Heres how to keep these biting pests away from your family.
Besides being nuisances, many types carry diseases including West Nile virus, encephalitis, and canine heartworm.
No wonder we’re desperate to keep mosquitoes out of the yard, but it’s a difficult task.
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Theres also no safe time of day to be outdoors.
The goal is to be diligent about managing them in your immediate living space, says Gray.
Ahead, we’ve provided expert tips on how to keep mosquitoes away from your yard.
Mosquitoes typically dont lay eggs in running water such as streams or maintained swimming pools, says Markowski.
Dump them out after watering, or dont use them at all.
Rain barrels should have screens.
These contain a naturally occurring bacteria calledBacillus thuringiensis israeliensis(Bti), says Markowski.
Mosquitoes also hide in ground covers like English ivy, so keep your seating areas away from it.
Read the label to understand how often youll have to reapply each product.
Clothing impregnated with permethrin is another option.
Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, so wear light loose-fitting, light colored clothing, says Gray.
Use A Box Fan
This low-tech method works well.
Do Plants Repel Mosquitoes?
Youll findmosquito-repelling plantssuch as citrosa, lavender, and lemongrass sold at any garden center.
But currently, theres no research backing this up, says Gray.
Can You Trap Mosquitoes?
Traps are used by scientists to keep track of mosquito populations and test if theyre carrying diseases.
But theyre used for surveillance, not control, says Gray.
Ditto for bug lights.
These lights electrocute the good guys, too, in huge numbers.
Now get out there and enjoy the garden!
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.Bti for mosquito control.
Frick, Timothy and Tallamy, Douglas.
(1996).Density And Diversity Of Nontarget Insects Killed By Suburban Electric Insect Traps.Entomological News107 (2).
