Forum Index
»
Off-Topic
Getting rid of Mosquitoes
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
My backyard is full of mosquitoes. I have tried planting mosquito unfriendly plants , but it does not work. I do not want to keep spraying my kids when we are outside.
Is there a definitive solution ? Help ! |
Anonymous
| They are bad this year-- I think it is all the rain that we have had. Have you tried buying torches with Citronella oil? They have cute little decorative ones at Target (smaller and more elegant looking than the tickie lanterns). I burn about 5 of them in our backyard when we are eating dinner back there and it really helps. Plus they look pretty. You have to be careful with little kids around the open flames though. |
Anonymous
| I can't go out in my yard at any time of day without bug spray. Next year I'm getting one of those couple hundred dollar-suck-all-the-mosquitos-away-from-the-part-of-the-yard-we-use contraptions. I'm pretty sure that is the official name for it too. :0) |
Anonymous
|
what about using cutter bug free backyard spray??
http://www.acehardwaresuperstore.com/cutter-bug-free-backyard-spray-p-61269.html?ref=42 |
Anonymous
| The mosquitos are terrible this year! I live in Fairfax County and they sent out a very helpful pamphlet about mosquito prevention. First you need to try and get rid of breeding sites, anywhere there could be standing water (such as plant trays, tarps, black corrugated drain pipes). They also recommend a spray such as the one posted by the PP to treat your backyard. We are having our son's birthday party in a couple of weeks and I'm going to try anything to try and cut down on those nasty bloodsuckers! |
Anonymous
|
I also read that if you have a lot of bushes, mosquito larvae can live there. I'm pregnant and worried about all the chemicals so DS and I RUN from the car to the house. Luckily we have a screened in porch but it is a bummer not to be able to play in our front or back yards.
|
Anonymous
| Do you or your neighbors have corrugated rainspouts? There are small amounts of water that remain in the grooves where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Also, check for any small places where water can collect, i.e. saucers of plants, children's toys. There are non-toxic solutions (some type of dehydrated bacteria) that you drop in standing water, or in the rainspouts that poison the mosquito larva. My DH just got a sample from the fair he went to over the weekend at Frying Pan Park. I'll post the name of the non-toxic sample he brought home later. Hardware stores should have it. |
Anonymous
The mosquito larva killer is called MosquitoDunks. |
Anonymous
|
Don't spray your yard! In addition to killing ALL the bugs (like butterflies, lightning bugs, the all-important bees) you are adding poison to the grass you want your kids playing in. The long-term effects of pesticides are worse than mosquito bites.
Clean your gutters. Add mosquito dunks to storm drains after every rain, in addition to any other outdoor drains (near your basement, etc) Keep your grass short, clear out underbrush from your bushes. If you're sitting at a table outdoors, run a strong fan (mosquitos can't fly in the wind). It won't fix it completely, but should be a lot better. |
Anonymous
| Thanks everyone for the advice. Somebody told me not to spray the bushes and I was actually concerned about killing also the useful insects and earthworms. I have the downspouts, will check out the mosquito dunks ! |
cmkeough
Member Location: Arlington, VA
Offline
Member Location: Arlington, VA
Offline
I agree. We've used this product before and it works like a charm. I would make sure that if you have pets and or small children that you wait until the yard is completely dry (maybe even a day or two if that would make you feel better) before letting them in the grass. |
Anonymous
Is this toxic? |
Anonymous
| Garden Guru Mike McGrath from WTOP recommends garlic based sprays: http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=47&sid=1416263 |