WEST NILE IN THE LANDSCAPE

The West Nile virus is a threat we should all be concerned with in our community. It is killing birds, and poses a potentially lethal threat to both livestock and human beings. the most apparent evidence of West Niles's presence can be found in the bird population. We have seen a rise in the number of dead birds in the area. As a lifelong resident, it seems strange to me to see dead birds. We know birds are adaptable, yet they can't escape the lethal disease carried by these tiny mosquitoes.

The West Nile virus depends on mosquitoes as a mode of transmission. Fight The Bite and reduce your risk of getting this disease, along with others that mosquitoes can carry.  There are a variety of ways to address the mosquito dangers.  We have sprays, foggers, repellents and dunks.  We can help you with mosquito prevention strategies, as well as dunks that can be applied to standing water to kill existing larvae. One of the most reliable methods is to put mosquito fish (Gambusia) in you pond. With a proper population, you will eliminate mosquito infestations. The mosquito abatement will provide these fish to you free of charge. Accuracy of application is important because missing even a relatively small area can cause the emergence of a large mosquito brood resulting in the need for broad-scale adulticiding. We sell a few products that can be applied in the garden. White Forest sells mosquito dunks that will kill larvae in standing water in ponds or bird baths. These dunks are safe to use with fish or other wildlife. When dealing with West Nile virus, prevention is your best bet. Fighting mosquito bites reduces your risk of getting this disease, along with others that mosquitoes can carry. Take the commonsense steps below to reduce your risk: Avoid bites and illness. Clean out standing water from the places where you work and play Help your community control the disease. Something to remember: The chance that any one person is going to become ill from a single mosquito bite remains low. The risk of severe illness and death is highest for people over 50 years old, although people of all ages can become ill. Using insect repellents containing Deet are by far the most effective. The higher the concentration of Deet, the longer the expected protection.

This Week in Your Garden: Chaste Tree

Exposure Soil Water Flowers Height Full Sun to Part Shade Well Drained Very drought tolerant once established Blue, Pink or White 6' to 20' Tall & 4' to 15' Wide Vitex or Chaste tree has been used for gynecological conditions since the days of Hippocrates over 2500 years ago, and its herbal properties have been documented through centuries. This native of West Asia and southwestern Europe was known in English gardens as early as 1570 and has become naturalized throughout most of Europe as well as the United States. The Chaste Tree is a small, usually multi-stemmed, tree that has deeply lobed, medium olive green leaves. Abundant spikes of blue, pink or white flowers are produced in early summer. This tree is noninvasive and works well in patios or close to foundations. The trunk makes an attractive silhouette in winter. Chaste tree is extremely heat tolerant and is suitable for even the most intense reflective heat situations. Once established, this beauty will survive with a very minimal amount of water, though it is better with a bit of summer water. Try Chaste tree as a focal point in a small garden or even as a light airy screen next to a neighbor's fence. This tree is sure to make you a successful gardener.

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