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(ATMoB:Discuss) layers of insect relief
I strongly believe that nothing will completely irradicate the mosquito
menace. If it did, the company making it would be richer than Microsoft!
Someone once said that a 50% cut is nothing, I disagree. I feel a 50% drop
is not only acceptable but pretty darn good.
In many cases like this the solution is not to completely win the war
with one battle, but to bring the problem down to tolerable level with
multiple layers of action. We should implement many different types of
solutions and then adjust our expectations. I think we should begin with
long term planning like bird houses (I'd be glad to donate $50 to this
fund as it is a good cause anyhow) and maybe stocking frogs and such. And
then buy some fans and maybe citronella candles for short term immediate
relief-these are all very cheap items. And long sleeves when the weather
makes it acceptable. And then further research on the high-tech and other
solutions this fall and winter.
Again I'm cynical because I come from texas, right in the middle of
skeeter country, and I've seen nothing work but common sense (long sleeves
and avoid the hour after sunset).
Last night, while setting up the CCD system at sunset I wore a sweat
shirt and wasn't bothered by bugs at all (I live next to hardy pond in
waltham). At about 11 I went outside to dissamble the CCD system ad do
some eyeball work on Mars. I wore just a t-shirt and by then nothing was
out there to bother me. Last Saturday night we did the same thing at the
star party. I told people to wear long sleeves over a shirt and just take
off the long sleeves after an hour or two. It worked perfectly, no one
complained of bugs (this was at halibut point on cape ann - a good place
to observe BTW).
aaron