Mosquitoes are responsible for a number of deaths each year. Both human and equine.

Mosquitoes are the most deadly disease transmitting insect known. They are responsible for killing millions of people over thousands of years, and continue to kill by spreading disease.

The female of the species is the blood-sucker. They do not require blood for survival, but they do need substances like protein and iron to develop eggs. Females hunt their victims by detecting carbon dioxide.

These flying insects are estimated to transmit disease to over 700 million people in some countries. However, in more developed countries, like the United States, they are more of a nuisance. Even in the U.S., they are responsible for a number of deaths each year.

It is very important to keep you horses vaccinated against these potentially deadly diseases. Always try and keep your horse vaccinations up-to-date.

If you’re like me and have a pond or lake on your place, it’s hard to eliminate that much standing water. Farnam has come up with a solution to your problem. Read the article below for more information.

Farnam Introduces Bite Free™ Granular Larvicide for Mosquito Control.

A New Weapon in the Arsenal Against Mosquitoes Click here to view hi-res photo: Bite Free Granular Larvicide

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 them bite people however. Some prefer horses, or birds, or even frogs and turtles. With more than 3,000 different 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. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises, “The most important step any property owner can take to control populations is to remove all potential sources of stagnant water in which they 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 them 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 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 larvicide granules contain a microbial insecticide effective against these insects 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 them 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 insects.

“Given the severity of the diseases they may carry, it is essential that horse owners provide protection against them,” 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 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 these insects 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 -30- Bite Free Granular Larvicide for Mosquito Control is produced and sold under agreement with Certis USA.