An Interview With Experts: Are Backyard Mosquito Sprays Safe And Effective
We get a lot of questions and concerns about backyard mosquito sprays. We interviewed two experts to learn more about the risks.
Each year, more yards are being sprayed for mosquitos. Did you know you could be poisoning your yard but mosquito populations are not being reduced?
Before deciding to spray your yard, know the facts. Spraying can harm you, your kids, pets and your neighbors. The chemicals can also harm birds and insects that help eat mosquitos and pollinate your yard.
To learn more about the problems with mosquito spraying, we interviewed Deborah Landau, an entomologist and conservation scientist at The Nature Conservancy, and Mary Travaglini, a certified organic land care professional and organic landscape manager at the Montgomery County, MD Department of Environmental Protection. These experts agree: Mosquito treatments, including the alleged all natural variety can harm you and your environment, while not actually reducing mosquito populations.
How effective are mosquito sprays?
What am I getting for my 300 dollars worth of a pesticide spray?
MT: If we turn the .0001% effectiveness into dollars and cents, a millionth of $300 dollars worth of spraying is .0003, which is not even a third of a penny. In fact, wed have to spend $10,000 before we even got once cent worth of value! Spend your time and money cleaning gutters, removing standing water, and getting together with the neighbors to do this throughout the neighborhood.
Wondercide Spray Best Natural Mosquito Repellent For Yard
Wondercide is a chemical processing company based in Austin- Texas. It specializes in the production of natural insecticides that cause no environmental degradation. They have accorded a high priority to family needs.
Whats more, the company has been approved by regulatory agencies as effective and safe due to the lack of strong chemicals in their products. Therefore, you never have to worry about harmful effects on the human body or the environment.
This easy-to-use natural pesticide spray helps you to easily protect your yard from ticks and fleas. Whats more, it is a fast-acting insecticide that only requires the gardener to directly attach it to a hose and spray.
You also do not need to wait for the chemical to dry up prior to enjoying your time in your yard with your beloved kids or pets. This product has been proven to repel, kill, and even prevent up to 98 percent of the tick, flea, and mosquito infections. Better still, it repels and kills the pests across all life cycles.
A single bottle of this lawn mosquito repellent is capable of treating approximately 4,000 square feet worth of lawns, patios, gardens, flowers, vegetables, etc.
How To Use Oregano To Kill Insects
How to Use Oregano to Kill Insects Home Guides| Garden| Pest ControlKnown as a culinary herb thats often used in pizzas, soups, salads, casseroles and sauces, oregano can double as an insect repellent to protect your plants. 1 Put on a pair of gardening gloves and harvest about 4 to 5 cups of oregano leaves and stems.
Harvest oregano after the buds have formed, but before the flowers open, because this is when its oils are strongest. Turn the pillowcase over and continue breaking up the plant material with the bat or rolling pin.
When the insects run for cover than you know the spray works and can apply it to other plants you want to protect. .
Also Check: What To Use To Kill Ants In Lawn
Prevent Future Mosquito Problems
Eliminate standing water.
Many female mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Since it only takes about a week for a mosquito to go from egg to adult, getting rid of the standing water on your property can help reduce the number of mosquitoes that will plague your next backyard barbeque.
- Empty water that has collected in childrens toys, garden pots, buckets, trash can lids, wheelbarrows, or other items lying around that could collect water.
- Inspect gutters for clogs and clean them regularly to prevent water collection.
- If you have a birdbath, change the water regularly.
- Walk your property and address any low spots in the lawn that collect water or areas that have poor drainage.
Clean up debris.
A kiddie pool isnt the only thing that can provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Some types of mosquitoes lay their eggs in damp soil or debris, such as decaying logs and leaf piles, so be sure to clear them away. Remember to remove leaves and other debris from gutters, too. If you continue to have a problem with mosquitoes and have a lot of shade in your yard, you may want to consider having your trees trimmed to increase light levels and make your landscape less habitable to these pests.
