Category: Guides

How to Protect Your Pets from Mosquitoes

Posted on by k2Dev

Mosquitoes are always annoying, and we as humans have a lot of options to try to keep them away from us. However, our furry companions don’t have the choice to go out and buy mosquito repellent or put on a long sleeved jacket. But there are options for those who want to reduce their fluffy friends’ chances of getting heartworm – the main risk dogs and cats face from mosquito bites.

 

Protect them with these helpful tips:

 

#1
Insect Repellant

While not all repellents are safe for dogs, there are some that can be used. Keep anything containing DEET away from the dog, as that can make them very sick. Check the ingredients, and if it is safe, spritz the dog so that the bugs are less interested in getting near him. The same goes for cats.

 

#2
Keep Pets Away From Bugs

While it might not be an easy task, keeping dogs away from mosquitoes is another important option. This could include not walking in very wet areas or marshes, and making sure that there is no stagnant water around the property. Don’t let the dog get bit at home, so make sure that bowls of water are being changed often.

 

#3

Keep Pets Inside

Also, keep the animals inside during the time that mosquitoes are most active. This will minimize their exposure to bites. During the early evening and the early morning, the mosquitoes are at their worst, so wait a little bit longer to take the dog on a walk. If the cat is allowed to go outside during the day, wait until later in the morning to let it out. Also, make sure to get the cat back inside by the late afternoon.

 

#4

Mosquito Proof the Home

Getting a good screen in all of the windows can keep bugs out so that animals won’t get bit while they are lounging around the house. Leaving the windows open in the summer is something that many do, but letting in mosquitoes could be very dangerous to those living inside. Even cats, which may not go outside very much, could be put at risk if the window is left open without a screen, and that could make them very sick.

 

#5

Provide Medication

Even if you do all this, it still might not be possible to keep a pet from getting bit every once in a while. In this case, giving your pet heart worm medication may be important, as that will lower the risk of illness resulting from bug bites. The bites may be annoying to the animal, but it is important to keep the animal from scratching them and making it worse.

 

#6

What To Do for Bites

If there are bites on the face and ears of your pet, putting some antibacterial cream on their bites is important. Try not to let them scratch at it, and take the pet to a vet if it gets worse. Also, bring the animal to vet on a regular basis to test for heart worm, as early detection is what will ensure that the dog is ultimately going to be healthy.

 

All of these prevention tactics are good for the furry friends in the home. Just follow them, and ask your vet to test your pet regularly for heart worms.

 

How to Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes During a Picnic

Posted on by k2Dev

No one wants uninvited guests during a picnic, especially if they see you as the main course. Mosquitoes can bring discomfort and disease with each bite, so it’s important to know how to protect yourself from mosquitoes during a picnic, hike or other outdoor activity.

Facts About Mosquitoes

There are over 3,000 species of mosquitoes, however the majority of disease is carried by three varieties. These three species are responsible for diseases such as malaria, the West Nile virus, encephalitis and yellow fever, as well as other diseases and illnesses. The female mosquito is the culprit in these attacks. She  needs the blood of her host to nourish her eggs, while the male mosquito feeds primarily on plant nectar.

While most mosquito bites are just annoying, for aforementioned reasons, some can be dangerous. So preventing mosquito bites while enjoying time with friends and family outdoors can protect your health – and specifically young children and the elderly, who are especially susceptible to illness.

Avoid Mosquito-Rich Environments to Prevent Bites

If you are in your own environment, such as your own backyard, it is much easier to control the mosquito population. When you are enjoying a picnic at a local park or hiking on a public trail, it can be more difficult to repel mosquitoes. There are certain conditions that mosquitoes require to thrive, so avoid these situations to cut down on your exposure to mosquitoes.

  • Standing water: Mosquitoes need water for the laying eggs.
  • Picnicking at dusk: Most species of mosquitoes are especially active at this time of day.
  • Tall wet grasses: Tall grass can hide water that serves as mosquito breeding grounds. Mosquitoes also like to rest in the shade.

