We’ve covered how to control mosquitoes before, through the use of different plants. That’s not the only way to go about it, though – there are plenty of other methods of prevention, and ways to repel and destroy the little buggers. Today, we’ll look at ways to stop mosquitoes from being attracted to you, as well as ways to repel them and kill them.
Courtesy: Alvesgaspar
What Attracts Mosquitoes?
The first step towards driving mosquitoes away is to figure out what attracts them in the first place. Environmentally, they are attracted to standing water and sweet smelling, flowery and fruity areas. Eliminate areas where water can accumulate, and if you have heavily scented plants, try and space them out and make them areas where you will concentrate more effort on getting rid of mosquitoes.
On a person-to-person basis, once again, the flowery and fruity scent is a big deal. Avoiding fruity and flowery scents in your soaps, laundry detergents, and perfumes will make you less of a target. Mosquitoes are also attracted to carbon dioxide, lactic acid – found in your sweat – and darker clothing. The first two, you really can’t avoid, as you really can’t stop breathing or prevent sweat. You can avoid attracting them via your clothing though, so consider lighter colors.
How Can You Repel Mosquitoes?
Your first aim should be to try and repel these pests – and there’s a variety of ways out there that people will tell you about. Some of them work, while others… not so much.
- Natural Herbs – As discussed in the link above, these can work well, and are all-natural.
- Citronella Candles and Oils – These work by disguising the other scents, and the aroma offends mosquitoes. These are tried and true, but are only effective for small areas, and can’t be carried around during lawn work. Plus, they can’t be used near anything flammable.
- Scent Diffusers – Using liquid with the scents that mosquitoes don’t like – such as citronella, rosemary, lemongrass, and more – units such as the Patio Egg from Scent Shop can repel them from up to 200 square feet of space.
Killing Mosquitoes
You can knock off these pests if you want, but the good ol’ days of fogging trucks and DEET spraying is long gone. Newer methods use technology and safer chemicals to not effect people and animals.
- Larvicides – BTI – Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis – is a bacteria that specifically attacks mosquito larvae, and is found in larvicides that are safe for use around children and plants. Brands such as Mosquito Dunks can be used in any water source, as the bacteria will not harm animals or people.
- Bug Zappers – The classic blue light special, these attract the mosquitoes through heat and carbon dioxide, then fry them with electricity.
- Foggers – These units spray entire yards with a thick fog of insecticide. Unfortunately, they require the yard be free of humans and pets for a certain amount of time, so they can’t be used while your yard is occupied.
- Advanced Technology – Machines such as the Mosquito Magnet attract mosquitoes from an area, suck those mosquitoes in using a vacuum system, and the mosquitoes then shrivel and die. While these can be expensive, they are incredibly effective and do no harm to the surrounding environment.
So kick those pesky mosquitoes out of your lawn this summer. Whether you only need minor measures or you need to go all out, you’ll save yourself from having to deal with the long-term problems that come with mosquito bites.
