Mosquitoes can disrupt your time outdoors.
Mosquitoes make it tough to enjoy your yard. These blood-thirsty insects are a real burden and at times, you feel defenseless in being able to control their population. But good news…there are steps you can take to protect your yard from these annoying insects. Take action now, and prevent a big mosquito problem in your backyard.
Use of Natural Products
There is a natural product, Bacillus thuringiensis, that is sold in the form of mosquito dunks and quick kill pellets. It’s simple to use and it’s totally safe for your family, pets, wildlife and the environment. The product, Mosquito Bits, contains Bt and you can apply the bits anywhere in your landscape that holds moisture. The dunks can be floated in ponds, birdbaths, fountains and any containerized standing water wherever it accumulates near the home They float on water and will keep on working for 30 days or longer.
Eliminate Standing Water in Your Yard
Eliminate standing water in your yard.
Mosquitoes only need a small amount of water in which to lay eggs. “Even a little soda cap can breed mosquitoes, says Jody Gangloff-Kaufmann, entomologist at the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program at Cornell University. So it’s important to eliminate breeding sites which might include downspouts, clogged gutters, dripping faucets, grill covers, children’s wading pools, saucers under potted plants, watering cans, garbage can lids, sand buckets and a many more areas in your yard that might be collecting water. Since mosquitoes take eight days to breed, change water in bird baths by flushing with a hose at least once per week. Be diligent about hunting for hidden water sources. Most homes have them and don’t even know it.
Plant Mosquito-Repelling Plants
Mosquito Dunks can be used in fish habitats or any containerized standing water.
Plant some of these plants in containers or near your patio. Read our blog on what plants to consider.
Additional Methods to Discourage Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are weak flyers so a fan will blow them away from you.
Replace Lighting with Yellow Bulbs. Yellow bulbs attract fewer mosquitoes.
Fan Mosquitoes Away. Mosquitoes are generally weak fliers, so keeping an oscillating fan will make it hard for them to get to you.
Attract Bats. Bats can reportedly eat 1,000 mosquitoes per night. Attracting bats to your garden can help to significantly reduce the number of mosquitoes and reduce your chances of being bitten.
Citronella Candles. They are effective and easy to distribute around the deck or patio seating area. However, be aware that a breeze can blow away their effects.
Use Repellents. DEET is the go-to-chemical repellent, but there are natural alternatives which are non-toxic, botanical repellents but they need to be reapplied about every thirty minutes to remain effective. Check out this nice fact sheet from the CDC here (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and be more informed regarding mosquito bite protection.
Natural Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites
Vinegar helps all kinds of bites. Tape a soaked cotton ball over the bite. Tea tree oil is also great for all kinds of stings. Remove the stinger and gently apply it on the entry point. And lastly, baking soda works also for stings. Mix it with water to form a paste. Remove the stinger, apply the paste, and cover until the pain is gone.