Minnows and Frogs for Hire!

  Well, now.  A notice was posted that mosquitoes in our area are testing positive as carriers of the West Nile Virus.  We were told to do the usual commonsense things such as empty containers of standing water, use some sort of mosquito repellent, stay indoors in the evenings and use screens on the windows.  I've got most of those covered!  After each rain, the standing water is emptied.  My supply of vanilla is dwindling since I found that it helps in repelling the rascals so I must get more!  By the time evening rolls around, I am exhausted from chores so I am pretty much indoors.  Window screens have always been a must on the Bayou since we have pretty much every kind of insect just waiting to come inside.  We are doing our part!

  Then, there is the Bayou.  That would be rather hard to drain after a rain or any other time.  Sorry but some things are just out of my hands.  I cannot be responsible for the wiggletails, aka mosquito larvae, that are there in hoards.  Mosquitoes and bayous go hand in hand and there is not a lot you can do to remedy that situation.  Mother Nature will just have to do her part with that.  Did I mention window screens???  They sure do come in handy!

  The Frog Pond, on the other hand, is not a problem.  A dozen or so baby bull minnows were tossed in there back during early spring and now have grown to several inches in length.  The minnows are keeping the frog pond free of any larvae and are happy campers in their virtually predator free living space.  Between those and the frogs, the little pond is a pretty happy place. This afternoon while I was out back, I noticed that the frogs must be feasting upon the adult mosquitoes.  My goodness!  Those frogs are FAT!  

  So, while this was not happy news about the virus, with all of the rains we have been experiencing, I cannot say I am surprised.  It has made the area a haven for the critters.  I can only hope that others are doing their part in alleviating the problem.  Maybe I should hire out my bull minnows and frogs!