Small Odd Jobs and Mosquito Millage

No big projects here at The Gear. The weather has been slightly cooler the last several days but the mosquitoes are nearly unbearable. Here in the Township of Grand Blanc we pay a slight millage for mosquito abatement. The abatement can be either in the form of spraying or larvae killing by treating standing water.

In the last several years they have tried to lean more toward treating standing water than spraying. Also in the last several years there has been an increase in mosquitoes. Working in the yard is nearly impossible unless the wind is blowing or you are standing out in the sun.

Unfortunately in this upcoming primary election this township has added a renewal to the mosquito abatement millage. Most people don't vote in primaries unless there is a specific reason to vote against something and there seem to be a push to not renew the mosquito killing tax. I can't imagine what the level or size of skeeters will be next year if this millage is not renewed.

I know spraying can be harmful but so can mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can spread a variety of diseases plus they affect the quality of life for those wishing to be out of doors in the few months that Michigan has of beautiful weather. Here's hoping the mosquito millage passes.

This past week we have trimmed more branches in the backyard and finished fixing the fence problems including the bent fence post. Now we just need to find a correct height of gate for the opening. The current gate is too short. I'm sure I'll run across one on Craigslist sooner or later.Weeding continues in the backyard. I would like to finish seeding the fountain area this fall. Even though that area is by far the worse area in the whole yard, it still has come a long way from the jungle area it was when we purchased the house.

Last week we had a several days that had strong heavy downpours. In between the rainstorms I snapped this photo of the sky. It was a weird lavender pink. Normally you would see this color in the western sky but this photo is of the southern sky.

Skeeter Info

I read an interesting article today as I was perusing the weekly local newspaper called the Grand Blanc View. I now know why those skeeters were so aggressive last week.

Seems that mosquitoes come in several species. The last couple of weeks we have been bombarded by Aedes trivittatus who are more aggressive and travel in swarms. They attack not only in the evening but during the day. A. trivittatus is considered the floodwater mosquito. We have had our fair share of rain this summer so that is probably the reason these little buggers are having a field day with our arms and legs.

Aedes Variety

Normally we have more of the Culex variety mosquitoes but this year we seem to have more of the other. The downside of the Culex is that it is also the one that transmits the West Nile Virus.

Culex variety

I noticed today as I worked in the yard that there were fewer skeeters. But then I had on a long sleeve sweatshirt so there was less available skin for the female skeeters to bite.

Grand Blanc township has a mosquito abatement program and normally we rarely see a mosquito and to tell you the truth....I never missed them......not for one single moment.

Mosquitoes Slow Our Progress

Progress at 'The Gear' has been slow for several reasons. One being the deck redo at B & G's and the other being the mosquitoes. They are huge. They are everywhere. They swarm. They are persistence. I think I am a pint low in the blood department. I have welts all over my arms and legs. I even have one on my eye lid and cheek. Good thing the township sprays for mosquitoes. LOL

Prior to the mosquitoes running me off, I was able to make some progress on the walkway to the fountain. At one time the walkway was lined with little stones. Over the years grass has grown into the rocks obscuring them from anyone knowing they were there. It was only my attempt to the edge the walkway that I found out that under the grass laid little itty bitty stones EVERYWHERE.

Every spring I rake up piles of little stones. I found that they work great at protecting my miniature hostas. An idea was born. Not only could I protect my hostas but I could return the walkway to the way it was years ago. I used 2 round stepping stones (already had from Torrey Rd house) so that we will not have to step in between the hostas. I also surrounded the small stones with large rocks hoping that they will keep the little stones from straying.

I'll be planting more miniature hostas along the entire length of the walkway. We need to center the cement bench (bench was found in a pile of dirt and brush).
I will be planting Royal Standard hostas around the tree. I like Royal Standard for several reasons. First they have large white flowers. Second they are hardy. Third they are free as I have an abundance of them already.
I will be relocating the second stepping stone. I wasn't sure exactly where it needed to go so I just took a stab at the correct location. Once I started laying down the larger rocks I could see that it needs to be closer to the bench.

Just about the time I took this photo the mosquitoes swarmed and I was slapping and spinning around like a whirling dervish so I stopped and went to B & G's.

Last night I installed temporary steps by the garage entry door because I knew that today I would be removing the steps on the other side of the deck.We decided last week not to reinstall the steps. Instead we will build 6 foot wide steps here. See photo below.The steps will be centered. Barbara's Mom was the one who suggested we move the steps. Barbara had all along wanted places for people to sit. We had an 'ah ha' moment and that is how the 6 foot wide step idea was born.

The mosquitoes heard I was at B & G's and soon after taking these photos I was swarmed yet again. So I went home.....welt covered and itchy.