1. Eliminate
mosquito growing places. All experts agree that mosquitoes must have
standing water to grow. Most eggs are laid in water and develop there.
Consequently, get rid of anything in your area that can contain even
a small amount of standing water, such as tires, pails, unused flower
pots. Clean clogged gutters. Change the water in the bird bath often.
Patch holes in trees that capture water.
2. If
you are near a wetland, or have standing or still water, use a larvacide
containing Bti. It should be available at your local hardware store
in briquette form, often shaped like a doughnut. You just toss them
in the water.
3. If you are away from home in a stationary location, take the Thermacell with you. If you are hiking or moving, use
mosquito repellents on your skin in infested areas. Don't take chances,
particularly with children and older folks. We prefer the Mosquito Patch. It is not toxic, smelly, oily or greasy, and lasts a long time.
If you cannot get Mosquito Patches, use a lotion or spray
for the skin. Cutter Advanced is a relatively new
product that works as well or better than DEET. It contains Picaridin,
a repellent with long lasting protection. It is also known as
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and is odorless and less noticeable on your
skin. It will not harm synthetic materials. |
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If that is not available, get a spray or lotion that contains DEET, such as Off! or Cutters in concentrations
of up to 34% for adults, 20% or less for children. Higher percentages
increase your chance of an adverse reaction. Most of the other lotions
such as Skin So Soft are marginally effective if at all. Remember that
all wash off in water and diminish over time, so follow the directions
for use and reapplication.
Spray
your clothing with Permethrin,
which is used by the US military to spray on uniforms. Do not use on
your skin or inhale. Clothing only.
4. Protect
your animals and pets with medication. Heartworm in dogs is caused by
mosquitoes. It is a very serious disease which can be fatal to dogs
if left untreated. Once a problem only in coastal areas, dog heartworm
is now found in every state in the United States. Remember that some
diseases can be passed from an animal to a human. Heartworm pills are
available from your veterinarian that will protect your dog.
5. Citronella
candles will repel mosquitoes very close to them (only a few feet) and
only in still conditions. Mosquitoes come in low, so place the candle
as near to you as possible, close to or on the ground. |
1. Birds
and bats. Installing houses for certain birds or bats will not significantly
affect your mosquito population. They don't make up a high percentage
of their diet.
2. Electronic
bug zappers. These annoying devices mainly kill moths, beetles and other
beneficial insects, but very few mosquitoes. |
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3. Lotions
that do not contain DEET or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. If they work
at all, it will be for perhaps
20 minutes.
4. Electronic
devices that claim to emit ultrasonic sound to repel mosquitoes. They
don't work.
5. The
citrosa plant contains citronella, but not enough to have much effect.
Mosquitoes land on it. |