Topical Solutions to Prevent Mosquito Bites

Topical solutions such as bug sprays and lotions that repel the mosquitoes are a successful way to prevent bites. Products that contain DEET seem to be the most popular and be the most effective. Another ingredient to look for is picardin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus has also proven to be effective at repelling the pesky nuisance of mosquito bites. Picardin and oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on young children and DEET should not be used on children under six months old. None of these products should be used on the hands and face. These products have been found effective but require several applications depending on the amount of time you spend outdoors. And remember: it is important to follow the directions to prevent potentially dangerous side effects.

Alternative Methods to Protect Against Mosquito Bites

There are natural, non-chemical methods available to those who prefer not to spray potentially harmful ingredients onto their exposed skin.

  • Light, loose-fitting clothes that cover the skin is one of the safest ways to deter mosquito bites. Cover as much of the skin as possible, making it difficult for mosquitoes to find a patch of skin to land on.
  • Smoke deters mosquitoes.
  • Citronella candles and torches around the perimeter of your picnic area will also deter mosquitoes from entering the area.
  • Mosquito nets can be used to protect the picnic area.
  • There are many devices available, such as repellent table cloths and personal barriers, that claim to be successful, too.
  • While some claim success using garlic oil and other natural remedies, the verdict is still out as to the real effectiveness of those claims.

Controlling mosquitoes has proven to be difficult world-wide. However, with a bit of creative thinking, it can be done on an individual basis. A combination of repellent sprays and light, loose-fitting clothes seem to get the best results in most situations.

Many cities and districts also spray to control the mosquito population in public places. Knowing when those methods are being used may help to determine when the population of mosquitoes will be at their lowest. Planning your celebrations and gatherings around those times may, in addition to the other suggestions, increase your ability to prevent mosquito bites while enjoying picnics, cookouts, and hiking.

 

How to Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes While Camping

Posted on by k2Dev

As fans of the movie Jurassic Park know, mosquitoes have been around much longer than humans. They’ve survived the extinctions, climate swings, and man’s best efforts to suppress them. They will always be with us, but with a little know-how, you can do a lot to protect yourself from mosquitoes when camping.

The Campsite

  • Avoid setting up camp near water. This is where mosquitoes live and breed, so camping here puts you directly in the path of mosquitoes and their hatchlings.
  • If possible, place the door of your tent or camper facing into the breeze. Mosquitoes don’t like being buffeted, so they won’t cluster around the entrance and won’t get the chance to invade your space.
  • Spraying repellent around the entrance will help protect your tent or camper. Spray from top to bottom at dawn and dusk, when they are most active. Spray liberally around the bottom edge of the tent, or saturate cloths and tuck them just under the edge.
  • Broom away small puddles, make sure rainwater doesn’t collect in tent folds, and cover buckets you’re collecting rain in. Even a bit of water left in a glass can attract females looking for a spot to lay eggs.
  • A burning campfire will clear the immediate area of all sorts of insects, including mosquitoes. It’s the smoke they hate, not the heat, so even a low-level fire will do.
  • Regular lights in lanterns, flashlights and over camper doors attract mosquitoes. Replace them with LED lights or yellow bug lights, which don’t attract mosquitoes.

Gadgets that Work

  • Citronella candles are a traditional way to protect against mosquitoes. However, many candles contain citronella scent rather than citronella oil. The scent offers no protection, so make sure the candles actually contain the essential oil.
  • Mosquito coils can drive mosquitoes away, but work best on a still day. If it’s breezy, the repellent is quickly dissipated. Even on a calm day, the zone of protection is fairly small. You can increase the zone by placing them at a few points around the campsite.
  • A new type of device uses a warmer to release repellent from a pad. Like mosquito coils, these work best when there’s little or no wind.
  • The current generation of bug zapper lights will reduce the swarm. Originally, bug zapper lanterns weren’t particularly effective against mosquitoes. New models, however, have been found to lure mosquitoes and zap them efficiently.