Plant mosquito-repelling plants.
- Citronella
- Lemongrass
Move Potted Plants Indoors
If youre a gardener and you are having trouble keeping mosquitoes out of your yard, its time to take a look at any potted plants you may have. Most gardeners already know this, but potted plants have a tendency to fill up with excess water. This excess water can not only harm your plants, but it can also attract mosquitoes as it provides an adequate breeding ground for them. Many potted plants dont have very good drainage and it can be difficult to create an adequate drain without damaging the pottery.
Instead, consider moving your potted plants indoors during weather or muggy months to remove any temptation for breeding mosquitoes. You can always move them back outside once the weather cools down and mosquitoes start to die off. Alternatively, you could look at replanting any potted plants in planter boxes with proper drainage .
Don’t Miss: Who Sells Ariens Lawn Mowers
Try The Thermacell Mosquito Repeller To Keep Mosquitoes At Bay
Shop TODAY is editorially independent. Our editors selected these deals and items because we think you will enjoy them at these prices. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.;Learn more about Shop TODAY.
Ive always been one to enjoy a nice day spent outside. While thats still true, my year living in North Carolina has also made one thing very clear: I do not enjoy mosquitoes.
Its amazing how quickly a glorious summer day relaxing in the sun can turn into a night covered in anti-itch cream, scratching away at multiple bug bites. Trust me, Ive been there. And while this Bug Bite Thing really works once you have the bite, I wanted to prevent them all together.
I remembered seeing Thermacells Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller in the back of my closet and decided to finally give it a try. One particularly buggy night, before the pests found their way to my skin, I placed the device on my porch and let it work its magic. I knew as soon as I turned the machine on that the rest of my summer was saved.
I noticed the difference in the number of bugs flying around pretty quickly, and soon I was left to enjoy the outdoors in peace. I was pleased with its fast-acting power but even more impressed with its functionality its so easy to use!
Another remarked on how quiet the machine was, and how they convinced all their visitors to purchase one.
For more stories like this, check out:
Install A French Drain
A yard with good drainage is pivotal to keeping repelling mosquitoes. If youve already removed physical sources of standing water and still find yourself with puddles in the yard, its time to look at installing a french drain. French drains use perforated pipes that let water enter and exit through small openings that can be used to direct water flow away from your yard. HGTV has a great tutorial on how to install them. Take note that it will require a lot of manual labor, so inlist a few savvy friends to help or be willing to pay a professional to install the french drain. It may be a significant investment, but your new french drain will more than pay for itself by keeping your yard adequately drained and reducing mosquitoes.
Recommended Reading: How Do I Get My Lawn To Grow Back
Old Granny Recipe: Garlic Mosquito Spray For Lawn And Yard
Homemade mosquito yard spray with garlic;is an old recipe that has been used for ages. I;have heard about this repellant;from my;granny. This spray is applied outdoors in lawns, yards and gardens to;keep mosquitoes off;for about three hours a week. Though, it has three drawbacks: the garlic disgusting smell, regular reapplication and high toxicity to cats.
Ingredients for DIY garlic;mosquito spray for yards:
1;gallon of water
Ecoguard Plus For Mosquitoes And Ticks Here
Our top choice when a more natural yard mosquito repellent is preferred.; Ecoguard is probably our second favorite product for broader yard application a very close choice to the Cutter.; It can be applied to active insect areas to manage current populations as well as prevent near-term future populations. ;It covers 1.5 acres, which is more than enough for most urban and suburban yards. ;Its advantage is that it is natural and biodegradable, making it a more natural choice than Cutter.. although just because something is natural doesnt mean you shouldnt take care to keep it away from bee populations. ;Like the Cutter product, it should be reapplied every 3-4 weeks for best results.
Our experience with both Cutter and Ecoguard is that you will see some reduction in mosquitoes after the first application.; After the second application is really when you will see the mosquito population drop.
