I hate mosquitos. And now, with West Nile Virus headed our way, I want them around even less. So, what to do?

The options that I'm considering are bat houses and/or swallow houses.

As far as the bat houses go, it sounds like a great idea, but I have seen 2 patients in the emergency room in the last year that have been bitten by rabid bats (tested positive).

Then, I read on the internet, that swallows do not eat that many mosquitos because they stop flying about the time the mosquitos come out.

Where I live, there are a lot of small ponds on surrounding properties, so without some type of natural control, I'll continue getting frequent bites.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. If there is a consensus on controlling them, it might be a good idea for birders to band together (pun?) and try a state wide project since the WNV kills birds.

Thanks in advance,
Ron McCluskey
Cheney, WA