Effective Repellents

  • The most effective mosquito repellent is DEET, a chemical compound found in many commercial sprays and lotions. Studies have found it safe and effective in concentrations up to 30% for anyone over two years of age. A concentration of just 5% will be effective for about an hour and a half.
  • People who dislike the unpleasant chemical smell of DEET often turn to natural alternatives. A favorite with campers is to place a fair amount of oil, chopped garlic and peppers in a spray bottle, let the mixture infuse, then fill with water to make a spray.
  • Essential oils form the basis of many commercial repellents. One of the leading oils is lemon eucalyptus, which comes from the corymbia citriodora tree. Other commonly used oils are geranium, cedarwood, citronella, peppermint, lemongrass, castor and soybean. Dilute the oil with water to make a spray or simmer in water over a candle or small burner.

Personal Protection

  • In addition to spray repellents, patches worn on the skin that use body heat to release repellent can be quite effective.
  • Don’t wear perfume, which attracts mosquitoes. Instead, try applying essential oils from the list above. Since individual body chemistry interacts with the oils, you may need to experiment to find what works best for you.
  • There are no foods you can eat that will repel mosquitoes, but there are two to avoid that attract them: beer and Limburger cheese.
  • Choose clothes that cover your arms and legs but are loose fitting and comfortable. Also avoid black, blue and red, which are their favorite colors.

 

How to Keep Kids Safe from Mosquitoes

Posted on by k2Dev

When the summer arrives, dealing with the prospect of being bitten by mosquitoes can put a damper on spending time with family and friends outdoors. Keeping your kids safe from mosquitoes is possible with a bit of direction and by following a few tips and tricks that will ensure the mosquitoes are not disrupting any outdoor activities you have planned for the summer months. Mosquitoes are pesky insects that can cause rashes and bumps that are itchy and uncomfortable. However, with the right preparation, it is possible to enjoy your time outdoors worry-free.

Inform Your Kids

Before you find insect repellent that is right for you and your kids, inform your kids about mosquitoes and how they can be proactive in order to prevent irritation or bites. Educating your children on summer safety and the importance of wearing sunblock and insect repellent will help them to develop positive habits that can be used into adulthood.

Choose the Right Insect Repellent

Choose an insect repellent that is ideal for your children, depending on their age and their level of outdoor activity. There are insect repellents specifically-designed for babies, toddlers and children of all ages. You can also find insect repellent that is waterproof, ideal if you plan to spend time in water or if you have a pool in your household that is ready to be used.

Find an insect repellent that can be used for hours at a time or that offers protection for 12 or 24 hours. Be sure to read all labels of the insect repellent you choose to ensure it is the ideal type for your child’s age and the type of activity he or she plans to participate in throughout the summer. Having multiple insect repellent options is also recommended, as not all repellents work the same for different individuals.

Wearing Loose-Fitting Clothing

Inform your children of the benefits of wearing loose-fitting clothing, especially when they are not in a swimsuits but still plan to spend time outdoors. Wearing long-sleeved shirts is highly recommended in addition to wearing darker colors, as bright colors tend to attract insects including mosquitoes, increasing the chance of being bitten.

Avoid Being Outside at Dusk

Have your children inside before dusk to reduce the amount of mosquitoes they encounter each day. Mosquitoes tend to come out during dusk, which will cause them to seek out hosts to bite. If you plan to spend the evening or night outdoors when camping, swimming or simply enjoying the weather, use tiki torches and candles that detract mosquitoes and other insects. The more citronella candles and tiki torches you use, the less likely mosquitoes are to interrupt you and your family while you are outdoors.

Scented Fragrances

Have your children avoid wearing scented fragrances, including cologne, perfume and even body lotions. The more scents you wear outdoors, the more insects will instinctively be attracted to your child, causing them to land and most often, bite or sting.

Get Rid of Standing Water

Most bugs, including mosquitoes, are attracted to water around homes. To avoid mosquitoes from interrupting your summer fun, be sure to rid any area on your property of standing water. Flower pots, buckets, planters and even birdbaths should all be removed during the summertime when mosquitoes are most prevalent.

Install Screens in Windows and Doors

Another way to minimize the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, even indoors, is to ensure all of your doors and windows have screens installed throughout. If you have a sliding door, it is essential to keep it closed whenever it is not being used to keep insects, including mosquitoes, from entering the home.

Making a few small changes in your backyard this summer is a great way to get rid of mosquitoes and ensure you and your family have a great time outdoors this year. The more actively involved you are with protecting your kids from mosquitoes, the easier it is to bask in the sun, play outdoor games and enjoy swimming regardless of the time of year!

