Mosquito Control
Here in Texas, mosquitoes are just a way of life. Bites and itches are almost inevitable. Some people react differently to a bite and there is some danger from mosquitoes, however I think most TV reports are a bit exclamatory. I’ve got some tips to help you control mosquitoes in your yard. Notice I say control. You will never get rid of those pint sized pests. Let’s take a look at a few things any homeowner can do to help.
First, there are two battles occurring in our war against mosquitoes. The most obvious is a battle against the adults, the ones delivering the annoying and potentially harmful bites. Controlling adults is really more a matter of repelling them. While there are ways to kill lots of adult mosquitoes, I will assume that you do not want to poison your yard and environment to do so.
***Quick side bar: those “Mosquito Mister” systems that got so popular a couple of years back can be DANGEROUS!!! While it is, generally, true that they use a “natural” compound, the substance they use is Pyrethrum. Pyrethrum is organic, but also a very poisonous neuro-toxin. While we do “prescribe” it for some insect control, it is NOT a good idea to spray it over your entire yard, every hour, all summer long. It will kill all the insect life in your yard and could have negative effects on your pets and family from prolonged, repeated exposure.***
So, back to repelling adult mosquitoes. There are several options available to help. Most all use natural oils that release vapors that the mosquitoes despise (Finally, we get to annoy them!!!). For longest control, granular products are available. Dr. T’s and Cedarcide are both long lasting granules that are spread around areas you want protected. I use Dr. T’s and have had great results. I do find that it works best on soft surfaces, grass, beds, mulch, etc… It also may take a few hours to really start controlling, so don’t drop it out right before party guests arrive. These products contain garlic, lemongrass, or cedar oils that are released slowly from an inert granule. They will usually last 6-10 days, unless there is rain or heavy mist/dew. Cedarcide also makes a liquid version that comes in a hose-end sprayer. This delivers a similar effect, but is easier and quicker. While I don’t think it lasts quite as long, it does go to work much more quickly. There are also the incense products for quick and cheap control. We sell the Amazon Lights brand, a type with less citronella so they don’t smell as strong. They contain Andiroba oil, which is harvested sustainably.
So, these are all ways to repel adult mosquitoes and hopefully keep them from attacking you and your guests when in the outdoors. Of course, there are also the repellents you put on yourself; Off, Cutter, and Avon all make repellents. Natural repellents are available from Burt’s Bees and others, even a local company called One Fine Kid makes a natural, kid safe repellent (we sell this one!). You can also make your own natural repellent. Start with 190 proof grain alcohol from the liquor store, then blend in citronella, rosemary, and/or other oils from your local store to make a custom blend. I prefer the natural route, in theory, but if you are going to spend lots of time outside or in heavily infested areas or if you have severe reactions to bites, go for the one containing DEET, the best mosquito repellent. If you are concerned about using it, try to spray your socks and shoes, shorts or pants, shirt, etc… and not your skin. I find it still works pretty well.
Keeping the biting adults away is always welcome, but how can we eliminate the adults and try to have as close as possible to a mosquito free yard…KILL THE LARVAE!!! If you can reduce the larvae population, you will significantly reduce the number of biting adults. Here’s how.
First, get rid of all standing water that you can. We all know about old tires and bowls sitting around the yard, but really spend some time and look for anything that will hold as little as a few tablespoons of water. While inspecting the nursery, I found an old drink cup, an upside-down chair (which created a “bowl”), and a garden pot who’s drainage hole was blocked and holding water. All great places for mosquitoes to breed. If you have water that you cannot eliminate, a birdbath, pond, etc… , you can use Mosquito Bits to control larvae. These are small bits inoculated with Bacillus thuringiensis, a bacteria that is deadly to mosquito larvae, but safe for people, birds, pets, and such.
So, let’s say you’ve covered all these bases and are still seeing TONS of mosquitoes. What now? Well, I suggest you look for a “dark and dank” area in your yard. You know, those places that always seem a little cooler and moist. Maybe a pile of old leaves under the deck, a thick stand of ivy under a tree, you know the kind of area I’m referring to. Well, mosquitoes can breed in these “damp” areas. So, what can we do in these areas? Well, there has been some promising research into using Spinosad to treat for mosquito larvae. Similar to Bacillus thuringiensis, Spinosad is made from the fermentation of a naturally occurring bacteria. Now, officially, I cannot recommend a product be used for a purpose not listed on it’s label, so you didn’t hear it from me. You could also spray an area like that with pyrethrum, but I think it is much more “dangerous” for most homeowners.
Finally, there are the mosquito traps. Propane powered, often very expensive, traps have been met with mixed reviews. Some people love them, others say they don’t work at all. We are now carrying a much smaller and infinitely cheaper trap that is a plastic jar and lure packet. I opened one the other day and it was FULL of mosquitoes!!! Seems to work pretty well for a $15 investment.
We all want to enjoy the outdoors in summer, but mosquitoes can make the outdoors a bit inhospitable. A few simple steps and a touch of diligence can really help any homeowner make their yard much less attractive to mosquitoes and much more family and friend friendly!
