Safe Ways to Control Mosquitoes

A mosquito problem often feels overwhelming.  If you've had experiences like mine, you've sometimes felt very discouraged when products don't work well or at all, and have frequently been at a loss for any effective solution that's safe.  This weekend, the city of New York will be spraying a large portion of Manhattan in an effort to reduce the risk of West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis transmitted by mosquitoes, and the insecticide they're using is effective but dangerous.  It might sometimes feel like the only options available for controlling mosquitoes effectively are bad for the environment and bad for your health, but that's not the case.  It is possible to spare yourself from mosquito bites naturally, without sacrificing the health of your family, your pets, and the environment.  The next time you're planning on hosting an event outside, or when you just want to relax without having to spray yourself or your property with chemicals, try some of these natural alternatives for mosquito control:

• Use garlic juice, and products that contain it like Garlic Barrier® and Mosquito Barrier®  Apply garlic juice with a basic pump sprayer on all of the trees and bushes in the area and onto both sides of the leaves. Particular attention should be given to greenery around the perimeter of the property.
• Use a natural insect repellent on skin like neem oil. It's natural, non-toxic and goes a long way toward repelling not only mosquitoes but also other small, biting, flying insects. Neem has a strong odor, so testing it first is recommended.
• Add bacillus thuringiensis (BT) to the water in a pond, fountain or birdbath to kill larvae and aid in mosquito control.  Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and can exist as a part of active streams or fountains, so stopping mosquitoes at the larval level is an important control method.

More tips for controlling mosquitoes naturally can be found here.  If you're not sure about the safety of a pest control substance, make sure it's OMRI approved before using it.

Have a bite-free end of the week!
-Melissa