 

How to Treat Mosquito Bites

Posted on by k2Dev

Summers mean that you’re spending more time outdoors, and mosquito bites are almost impossible to avoid. Although mosquito bites are usually harmless, the itching can be uncomfortable and keep you up at night. Luckily, there are lots of options available to reduce the itching and inflammation associated with the infamous mosquito bite.

 

When a mosquito bites you, it injects its saliva into your skin through its thin proboscis and drinks your blood. The mosquito’s saliva contains proteins that produce a natural anesthetic, but your body’s immune system reacts to the foreign material. This reaction is what causes that familiar itchy, swollen red bump to form.

 

It can be tempting to scratch a mosquito bite for the temporary relief, but this isn’t an effective treatment. In fact, scratching makes the inflammation worse, and the bite will take longer to disappear. Scratching can also break open the skin, which leads to scarring and allows bacteria to enter the wound. This can lead to infection, transforming a harmless mosquito bite into a serious medical problem. If you do scratch a mosquito bite open, keep the wound clean and cover the area with a band-aid.

There are plenty of treatments to help sooth the itching and quell your desire to scratch. Both over-the-counter medicines and natural remedies can provide effective relief.

Over-the-Counter Mosquito Bite Treatments

One over-the-counter treatment to stop itching is an anti-histamine cream or lotion. These treatments usually contain pramoxine, which relieves pain and itching. Some studies have suggested that ointments aren’t the most effective treatments for insect bites, but they may work for some people. If your body reacts more severely to mosquito bites, resulting in larger bumps, you can also take an oral anti-histamine. Anti-histamines are found in many allergy medications at your local drug store, but they can also cause drowsiness, among other side effects.

 

#1

CALAMINE LOTION

Calamine lotion is a popular treatment for mosquito bites. Use a Q-tip to dab a small amount on the area and let it dry for a few hours. Then wash it off with warm water. You should notice that the swelling has gone down.

 

Natural Mosquito Bite Treatments

Mosquito bites can also be treated by a variety of items you already have in your house. These treatments can be great for reducing the itchiness while also being cost-effective.

 

#2

COLD WATER

One of the easiest ways to combat a mosquito bite is by applying cold water or ice to it. Run cold water on the area or use an ice pack. You can also wrap a few ice cubes in a paper towel and press them against the bite. The cold will reduce swelling and numb the area. These can be especially useful methods to keep in mind if you are out of the house and don’t have access to other treatments.

 

#3

HONEY

Honey has naturally occurring anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. In addition to being a popular household ingredient, it is commonly found in natural and organic lotions. Apply a little bit to the bite for relief.

 

#4

LEMON AND LIME

Lemons and limes are another common ingredient you can use to treat mosquito bites. The citric acid found in these fruits can relieve itching. You can either rub a slice on the bite or apply some of the juice to the area.

 

#5

TOOTHPASTE

Putting toothpaste on a bite is another option. As with calamine lotion, dab a small amount and then allow it to dry. Reapply if necessary. This can be a great treatment to reduce the swelling from all kinds of insect bites.

 

#6

ASPIRIN

Apply water to the mosquito bite, then rub a tablet of aspirin over the area. This method also works with Tums or Rolaids, and it should make the itching go away very quickly.

 

On average, mosquito bites will stop itching in a few days and disappear completely within a week. If someone has a severe allergic reaction to a mosquito bite, or if the bite becomes infected, seek medical treatment immediately. In a vast majority of cases, mosquito bites are a problem that can be easily treated, and you shouldn’t let them stop you from enjoying the warm weather.

 

Tips for Hiring a Professional Mosquito Control Service

Posted on by k2Dev

Mosquitoes can quickly become pests for your home or your place of business. Sometimes, your efforts alone aren’t enough to solve the problem. If you are considering hiring a professional mosquito control service, there are several things you need to take into consideration. A bit of time spent exploring these areas will help you to find the right person for the job.

What are your Options?

Spend some time exploring your options. You can look online and in the phone book for professional mosquito control service providers in your area. Ask your friends, family, and co-workers if they have ever hired someone to take care of mosquitoes for them. Most of these providers will offer free estimates so you should try to get at least three potential providers that can do the work for you.

