Category: Prevention

Mosquito Repelling Plants

Posted on by k2Dev

Plants have many properties with various uses. Gardeners grow plants to use as ornamentals and in culinary arts, medicines and aromatherapy. During the spring and summer months, all indoor and outdoor gardens and flower beds should include plants that naturally repel insects– especially mosquitoes.

Some mosquito-repelling plants give off aromas naturally, but others might need their flowers and leaves brushed or crushed to get the same effect. Sometimes plant parts have to be harvested and distilled into oils or made into teas. These tinctures can be used in natural sprays, soaps and skin lotions that repel mosquitoes.

Citronella

  • Citronella (Pelargonium citrosum) is a perennial grass famously known as the mosquito plant. Citronella is native to south-east Asia and grows well outdoors in United States Department of Agriculture zones 10 through 12 (See USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). It is best to plant citronella in pots in cooler climates that experience frosts.
  • Citronella does best in full sun and needs at least 30 inches of water a year. When conditions are optimal, citronella can grow to a height of 4 to 6 feet. As an insect deterrent in gardens, it needs to be planted in large quantities to be effective.
  • Gardeners can also use citronella as a border plant, along sidewalks, in flowerbeds, at curbs and near porches and sitting areas where the fragrance can be enjoyed.
  • Citronella oils are used in aromatherapy, perfumes, soaps and insect repellents.

 

Marigolds

  • Marigolds contain a compound called “Pyrethrum” that is used in many insect repellents. Two marigolds that have this compound are French marigolds and African marigolds. An all-natural mosquito-repelling plant, marigolds can be potted or planted next to doorways and windowsills. Marigolds put out a heavy aroma when the flowers are brushed or the leaves are crushed.
  • French marigold (Tagetes patula) is an annual that grows best in USDA zones 2 through 11. These low maintenance plants grow well in full sun and require medium water. French marigolds bloom from June until early winter and feature fragrant, red, yellow and orange flowers.
  • African marigold (Tagetes erecta) has the same growing conditions as its cousin, the French marigold. It also blooms from June until the first frosts and has yellow, orange and white flowers. This natural mosquito repellent also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

 

Lantana

  • Lantana (Lantana camara) is a broadleaf evergreen commonly grown as an annual in the mid- to northern states and as a perennial in the south. Their ideal growing zone, according to the USDA, is in zones 10 through 12. Lantana can be grown in containers or flowerbeds and do best in full sun in well-drained soils.
  • Lantana blooms from July through early winter with clusters of five-lobed flowers. Bloom colors include white, orange, pink, red and purple. The fragrant aroma attracts butterflies, but repels harmful insects such as mosquitoes. The leaves can be dried, crushed and put into cans and burned. The smoke and scent of the burning leaves repels mosquitoes.

 

Basil

  • Sweet basil (Ocimum Basilicum) is an annual native to tropical Asia. Basil grows well in USDA zones 2 through 11 and prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soils. Basil grows to a height of about 2 feet and blooms from June until the first frost, depending on the region.
  • Blooms are generally deep-red or magenta and the leaves can be dried and used as a culinary herb. Basil can be grown year-round indoors and gives off an aroma that mosquitoes and other pest insects dislike.
  • Other mosquito-repelling basil varieties include Peruvian basil, cinnamon basil and lemon basil. These plants have a more pungent scent and are also great at warding off mosquitoes.

 

Rosemary

  • Rosemary (Saxifragaceae spp.) is an herbaceous perennial that likes full sun to partial shade. Soil conditions need to be well-drained with medium moisture. Most rosemary varieties grow well in zones 4 through 8 and generally bloom in the warmer months. Rosemary has a scent that works as a natural bug repellent.

 

Other Herbs

  • Other herbs with mosquito-repelling properties include mint, catnip, lavender and garlic.
  • Pennyroyal is a really good mosquito repellent, but it is not popular because it has been known to harm pets.

 

Mosquito Misting Systems

Posted on by k2Dev

What is a Mosquito Misting System?

Mosquito misting systems can be effective at preventing mosquito bites. These systems consist of a variety of different tanks and high-pressure hoses with a string of outdoor nozzles. Mosquito insecticide and water placed into these tanks is delivered as a mist through the use of a hose and nozzle. There’s a control panel with an automatic timer and also remote control devices to activate the mosquito misting systems.

