Dealing with swarms of mosquitoes? Integrated Pest Management is a
process of combining several mosquito/pest fighting techniques.
While chemicals can be effective
for killing mosquitoes they
also kill beneficial organisms that contribute to a healthy pond, yard, and
garden. They are
also only a temporary solution that requires multiple applications. Fish and dragonfly nymphs eat the mosquito larvae.
Oxygenating your pond helps fish
thrive, and it allows them to survive cold winters. An Air Diffusion Stone placed at the
bottom of the pond will create water movement; mosquitoes prefer stagnant water for egg-laying and development.
Purple Martins, bats, and barn swallows eat mosquitoes in flight. Many
mosquitoes stick to the tall grass and shaded areas. I have had good
results from chicken hens (Rhode Island Reds) and guinea hens. They love
to chase bugs and mosquitos flying low to the ground and sitting in the grass.
A: Natural controls
1)Mosquito Dunks:Mosquito
Larva Control for use in:
Rain Barrels, Drainage Ditches, Animal Watering Troughs, Roof Gutters,
Flower Pots, Bird Baths. More Information
Premium
Quality BAT HOUSE
Bats are voracious consumers of
mosquitoes and other flying bugs. The Canadian Bat Houses is
the top of the line bat house. They come standard with a 20 year warranty and are expected to last 50 years.
Each bat house is sealed in a rubber protective shell for durability from
the elements and to help retain heat overnight.
5) Minnows eat Mosquito larvae, zooplankton and
algae. Due to the need for environmental integrity protection, minnows are not
available for purchase in Manitoba. I am told the sticky eggs are good
travelers anyway; hitching rides on waterfowl and other birds. So, create
a good environment and they will come.
6) Chickens and Guinea Hens eat
mosquitoes. I have Rhode Island Reds and they are constantly catching and
chasing mosquitoes around the yard. I plan on getting more chickens for
this because I have found that many many mosquitoes stick to the ground, tall
grass, and shade to avoid Barn Swallows, Bats, and the heat of the sun. If
you are considering allowing chickens to roam around your yard you must train
them to return to their coup at night. I had the best luck when raising
hens from the chicks. As they began to grow their feathers and the weather
got warmer I would let them out into a fenced in chicken run. I fed them
in the morning and at night. Eventually, (about 3 weeks from the time they
first ventured out into the fenced run), I opened the run up into the
yard. The chickens will stick close to the roost at first but eventually
venture further away. I have not rushed them out into the yard. Each
night when I go to put the chickens back in they are usually inside already or
are right near the entrance.
B: Other Solutions
1) Mosquito Magnets work but they can be expensive:
3) "Natural
Repellents - It's very easy to make
your own natural mosquito repellent. These natural products will effectively
repel mosquitoes, but they require more frequent reapplication (at least every 2
hours) and higher concentrations than DEET.
Because of the differences between types of mosquitoes, products that contain
multiple repellents tend to be more effective than those containing a single
ingredient. As you can see, natural repellents tend to be volatile plant oils.
Citronella
Oil
Lemon
Eucalyptus Oil
Cinnamon
Oil
Castor
Oil
Rosemary
Oil
Lemongrass
Oil
Cedar
Oil
Peppermint
Oil
Clove
Oil
Geranium
Oil
Possibly
Oils from Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Basil, Thyme,
Allspice, Soybean, and Garlic
Another plant-derived substance, pyrethrum, is an
insecticide. Pyrethrum comes from the flowers of the daisy Chrysanthemum
cinerariifolium.
Keep in mind that 'natural' does not
automatically imply 'safe'. Many people are sensitive to plant oils. Some
natural insect repellents are actually toxic. Therefore, although natural
repellents provide an alternative to synthetic chemicals, please remember to
follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these products."
Clean debris from rain gutters and unclog obstructed downspouts. Clogged
rain gutters are one of the most overlooked breeding sites for mosquitoes
around homes. Remove any standing water on flat roofs or around structures.
Repair leaking faucets and air conditioners producing puddles that
last several
days.
Dispose of old tires, buckets, aluminum cans, plastic sheeting or other
refuse that can hold water. Empty accumulated water from trash cans, boats,
wheel barrows, pet dishes, and flower pot bottoms. If possible, turn these
items over when they are not in use.
Change water in bird baths and wading pools at least once a week and keep
swimming pools cleaned and chlorinated.
Fill or drain ditches and swampy areas, and other soil depressions and
remove, drain, or fill tree holes and stumps with mortar or sealant to
prevent accumulation of water. Eliminate standing water and seepage around
animal watering troughs, cisterns, and septic tanks. Be sure that cistern
screens are intact and that access covers fit tightly.
Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for
several days.