Experience and Qualifications

You need to make sure the professional you hire to control mosquitoes has the right level of experience. How long have they been in the business? Do they have a formal education that has provided them with expertise? What types of qualifications or certifications do they possess that promote the idea that they are an excellent business to work with? Are they licensed according to the requirements for where you reside?

Methods Used for Mosquito Removal

It is a good idea to ask what types of methods are offered for removing mosquitoes from your home or business. Don’t make the assumption that all of these professional service providers are going to offer the same methods.

Some of options that they may present to you include:

  • Proprietary insecticide treatment
  • Natural solutions, including plant-based repellents
  • Trapping and relocating the mosquitoes into the environment

Timeframe

When you have a problem with mosquitoes, you want to nip it in the bud as quickly as you can. How long will it be before the professional mosquito control provider can come to your location and give you a free estimate? How long until they can fit you into their schedule if you hire them? If it is going to be weeks before they can get to the job, it is a good idea to find another professional to do it.

Reviews and Feedback

What do other people have to say about that particular provider? There are plenty of ways you can find out. First, look online and see what their letter rating is with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). An A is the best grade they can get and you shouldn’t settle for a business with less than a B+ rating. The BBB will also have information about any complaints filed against the professional mosquito control service as well as how such complaints have been resolved.

Online, you should be able to read reviews from independent consumers. This will tell you the real scoop about any business. You will get the pros and the cons and such information can help you make up your own mind about hiring a particular professional to take care of a mosquito problem for you.

Some of the types of information you will find in these reviews include:

  • Efficiency
  • Cost
  • Types of mosquitoes successfully controlled
  • Communication
  • Methods used
  • If they arrived as scheduled
  • Professionalism

Cost

When the professionals come to your home, they can provide you with a free estimate. This should itemize each of the items they will provide for you in their services. The breakdown is important so that you can compare the cost of different professionals that control mosquitoes. If any of the quotes are significantly more or less than the others, it should make you dig deeper into the reason why. If you can get the same quality of service from one provider as you can from another, price can be a determining factor regarding who you will hire.

Summary

Getting rid of mosquitoes is important as their numbers can increase quickly. However, you need to make sure you consider these areas when hiring a professional mosquito control service. You need to be 100% sure that who you hire is going to be able to complete the job efficiently, safely, and for an affordable cost.

 

How Outdoor Businesses can Reduce Mosquitoes

Posted on by k2Dev

If you run or manage an outdoor business, then fighting mosquitoes can be a challenge. But with a little patience and consistent work, you can help your patrons enjoy themselves without fighting off bites

Here are a Few Things you can do to Minimize the Effects of Mosquitoes at your Business:

  • Rid the area around your business of standing water: This eliminates mosquitoes’ breeding ground. Standing water can include puddles, clogged gutters, and poorly drained areas in lawns or parking lots.
  • Keep the grass low: This is essential since it is well known that mosquitoes love tall grass. Tall grass retains moisture and protects mosquitoes from predators.
  • Use natural mosquito sprays: Natural sprays include ingredients like lemon, garlic, basil and lavender. These scents block mosquitoes’ ability to detect human CO2.
  • Place candles or tiki torches around your patio or deck: Citronella is a good standby for keeping mosquitoes away from your guests.
  • Use 18 mesh screens: If you have a screened patio or deck (a particularly good idea of your business is waterfront), an 18 mesh screen will keep mosquitoes out. But be sure to check it regularly for holes.
  • Use fluorescent lighting: If you have outdoor lights that come on at night, consider replacing these with fluorescent lights. Mosquitoes are drawn to incandescent lights, but not fluorescent.
  • Pick up mosquito repelling plants: Construct a barrier to grow the same scents used in the natural sprays – you can plant catnip, citronella, lemon basil and lemon grass to help repel those pesky mosquitoes.
  • Invite birds: Some variety of birds feed on mosquitoes. Nighthawks, cuckoos, owls, starlings and purple martins are some of the most common winged mosquito predators.
  • Hire a professional mosquito control service: This is a surefire way to get rid of mosquitoes. Most plans offer monthly or quarterly treatments to keep your mosquito barrier active. Need some tips?
  • Have your staff use DEET-based repellents: If your business requires your staff to work outdoors for long periods of time, encourage them to apply a DEET-based repellents every 4-6 hours. Clothing and other apparel should be treated with a permithrin-based product, a natural repellant for both mosquitoes and ticks.

