The trouble with containers is the little saucer that collects the excess water - it keeps the water from going all over the place but it can provide the mosquito with the perfect little incubator and nursery.
Here in north Texas the West Nile Virus is a major concern. It is transmitted by infected mosquitoes (not all mosquito's have the virus - most are just annoying) and even if you get bitten by an infected mosquito, you might not get the disease. I say this so you won't call 911 the next time you get bitten.
I have no desire to be known as a Mosquito Rancher so I try to follow all the rules the City of Fort Worth gives for minimizing mosquito breeding.
I've cleaned up my act - well, my patio actually, and put away most of the saucers. I've scattered the containers around my garden, tucked them in the mulch - no need for a saucer. A bonus - I took the time to check where the water goes when the sprinkler is on and almost everything gets watered even when I'm not here to do it.
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| These seem to be adjusting to their new home. |
I still have a few pots on the patio and by the front door but I'm very careful not to over water. I figure it's worth it to help myself and others in my community stay healthy. I am helping people I don't know and may never meet, still, it gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling to realize we are all in this world together and little things we do (or don't do) can have a big impact.
Admit it, you are probably doing something to make the world a better place. I would love to hear about some of your adventures - comments are always welcome. I'm off to read blogs and drink tea on this hot, hot summer day.
4 comments:
you're a good neighbor. here, with the pond, we're kind of at mother nature's mercy. i do try to stay indoors when the skeeters are bad.
What a good neighbour indeed. In the UK that neighbourhood caring is not so evident anymore. Houses have been built too close together, there is less personal space with the result being people building higher fences to protect "their plot"! We are a small overpopulated island where if you have your windows open on a hot summer night you can hear the neighbour snoring. It's not ideal. I'm sounding a bit jaded today aren't I :-)
Enjoying our hot weather and living on the water, it's so quiet. We recycle as much as possible but it's not always easy due to lack of storage space. I miss a garden and pots. Enjoy the rest of your summer dearest.
Much Love
Di
Xxxxxxx
Do your best and enjoy every day to its fullest. Wish I could send some of this cool Dutch weather to you. xo Jenny
I love that you try to help out others...just found your comments..sorry I don't always see the holding ones in blogger.
I had over 250 plants in containers on my condo deck..[still kicking my self for giving away most of them] and no saucers either. The mosquies were too bad to leave them in saucers...and this way there is less drainage problems in the winter.
Jen
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