Mosquitoes Are Here In Full Force

As the summer rainy season nears an end, the mosquitoes seem to be making a bug attempt to multiply like crazy.  Even the damp grass seems to be enough for those little suckers survive.  Can you believe that the larva can grow in just several drops of water? 

Here's a few last minute ideas that may help, since it is fruitless to try to get all of the water our or off your property at this time of the year. 

 Natural Remedies

Burn a little sage or rosemary over coals to repel mosquitoes. This is especially good for picnics and camping trips.

Rubbing the skin with baby oil or imitation vanilla extract repels biting insects such as mosquitoes and blackflies.

Some people swear garlic works and swallow slivered garlic to ward off these summer pests.  Others take garlic tablets or rub garlic directly on their skin.

Some people have luck with high doses of vitamin B1 (100 milligrams, two or three times a day), but it doesn't work for  everyone.

Rub cider vinegar on your skin to repel insects.  If you take in enough cider vinegar by putting it on foods you eat, you'll develop a body odor that will repel insects, including black flies.

In the garden

It is thought that certain plants repel a broad spectrum of insects.  Marigolds, chrysanthemums, asters, and pyrethrum daisies, as well as herbs such as basil, anise, and coriander are all thought to repel insects.

To keep mosquitoes to a minimum, eliminate their breeding sites on your property.  The need standing water to lay their eggs in, so empty those puddles, old cans, buckets and plant pots.

  
House hints

Add a few drops of citronella to each gallon of exterior paint to help keep away flying insects such as blackflies and mosquitoes.  The citronella won't affect the paint, but it will keep the bugs from messing up your fresh paint job.


Add a bat house.  Did you know that one small brown bat can eat as many as 600 mosquitoes in one hour?    And bats will not bother you or your pets. 

Remember - the only good mosquito is a dead mosquito!