When purchasing products, remember to check closely to make sure they are EPA approved. And when using mosquito coils, make sure you use them in windless conditions. By doing this, you will be protecting your customers and staff from pieces of coil that could be laced with chemicals. It has been reported that the coils can cause respiratory problems for some people. Read the label on any and all commercial insecticides that you use.

Let’s face it. Mosquitoes are a tough pest to get rid of. And as temperatures rise and outdoor activities increase, mosquitoes are often along for the ride. But by following the tips above, you can keep your business mosquito-free.

For Businesses With Persistent Water Problems, Here are a Few Additional Tips to Remove Excess Water From Your Business Property:

  • Get rid of or empty any containers or objects that can hold standing water, particularly discarded styrofoam or plastic cups
  • Cover any barrels or open buckets that can collect rainwater
  • Remove excess water from under flower pots
  • Correct any drainage problems on your property that may allow rainwater to pool
  • Cover swimming pools not in use
  • Remove leaves from rain gutters to alleviate clogging
  • Drain bird baths at least twice a week
  • Remove any water that pools in tarpaulins or automobile covers
  • Fill in any tree holes
  • Remove debris around your outdoor business, pooled in ditches or culverts

 

How Not to Let Mosquitoes Ruin Your Backyard Barbecue

Posted on by k2Dev

Barbeques are a great way to entertain family and friends. However, mosquitoes probably aren’t on the guest list. Happily, there are several ways to prevent mosquitoes from ruining your backyard barbeque. Following these tips will keep your guest enjoying their burgers and hotdogs instead of swatting away insects.

Rid Your Yard of Standing Water

Mosquitoes are drawn to, and lay their eggs in standing water. Start by ensuring that your lawn offers good drainage and allows water to run off. Fill in any low areas where puddles are likely to form.

Potted plants also offer a good source of water for mosquitoes. Check the saucers underneath potted plants, as well as the plants themselves, to ensure that everything is dry and draining properly.

Gutters can turn into a breeding ground for mosquitoes if they become clogged with wet leaves. Before your barbeque, clean out gutters and dispose of leaves and other waste that may have become trapped.

However, there is no need to remove all water in your quest to stop mosquitoes from ruining your barbeque. Decorative water features such as ponds, fountains and birdbaths can be treated with bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis. This environmentally safe bacteria is available in several over-the-counter products sold at garden centers and will prevent both adult mosquitoes and larvae.

Make Landscaping Work in Your Favor

Mosquitoes often congregate in tall grass and bushy areas. You can prevent mosquitoes from setting up house in your yard by keeping grass mowed and bushes neatly trimmed with space between each plant.

Several plants act as deterrents to mosquitoes due to the oils they product and the scents they emit. To prevent mosquitoes, try incorporating these plants into your landscaping.

  •  Citronella
  • Geraniums
  • Marigolds
  • Rosemary
  • Catnip
  • Garlic
  • Basil
  • Eucalyptus
  • Lavender

Time Your Event

Mosquitoes are most active early in the morning and at dusk. If you plan your barbeque for mid-day or afternoon, when mosquitoes are least active, you can be sure they will RSVP “no”.

Practice Food Safety

Your perfectly grilled burgers and juicy ribs are what keep guests coming to your backyard barbeque year after year. However, food also attracts insects. Keeping food covered can stop mosquitoes from ruining your barbeque. For dishes without lids, try using a wire colander to create a dome over the food. Dishtowels or paper towels draped over bowls will also keep mosquitoes out. You can also use a fan to create a breeze around the table. This will help to blow food smells away and will make the area less appealing to insects.