Recommended Reading: Are Battery Operated Lawn Mowers Good
How To Kill A Few Mosquitoes
If youre still wondering how to kill mosquitoes in your home, its time to get your palms ready.
Mosquitoes are tiny and easy to kill if you give them a good smack. Even though they are hard to spot, they can be quite easy to hunt down because they dont move very fast.
Here are some of the best tips that will help you kill mosquitoes with your own hands:
1. Turn On a Flashlight
Mosquitoes are attracted to lights.
If you turn them on while your windows are open, they will quickly find their way inside. However, if a mosquito is already inside your room, you can turn the light into its disadvantage.
Close all windows and the door, and turn off all the lights. Then, use a flashlight to lure the mosquito to your location.
Be ready to hit it as soon as you see it.
2. Use Vacuum Cleaner or Bug Zapping Racket
Mosquitoes are very light and they can easily be sucked in by the vacuum cleaner.
Once you spot it, follow it with the hose of your vacuum cleaner. Once it is sucked in, it will probably die right away. If you are worried about it escaping, go empty the bag outside of the house.
Alternatively, you can also buy a bug zapping racket and use it to hunt mosquitoes. Run the racket through the air and as it comes in contact with the mosquito it will give it a nice shock.
3. Wait for Them to Land
Mosquitoes do not fly for very long, so you can easily wait for them to land before you attack. Check for it around the room, especially around the curtains, as they like to hide there.
Are Mosquito Yard Sprays Safe Around My Pets And Children
Yes. Despite the hysterics of some misguided individuals, modern pesticides are safer, many times safer than smoking, driving a car, or flying in an airplane.
There are countless EPA regulations that insecticides have to meet before they ever make it to the marketplace. The regulations run to many hundreds of pages and if the insecticides dont meet every single one of them, they cant be marketed in the United States.
Even the concentrated forms of many insecticides are so safe you could drink them right out of the bottle without suffering anything more than an upset stomach for a few hours. Theyll probably leave a bad taste in your mouth too, but thats it. Insecticides are very safe.
Read Also: How To Keep Lawn Green In Summer
How To Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Home
Learn how to safeguard your home, lawn and landscape from mosquitoes.
As anyone who has ever spent a summer evening in the open air knows, mosquitoes are a nuisance. With their whining buzz and relentless search for blood, they can drive even the hardiest outdoor lovers indoors with ease. They can also pose a health risk. From the Zika and West Nile viruses to yellow fever and malaria, diseases spread by mosquitoes can be extremely serious and sometimes even deadly.
Learning how to control mosquitoes is an important step toward safeguarding your home, lawn, and landscape, and Ortho® Home Defense® has a line of products that provides outdoor mosquito control in a few easy steps. Follow these tips to repel and control mosquitoes and help prevent future problems.
What Home Remedy Can I Use To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes
Here are ways to get rid of mosquitoes inside the house: Stop mosquitoes from entering your home. Stop mosquitoes from breeding inside the house. Keep mosquito repellent plants. Keep sliced lemon and cloves around the house. Use a garlic spray to control mosquitoes. Keep a dish of soapy water. Keep a dish of beer or alcohol.
Don’t Miss: When Should Lawn Aeration Be Done
Mosquitoes Attraction To Bodies Of Water
After they mate, the only place that mosquitoes can deposit their future offspring is in stagnant or slow-moving water. The body of water must be still enough for the insects to land and layer their floating egg clumps across the surface.
This kind of mosquito-friendly water can be found in some ponds and puddles, as well as in various discarded or hidden receptacles like empty cans, storm drains, gutters, and buckets.
However, mosquitoes wont find a suitable environment in your regularly maintained swimming pool. Running a pool pump even a few hours a day creates ample water circulation, thereby preventing a mosquito landing strip from forming on the pool surface.In the rare case that a mosquito manages to drop a batch of eggs in your pool or spa, no worries: They wont hatch. The combination of chlorine and/or any other pool sanitizing methods will kill them long before they mature into larvae.
