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 Do a bit of yard and garden clean up. Remove weeds, manage
neglected gardens and keep the lawn properly mowed to reduce resting
spaces for adult mosquitoes.
Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed. Drain water that
collects in buckets, kids toys, tarps, pool covers, clogged gutters
and downspouts. Clear the gutters and downspouts so water can drain
freely. Store items that tend to collect water in a shed or garage.
Evaluate drainage patterns in your landscape. Improve drainage by
amending the soil with organic matter. Install French drains, drain
tiles and other drainage systems if needed. Or turn it into a water
feature. Consult your municipality first for any relevant guidelines
and restrictions.
Manage water in birdbaths, fountains, ponds and rain barrels. Change
water weekly in birdbaths and wading pools. Add a pump to keep water
moving and prevent breeding. Or use an organic mosquito control like
Mosquito Dunks and Bits (SummitResponsibleSolutions.com) in rain
barrels and water features. The Mosquito Bits quickly knock down the
mosquito larval population, while the Mosquito Dunks provide 30 days
of control. They are both safe for pets, fish, wildlife and
children.
Add a fan to your outdoor décor. The gentle breeze keeps these weak
flying insects away. Consider taking one to the garden when weeding.
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Provide short-term relief when entertaining outdoors with the help
of citronella oil or scented candles. Scatter lots of these
throughout the area and within a few feet of your guests.
Cover as much of your skin as possible with loose fitting, light
colored clothing. Mosquitoes are less attracted to the lighter
colors and can’t readily reach your skin through loose clothing.
Further protect yourself from disease-carrying mosquitoes by using a
personal repellent. For those looking to avoid DEET, the Center for
Disease Control and Prevention has also approved products with the
active ingredient picaridin, IR3535, and the synthetic oil of lemon
and eucalyptus. Avoid products that contain both sunscreen and
insect repellents as you need to apply the sunscreen more often than
the repellent.
Implement some of these strategies and then get ready to enjoy the
outdoors mosquito-free all season long.
[Melinda Myers - Photo courtesy of
James Gathany CDC]
Gardening expert Melinda Myers has
more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over
20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening and the Midwest
Gardener’s Handbook. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow
Anything: Food Gardening For Everyone” DVD set and the nationally
syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio segments. Myers is a
columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and
was commissioned by Summit Responsible Solutions for her expertise
to write this article. Myers’ website is www.melindamyers.com. |
