, the eggs will remain viable for several years until further flooding occurs. Mosquitoes belonging to the genus Culex lay their eggs in bunches or "rafts." Each raft may contain up to 400 individual eggs. Larvae feed on bits of organic matter dispersed in the water, becoming full grown in about one week. The pupal stage lasts two to three days. Female mosquitoes are ready to bite one to two days after adult emergence. Male mosquitoes do not bite but feed on flower nectar or plant juices. Some mosquitoes have only one generation per year, whereas others may have four or more. Adults may fly 5 to 10 miles, but usually rest in grass, shrubbery or other foliage close to the water breeding area.

Mosquitoes may transmit diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, and malaria to humans. Mosquito-borne encephalitis is a viral inflammation of the brain. Encephalitis can infect humans, horses, and a variety of other mammals and birds. Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE), although very rare is frequently fatal. Transmission of the disease occurs when an infected mosquito takes a blood meal. Birds serve as natural hosts for EEE and St. Louis encephalitis (SLE). LaCrosse encephalitis (LAC) is the third type, the least severe and which occurs most often in children. Small woodland mammals, such as chipmunks, opossum, squirrels and rats serve as the natural host for the virus, however LAC virus can also be passed, transovarially, from mother mosquito to her offspring.

Mosquitoes can also transmit filariasis (heartworm) to animals. Dog heartworm is the most significant of these, however in some areas, veterinarians are beginning to see more heartworm in cats.
 

Control

Since most of the mosquitoes that transmit encephalitis will not travel very far, the risk of contracting encephalitis can be minimized by controlling the mosquito breeding sites which are in close proximity to your home. Water management, to prevent mosquito breeding, is essential for control. Eggs do not hatch unless they are in water. Remove old tires, buckets, tin cans, glass jars, broken toys and other water-catching devices. Change water in bird baths and wading pools once or twice a week; clean out roof gutters holding stagnant water; and place tight covers over cisterns, cesspools, septic tanks, barrels, and tubs where water is stored. Never over-apply lawn and garden irrigation; fill, drain or treat tree holes; and drain or fill stagnant water pools, puddles, ditches, or swampy areas. Inspect water in plant containers, water-holding stumps, keep grass mowed around bodies of water, stock ponds and reservoirs with fish (especially indigenous species).

Citronella has been claimed to be also useful to householders.

Lastly, use adequate screens with a fine mesh on windows and doors. Screen doors should open outward and close automatically.

Repellents

Repellents applied to the skin and clothing will prevent mosquito bites for one to five hours depending on the person, type, and number of mosquitoes and the type and percent of active ingredient in the repellent. Repellents are available as aerosol sprays, pump sprays, candles, creamsticks, oils, lotions or foams.

N, N-Diethyl-m-toluamide (Deet) is very effective and widely used as a repellent but it should not be used indiscriminately as severe allergies can develop. Formulations containing high concentrations of Deet, 50% or more, should not be used on children. Formulations containing 5 to 10% Deet will work just as well as those containing 90% or more, however, they will not last as long.

Organic Repellent

Mosquito Repellent Oil (MOREO) is a rub-on-skin product prepared from plant extracts by Evergreen Nature Study Club. MOREO is an organic product formulated against mosquitoes in Guyana and the Guiana Shield.

Indoor Control

Space sprays or aerosol "bombs" containing synergized pyrethrins 0.1%, are effective against adult mosquitoes. Frequent treatments may be needed during problem periods.

Outdoor Control

Adulticides

NB: Malathion and carbaryl (Sevin) are extremely toxic to honey bees. Do not spray plants when in bloom. Mow weedy areas before treatment. Bee losses are minimized by spraying late in the afternoon when bees are gone or when temperatures are below 7.2 deg C (45 deg F). Malathion and methoxychlor are highly toxic to fish.

Larvicides

Methoprene (Altosid XR) is another safe material for control of mosquito larvae. It is an insect hormone which retards the development of larvae (