Types of Mosquito Misting Systems

There are a variety of different mosquito systems on the market. The tankless unit is the most innovative, offering greater flexibility for positioning and control than previous varieties. It can be placed anywhere in your yard, but needs to be close to a hose and electrical outlet. Attractive, lightweight and simple, you just snap in a cartridge that consists of the control solution and the automated control panel does all the work. This unit precisely measures and mixes a fresh concoction of insecticide for each use, with newer models using just a small amount at a time to control mosquitoes. This amazing unit also can detect leakages, and lets you know there’s a leak with a blinking light. If there is a leak the unit will shut down until it’s fixed.

A 30-nozzle mosquito misting system will last about 79 days before you need to refill it. And that’s if you are running the unit two minutes a day and using 64 oz of solution. Tankless units are safe for your children and pets because you can use organic solutions. The average full-service system runs between $2,500 to $3,500. Each yard gets a custom design with the right materials to make sure there’s maximum coverage and that it fits in with your home’s landscape.

The drum Mosquito Misting System usually comes in a huge 55 gallon drum. It consists of a molded water-proof plastic enclosure that is durable and can withstand any harsh weather conditions. There’s a control panel and system controller with programmed mist control. There’s an agitation cycle that keeps the solution mixed properly so that each mist has the same amount of solution. There are optional devices that can be purchased like a leak detection kit, a zone kit that allows you to increase the amount of nozzles, and a wind sensor.

Also these mosquito misting systems will get rid of wasps nest and spiders, and it also is effective in getting rid of other insect pests.

Buying and Installing a Mosquito Misting System

Mosquito misting system owners rely on the dealers to install these units and service them. Typically, your installer will have been properly trained in the installation process and will have specific knowledge of the insecticides used with your unit. So most owners are happy to rely on this service.

When having a mosquito misting system for preventing mosquito bites, there is usually an ongoing service requirement. These units are professionally inspected and routinely replenished with an insecticide solution. Also, this service periodically maintains your hose and nozzle circuits, as well as winterizes it for colder months.

But you can install and maintain a unit yourself. Although most dealers have built the servicing scheduling into the cost of your unit, so are unlikely to support do-it-yourselfers. But those who don’t wish to have this service can find mosquito misting systems and insecticides available over the Internet, but be sure to do your research to understand what you are getting.

 

Natural Mosquito Control

Posted on by k2Dev

Mosquitoes have been a health nuisance for as long as the human race can recall, with even ancient Egyptians recording the disastrous effects of these disease-inducing insects. So for centuries, mankind has worked to develop the most effective mosquito control remedies possible, harnessing the latest and best technology the times would allow.

But as we learned more about the dangerous side-effects of some mosquito control chemicals, we tested out natural and safer methods, some of which may harken back to those sweltering days in Egypt.

Here, in no particular order, are a few natural mosquito control techniques you may want to try:

Elimination of standing water within a living space — Mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near pools of shallow stagnant water. By ridding an area of standing water, the overall population of mosquitoes can be substantially reduced without the need for hazardous chemicals and pesticides.

Predatory fish — Small fish that consume mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes is a cheap and highly effective way to bring about the collapse of future mosquito generations. For this reason, predatory fish are popular in regions stricken with high levels of home foreclosures featuring abandoned swimming pools.

Mosquito dunks — Cakes of naturally occurring soil bacterium floated in ponds and water where mosquitoes are likely to breed have been effective at controlling mosquito larva. The bacterium gradually released by these cakes is highly toxic to mosquito larvae, but is completely harmless to surrounding plant and animal life.

Liquid garlic — High in sulphur, garlic repels mosquitoes and other insects whose soft exoskeletons cannot tolerate sulphur. Spraying an outdoor area with liquid garlic can keep mosquitoes away for several days.

Neem oil — Derived from the seeds of one type of evergreen found mainly on the Indian subcontinent, oil of neem is effective at repelling mosquitoes and may safely be applied to human skin in the form of soap, creams, lotions or cosmetics.

Burning herbs – Smoke from burning aromatic herbs such as rosemary, lemon balm and basil will drive mosquitoes away. Simply tossing a handful of fresh herbs on the barbecue grill from time to time is often enough to keep many types of biting insects at bay.

Bat houses — About 70% of all bat species feed on flying insects. Bats are one of nature’s most efficient mosquito control systems. One of the most creative methods of naturally managing a mosquito population requires nothing more than installing a simple outdoor wooden bat house.

