Mosquitoes are a nuisance and can keep us from enjoying nature and many outdoor activities we desire to do. These flying insects are known to transmit diseases such as yellow fever, Zika fever, malaria, and possibly many more serious issues. There are ways to reduce mosquitoes in your own yard.
The first thing to do is to try to reduce any population from growing in the first place through prevention. Go around your yard and reduce or eliminate any standing, still water and make sure that any rain barrels are covered up. You can also treat a body of water with solutions containing sulfuric acid or sodium salt. There is promising research on using coffee grounds, as an organic option (Remove the coffee grounds from the coffeemaker and put them in an aluminum foil pie plate). For those not worried about chemical and damage to pollinators – the bees – then request local public health authority to fog your area at least once a week.
The second thing to do is to maintain your grass, shrubbery, and be active in your yard. Mosquitos like to rest in the grass, shrubs, and other tall grass. Keeping everything cut, neat, and cleaned out will help you in controlling the environment to reduce to growth of the mosquito larva.
The third thing to do is consider using mosquito-repelling plants which are considered a green and organic way to keep the mosquito population to a minimum. There are certain plants that mosquitoes do not like and avoid which you could plant in your yard. Basil, Lavender, Peppermint, and Rosemary are helpful in keeping mosquitoes away. They will not eliminate mosquitoes but can make a difference.
You can also use zappers, magnets, and other trips which can attract and kill them with different modalities. You can also use mosquito repellent or spray to help keep them off you when you are outside. An organic solution to consider as a personal repellent uses the essential oil, lemon eucalyptus oil which has menthoglycol in it. Mix up a solution of 30 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil with one teaspoon of vanilla extract, 4 ounces of witch hazel (rubbing alcohol or vodka) and place into a spray bottle for use.
If you take time to prevent and treat environments where the mosquito larva can grow and take time to upkeep your yard, you will have a great start to managing your mosquito population in your yard.
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