17 May 2011

5 ways to keep mosquitoes at bay

Written by Mr. Little

Nothing ruins a gorgeous night in the backyard like mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are not only annoying, but they can also carry diseases such as West Nile virus.

There are many effective pest solutions for keeping mosquitoes at bay. Most important is to eliminate or cover any standing water in your yard, such as birdbaths or swimming pools, as these are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

If the pests persist, here’s a look at five of the best outdoor pest control methods you can use to prevent these unwanted guests from crashing your party.

1. Bug spray. The easiest way to stop mosquitoes in their tracks is to use a mosquito repellent spray. There are many different kinds on the market, including all-natural varieties that don’t contain any harmful chemicals. Have an extra container on hand for guests who forgot to put some on before they came over.

2. Bug zappers. They can be loud and they can be obnoxious, but man, they are an effective pest management tool. An electric bug zapper will not only help get rid of mosquitoes, but it will also take care of gnats, flies and other flying pests. Be mindful of your neighbors, though, and turn it off when you’re not outdoors.

3. Scented candles. Citronella and calendula candles are quickly becoming one of the top outdoor pest control methods today. They look nice, they smell nice, and they are (relatively) effective. Be careful with these candles if you have a wood deck or fence. A house fire may be an effective mosquito repellent, but it tends to lower your property value.

4. Repellent plants. Certain flowers and herbs, including geraniums, lemon thyme, lemon basil and camphor trees, are great all-natural defenses against mosquitoes. Don’t expect them to get rid of the pests entirely, though. They are a deterrent, not a complete solution.

5. Fire pits. Like most insects, mosquitoes don’t care much for smoke. Having a fire pit burning in your backyard will discourage mosquitoes from hanging around. While it’s not a perfect outdoor pest control solution, it does help.