Trashcans, filled with used plates, food scraps and partially empty drink containers, are a buffet for insects. They can also accumulate water and other liquids. Trash receptacles should have holes to allow them to drain, a plastic liner to help keep them clean and a lid to prevent insects from getting into them. Deciding where to place trashcans is a balancing act at any party. Try to find a location near enough to your guest that they will be able to find them easily, yet far enough away that any insects that gather will not be a nuisance.

Protect Your Guests

After your barbeque, you will send guests home with happy memories and an arm full of leftovers. However, mosquito bites do not make the best souvenirs. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants will prevent most mosquito bites, but enforcing a dress code at your backyard barbeque is probably not practical. Instead, offer your guests insect repellent. DEET-based repellents are effective at preventing most mosquito bites and, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, are safe to use on children as young as six months. For a more natural solution, try a repellent with oil of lemon eucalyptus which can be used on children over three years old. To make protecting your guests easy, set up a small table, away from the food, with several choices of insect repellent.

Consider a One-Time Professional Treatment

Some professional pest control companies offer one-time mosquito treatments for special events. These services can offer complete elimination of mosquitoes for a specific period of time. This may be your best bet for that perfect ‘nothing-can-go-wrong’ event.

Your cookout should be full of good food, good friends and good memories. Taking a few easy steps to prevent mosquitoes from ruining your backyard barbeque can ensure that those memories aren’t replaced with ones of swatting insects and scratching bites.

 

How to Control Mosquitoes in Your Garden

Posted on by k2Dev

We all love to be out in our gardens in the cool of the evening. Unfortunately, this is the exact time when those pesky mosquitoes like to be there as well.

You have several options for waging a successful campaign against them. Take back your garden and rid yourself and your family from those itchy painful bites. Some of the most common methods used today are –

  • Bug Zappers
  • Yard Sprays/Yard Treatments
  • Ultrasonic Devices
  • Mosquito Coils & Citronella Candles
  • Geraniol
  • Natural Repellants

Bug Zappers

Bug zappers are electrified devices that can be strategically placed in or near your garden to give off an ultraviolet light that lures the mosquitoes or bugs in. When contact is made, the intruder gets ‘zapped’ with electricity. These devices kill a lot of different bugs besides mosquitoes.

The only problem with the bug zappers is that while it kills many bugs, the percentage of mosquitoes killed is under 3%. They really are not that attracted to ultraviolet light.

Yard Sprays/Yard Treatments

You can find sprays or treatments at nearly any garden center. There are options between chemical based or natural/organic products. They all have varying degrees of effectiveness.

Yards can create perfect conditions for sheltering mosquitoes and for breeding spaces. Mosquitoes always go to the yard first. Lakes, ponds, decks, barns, or shallow standing water gives them perfect cover. Shade and moisture rule in the world of mosquitoes.

Gardens need lots of water making them a prime target of mosquitoes. Grasses and moisture pockets are luxury suites for them. Residential concentrates can be used for protecting your yard and garden. For smaller areas, ‘CYONARA RTS’ is very effective. You simply hook it up to your garden hose and spray.

A more effective treatment for larger areas is ‘ESFENVALERATE’. It comes with labels for use on trees, turf, flowers, or shrubs. It delivers long term control.

Ultrasonic Devices

Ultrasonic sound emitters are popular today. They use electricity or battery power to emit ultrasonic sounds that supposedly repel mosquitoes. They are also used for repelling hornets, rats, mice, spiders, and fleas. Some people like them, others say they are useless. One complaint is that the noise level disturbs pets.

Mosquito Coils & Citronella Candles

These methods are good for use within their immediate areas. Spreading several of them strategically throughout the garden in the evenings can help to keep the mosquitoes at bay.

Geraniol

Geraniol has been shown by research to effectively repel mosquitoes. It is a plant-based repellent. The drawback with Geraniol is that it attracts bees.

Geraniol is produced by honey bee scent glands helping them to mark nectar-bearing flowers. It also helps them to locate their hive entrances. Natural Geraniol is found in well-aged tobacco.

Natural Repellants

The best has been saved for last. If someone has a garden then why not use nature itself to keep those pests away? Just about every natural problem we have today has a plant solution.