Have A Good Mosquito Repeller
So if nothing works at all then it is good to have a mosquito repellent device that will give you protection from mosquitoes and their bites for hours.
Here I am not advising you to use a DEET based repellents because excessive use of repellers containing DEET causes neurological effects including uncoordinated movements, seizures, aggressive behavior, agitation, low blood pressure, and skin irritation.
If you are using DEET then please read this research before using it again.
So what use instead of DEET. Read this article to find some best DEET free mosquito repellent devices which are scent-free and will give you the 15ft zone of protection from mosquitoes.
Don’t Miss: What Can I Spray On My Lawn To Kill Gnats
Bonide 680 Rts Mosquito Beater
- Green and natural mosquito spray for use over the yard.
- Can be applied directly over foliage.
- Spray provides effectiveness for over 2 weeks.
- Consists of 4 natural oils and one safe to use ingredients
- Only suitable for outdoor use
- Safe to use and easy to apply.
- Only specifically kills mosquitoes, gnats and flies.
How To Treat Mosquito Bites
Almost all of us have to experience the unpleasant mosquito bites every now and then. If you get bitten, the only thing that will matter to you is to get rid of the itching and burning sensation immediately.
Sometimes, the symptoms accompanying mosquito bites last for days and can turn your summer vacation into a nightmare. Here are some helpful ideas on what you can do to take care of mosquito bites.
Recommended Reading: When Should You Aerate Your Lawn In Georgia
Eco Defense Fleas Ticks And Mosquito Spray
Key Specifications:
Well, the last one is Eco Defense, a ready-to-use spray for killing and repelling ticks and fleas that invade your yards, garden or lawns.
Like above all products the spray is free from any harmful chemicals. Mostly it kills bugs and home pests! Specifically, it works great on ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and other bugs.
Also this natural plant-based formula is safe for both pets and children.
In fact, it works instantly, once you apply it, you dont need to wait to see the results.
To use this, no extra mixing or use of any backpack sprayers are needed. Just attach the hose and spray freely wherever you feel the problem is genuine.
Additionally, this is a 100% risk-free deal because in case youre not satisfied with the result, your money will get refunded without any questions!
Home Remedy To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes On My Grass
Related Articles
You spend a lot of time and money turning your backyard into a spot for relaxation and entertaining. Why ruin your enjoyment with clouds of biting mosquitoes? Getting rid of mosquitoes that lurk in the grass is mostly a matter of preventing them in the first place. Once you’ve cut down the bug population by a big percentage, you can concentrate on avoiding the few that are left behind.
Also Check: When To Prepare Lawn For Spring
Summit Mosquito Dunks Best Backyard Mosquito Control In Stagnant Waters
Summit chemicals is a renowned company that formulates various residual insecticides that are typically used as wet sprays aimed at controlling different species of insects. The company aims to develop and promote effective pest control solutions. They formulate professional pest control and mosquito repellants. Whats more, they take pride in their professional customer care.
Their chemicals are also suitable for numerous other applications. They all leave an active residual coating for a long period of time.
The companys wet sprays can be categorized into oil base and water base. Their choice depends on the surface on which the chemical can be applied.
Mosquito dunks resemble minute, beige donuts that float on stagnant water. While the dunk is slowly dissolved in water, a toxic bacteria culture is released that kills all kinds of mosquito larvae but is harmless to other life forms. The active ingredient is the bacterium subspecies known as Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis.
Every dunk is capable of killing mosquito larvae for close to a month or even more. With one dunk, you can cover over 100 square feet of water. Depth does not matter. Whats more, they can be used in all kinds of stationary water, such as birdbaths, rain barrels, elevator shafts, tree holes, etc.
| Pros: | |
|
|
