For controlling mosquitoes in the
landscape (and on you):
Empty any water containers that are unnecessary. For pet
water dishes, bird baths, and ponds there is another option.
Bacillus thuringiensis v. israelensis is deadly to mosquito
larvae and fungus gnats but safe for pets, birds, and fish. Also
called B. T. var israelensis, it is available in a liquid but also a
dry form as donut shaped “dunks” and small “bits”. There
are other types of B.T. - one for controlling caterpillars and one
for Colorado Potato Beetle so be sure you are getting the right one.
Planting mosquito repelling plants can
also be helpful especially when planted around patios and decks.
This is most helpful if the plants will be brushed against as people
are walking past so the essential oils of the plants are released.
Lemongrass (a relative of Citronella) is a famous one but is not
hardy above zone 11 so for most of us will either need to be overwintered indoors as
a houseplant or you will have to buy a new one each year. If you
want to cook with lemongrass you may want to just bring it indoors.
More cold tolerant herbs which are also mosquito repellents are mint
and lavender. Mint should be grown in a pot anyway to avoid taking
over your yard. Lavender can be planted in the ground in most climates and should overwinter just fine in a pot in
many climates as long as the pot is large enough to provide
insulation for the roots. A pot of 14” - 16” should work for
either lavender or mint. Keep in the mind that plants in pots still
need water during the winter.
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| Lavender |
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| Spearmint |
Some other mosquito repelling ideas:
- Throwing some herbs on the grill during or after cooking may also repel mosquitoes and other insects from your outdoor gathering plus flavor your food when used during cooking.
- Essential oils of many herbs will repel insects. If using a quality essential oil lavender can be used directly on the skin. Essential oils can also be used on the cuffs of pants and shirts and brims of hats and added to the melted wax in candles.
- Outdoor sprays containing insect repelling essential oils – as always read the ingredients so you know what you are getting.
- Avoiding sugar and bananas as well as consuming garlic may help mosquitoes avoid you. Getting enough B vitamins is also said to repel mosquitoes.