Natural Mosquito Traps — Mosquito traps are another way of collapsing a mosquito population by natural means. Scientists studying mosquitoes know that they locate human targets by tracking their trail of exhaled carbon dioxide gas. Commercially available, natural mosquito traps periodically release trace amounts of bottled carbon dioxide gas to lure mosquitoes away from a living space, and toward the trap. The trap features a vacuum that draws the creatures into a chamber that they can never escape. Some do-it-yourself mosquito traps use a mixture of sugar water and yeast in place of synthetic substances to generate the carbon dioxide gas, creating a more natural control method.

 

Mosquito Protection

Posted on by k2Dev

When the warm months arrive, many people start thinking about how to handle the swarms of mosquitoes that will invade their yards and other outdoor areas. Not only are these insects annoying, but they can transmit a number of dangerous diseases. Luckily, there are a number of ways you can perform effective mosquito protection around your home or business. However, with over 200 different breeds of mosquitoes, keeping them under control may require more than one approach.

Read on to learn how you can get rid of mosquitoes this year:

1. Reduce Mosquito Breeding Areas

One of the first things you can do for effective mosquito protection is to eliminate the areas where they breed: standing water. Empty or regularly change outside containers that hold water, including dog bowls, flower pots, bird baths, garbage cans, old tires, and buckets. Keep an eye out for puddles, leaky faucets, clogged gutters and downspouts where water can accumulate and become breeding grounds.

Expert Tip: Drill holes in the bottom of garbage cans and flower pots to allow for natural drainage. It’s a quick way to protect yourself from mosquitoes, and once you’ve drilled the holes, you never have to think about it again.

Also remember to properly chlorinate outside pools if you’re going to be away from home for longer than two weeks. Pool treatment chemicals will help keep mosquitoes away from the stagnant water.

2. Introduce Natural Mosquito Predators

Mosquitoes are prey for a host of other creatures. The naiads of the dragonfly will eat mosquito larvae wherever mosquitoes breed. Adult dragonflies will consume adult mosquitoes.

There are also a variety of birds, bats and amphibians that will eat mosquitoes. Purple martins are beautiful wild birds whose diets include mosquitoes, so invest in a martin condominium to lure a family to your home. Bats also feed on mosquitoes and have such a huge appetite that many nature lovers install bat houses on their property as a form of mosquito control. Geckos and certain types of lizards will feed on mosquitoes, too.

Protect your yard from mosquitoes by creating an environment suitable to their predators.

3. Landscape to Control Mosquitoes

Eucalyptus trees are very good landscaping for homes needing mosquito protection. Talk to your local nurseryman to determine what other plants in your area can be cultivated for mosquito control around your home. Also keep grass and shrubs trimmed to eliminate mosquito hiding places.

4. Get Mosquito Dunks

Some yards, golf courses and other businesses have ponds or other bodies of standing water that can’t be drained. In order to prevent mosquitoes from using this as a breeding ground, use a mosquito dunk. Dunks contain a specially-designed larvacide designed to kill the larvae of mosquitoes without harming plants, fish or other animals in the process.

5. Tap Into Herbal Remedies

Prepare a mosquito repellent from the ingredients in your own yard, kitchen and garden using the oils of several common herbs and plants. Herbs and flowers that repel mosquitoes include lemongrass, garlic, oil of B-12, cinnamon, geraniums, eucalyptus, basil, cloves, peppermint, cedarwood, citronella, onions, feverfew, thyme and marigolds. Mix your oils according to your own preferences, and by trial and error to find what works best.

6. Go Light and Long on the Clothing

During the warm months when mosquitoes are active, it’s important to wear light-colored clothing. Mosquitoes are drawn to dark-colored clothes. Wearing long sleeves, pants and covered shoes is also a good mosquito protection strategy when venturing into thick vegetation while mosquitoes are most active.

7. Avoid Outdoors During High Mosquito Activity

Speaking of mosquito activity – one way to keep from experiencing the effects of mosquitoes is to avoid the time of day when they are most active. Mosquitoes are usually most active at sunrise and early in the evening. Plan activities accordingly and you can enjoy your favorite outdoor activities bite-free.

8. Use Mosquito Repellent

Research published in a variety of medical journals has concluded that the insect repellents that provide the best protection against mosquitoes are those that contain DEET. The most effective brands are those that have the highest concentrations of DEET in them. These types of repellents last longer and come scented or unscented.