Gardens can grow more than just vegetables. Adding the right type of plants around your garden area can help to keep mosquitoes out. Here are examples of mosquito-repelling plants:

(1). Rosemary
(2). Lemongrass
(3). Mint
(4). Marigolds
(5). Catnip

Out of these, the Catnip seems to be the strongest. One of the most common chemicals found in insect repellents is DEET. Catnip has proved itself to be as much as ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes.

Is there anything that Garlic will not fix? Once again we find another use for this amazingly powerful little plant. It is excellent mosquito bite prevention and will repel mosquitoes when planted in your garden.

Other Suggestions

One thing that makes perfect sense is adding some Citronella grass to your garden or around your patio area. Why not use one of the main ingredients found in many mosquito repellents? It is very easy to care for and will help to avoid mosquito bites.

Lavender is something else that mosquitoes hate. Many other bugs avoid it as well. If planted in the garden it can take over your space, so it’s best to pot it and sit it out close to the garden area.

Growing a garden can be hard work, but protecting it from mosquitoes doesn’t have to be. Use these handy tips to keep mosquitoes away, or check out a professional pest control service for mosquito control services for your home and garden.

 

Best Resources for Mosquito-Related Information

Posted on by k2Dev

Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying and potentially dangerous insects that we face on a day-to-day basis. Whether you live in the arctic of Alaska, or the heat of Africa, at some point in your life you will be plagued by the annoyance of mosquitoes. Finding resources for mosquito control can be a daunting task, and at times prove unfruitful. This article will help to point you in the right direction, whether you are looking for simple repellent methods for personal use, or to control mosquitoes for large areas.

Understanding Mosquito Control

Before you can effectively repel mosquitoes, you need to understand what attracts and what repels them. Mosquito control has been a subject of study for many years ever since it was discovered that mosquitoes can (and often do) carry life threatening diseases, including but not limited to West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis. An authority on mosquitoes and their control is the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency), a great resource that can be found at: epa.gov/mosquitocontrol. This page covers a broad range of info on effective mosquito control and other interesting facts about the life cycle and habits of mosquitoes. Their site is updated on a regular basis and should be consulted often.

Another great place to visit is the Wikipedia page located at: wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosquito control. The wiki page covers several topics related to the control and repellant methods currently being used by millions. Many of the methods covered are to control mosquitoes on a large scale, and is a great resource for people who are trying to manage properties and campsites.

Mosquito Control Resources

American Mosquito Control Association – The authoritative resource for all things mosquito is the American Mosquito Control Association. They have been serving the world with ground-breaking research and resources since organizing in 1903 as the “National Mosquito Extermination Society”. Formed during the Yellow fever outbreak in New Orleans and Pensacola, they have been actively engaged in mosquito control for a very long time. Their website can be found at: www.mosquito.org. The AMCA is a very active organization and maintains a large presence at many conferences and conventions throughout the world. A list of upcoming events can be found from their home page.

The Weather Channel – If you live in the US there are several resource available that will let you know the activity level of mosquitoes in your area. The Weather Channel provides a free web service located at: www.weather.com/activities/homeandgarden/home/mosquito/. Many local weather stations will cover mosquito conditions in their daily weather reports or have information listed on their websites. Knowing the current level of mosquito activity is a very valuable tool when trying to limit exposure.

Department of Health and Environmental Control – Each state has a local Department of Health and Environmental Control, and your local office can be found online via your state’s resource page. Since each region can contain different species of mosquitoes, control can vary widely. Your local Department of Health will be able to provide you with region-specific information about mosquito control and currently circulating health threats transmitted via mosquitoes.

Centers for Disease Control – The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) is always monitoring current trends and diseases being carried by mosquitoes. A good resource is “Developing Sustainable State and Local Mosquito Control Programs” found at: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/resources/wnv_ReportOverview.htm#youcando.

Parks Department or Department of Fish and Game – If looking for a local resource to combat mosquitoes, your state’s Parks Department and the Department of Fish and Game are both valuable resources. They are responsible for the safety of their communities and have a vast background on keeping unwanted mosquitoes at bay. Another local source for information, techniques, and merchandise are camping and outdoors stores. During the warmer months they often carry a large range of locally effective mosquito control apparatus ranging from sprays to repellant lanterns.

Other Notable Mosquito Control Resources