Expert Tip: Worried about using DEET-containing products on your kids? Mosquito repellent lotions containing all-natural ingredients such as eucalyptus oil are available at most drug stores, natural food stores and baby products stores. Research has shown that these lotions are safe and can be effective for up to two hours.

9. Pass on the Cheese

Limburger Cheese, that is. Studies have shown this pungent variety attracts mosquitoes. As does alcohol. So steer clear of these foods (and a few others) at your next cookout. Also go easy on the perfumes and scented lotions. They, too, can paint a bulls-eye on your back … and arms and legs and neck and …

10. Call In the Big Artillery

Let’s face it, sometimes the do-it-yourself methods just don’t work. If you have a severe mosquito infestation, call your local pest control provider to explore professional mosquito control. Offering everything from automated diffusers to monthly spraying, professional mosquito control is a sure-fire way to get rid of mosquitoes in your backyard.

 

Mosquito Control Tips

Posted on by k2Dev

Mosquitoes carry more diseases and kill more people than any other animal on earth. That’s why it’s important to learn and use good mosquito control techniques. Following these simple steps will help make time spent outdoors a little more enjoyable for you and your family.

 

Place a Couple of Oscillating Fans on Your Patio or Porch

fan2Fans help in two ways. First, they diffuse the carbon dioxide we exhale, which normally provides mosquitoes with a direct trail to us. When carbon dioxide is scattered, mosquitoes have a harder time zeroing in on its source. And secondly, they make it harder for mosquitoes to fly. Mosquitoes are weak flyers, so they prefer stagnant air. This is why you get more bites on quiet, hot days. Turning your fans on high adds enough difficulty to their flight to lessen your chance of being bitten.

 

 

Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Grounds and Adult Hiding Spots

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOld tires, flower pots, toys, garbage cans, kiddie swimming pools, etc. can collect rain water, and if left untouched, will quickly become a mosquito breeding ground. Be sure to check these often. Ditches and marshy areas can also become a problem, so consider filling them in. Also, keep you grass trimmed. This eliminates a favorite hiding spot for adults.

 

 

 

Treat Pools, Fountains and Bird Baths for Mosquito Larvae.

fishThe best way to treat standing water that can’t be drained is with larvicide. These can be purchased in pellet form from your local hardware store, or in mechanisms called “dunks”, which can be placed in fountains. Larvicides are harmless to fish and other animals, but are very effective at wiping out larval-stage mosquitoes. Regular pool treatment methods help ward off mosquitoes, so keeping up with normal pool maintenance will go a long way in controlling larval-stage mosquitoes.

 

 

Use Repellent While Outdoors.

http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photo-mosquito-repellent-insect-repellent-image28799015Mosquito repellents come in several different formulas. The most common – and most effective – are those containing DEET. DEET works both by shutting down mosquitoes’ olfactory ability to sense carbon dioxide and by emitting an odor that is repulsive to them. Another chemical, picaridin, works in much the same way, but has a more pleasing scent and texture to humans. These chemicals have the added bonus of repelling ticks, chiggers and fleas.

If you’re looking to green up your health products supply, check out mosquito repellents that use lemon eucalyptus oil as its main active ingredient. This natural substance works remarkably well and lasts for several hours. Or you can try its synthetic version, PMD. Both are deemed safe for adult use, but should not be used on children under 3.

 

Try Natural Remedies to Keep the Mosquitoes Away

lavenderNatural mosquito control is a popular choice for many. Citronella candles area good solution if you’ll be spending a few hours outdoors during prime mosquito feeding time (early morning and evening). You can also concoct your own anti-mosquito brew using herbs and plants like cinnamon, lavender, garlic, neem oil, rosemary and basil. Simply mix together the ingredients of your choosing and burn them like a candle.

 

 

 

Or Let Nature Take its Course

frogAnother effective solution is to invite mosquitoes’ natural predators into your backyard. The purple martin has become synonymous with mosquito control. This bird feeds on flying insects, but opinions vary on whether it actually targets mosquitoes. Nevertheless, many homeowners erect bird condos to attract them. Bats are also an effective predator. If you can tolerate them, setting up bat houses encourage them to hang around your yard.

On the ground level, try frogs, toads and lizards in a fish pond. Dragonflies will also put a dent in your mosquito population. But perhaps the most effective mosquito predator is the Gambusia Affinis, otherwise known as the “mosquitofish”. This American fish can consume more than 100% of its body weight in mosquito larvae a day. So keep these in your pond for extra protection.