Prevention with mosquitoes is always a good idea. With the
rainfall we have had, there is a lot of breeding sites for the mosquitoes. Try
to do your part in your yard to eliminate breeding areas, unfortunately, one
used tire in a vacant lot or a ditch that holds water can produce a whole lot
of mosquitoes.
First, I’m going to give you a shopping list. Pick up these
items then wage war on the mosquitoes and their breeding places in your yard.
Liquid Net (the Ultimate Insect Repellent by The Liquid Fence Company), Cyonara
Lawn and Garden, Mosquito Repelling Granules or IC3, Mosquito Dunks, and
Altosid Pro G are some of the basic weapons that you will need to wage war
against these blood suckers.
Apply the Liquid Net to yourself. This product is organic
and does an unbelievable job against mosquitoes, gnats, no-see-ums, ticks and
other biting insects. Liquid Net is non-greasy, DEET-free, and safe for the
whole family. It also has a 100% guarantee from the manufacturer. Last year, I
had one of my customers from Possum’s wanting to travel around to the various
ball field complexes and sell this stuff because it worked so good, was organic
and would not harm her small children. Now you are ready for the yard.
Scout around the yard for anything that holds water. Old
tires, saucers under potted plants, bird baths, old flower containers or pots
stacked in a corner, dog toys, kids toys, a container by the grill you use to
soak wood chips in, a cooler, an old fountain, a hole in a tree and a dogs
water bowl all make great places for mosquitoes to breed. Empty the water out
these areas (refill the dog bowl and the bird bath daily). Many mosquitoes can
breed in just an ounce of water.
If you have bigger areas of water like a ditch or a low area
of the yard that holds water, apply the Mosquito Dunks or the Altosid Pro G. The
Mosquito Dunks are an organic Bt product that kill larvae and the Altosid Pro G
is a growth regulator product that contains the same active ingredient that is
used in the Precor products for controlling fleas. Although Altosid is not
organic, it is considered to be very safe and labeled to be used in very
sensitive areas like marshes. Turn off your irrigation when you can and correct
any drainage problems.
Any pruning you can do to increase air movement and sunlight
penetration will also help. Mosquitoes like moist stagnant areas. Overgrown
shrubs and trees will favor fungus, certain plant insects as well as
mosquitoes. Regular mowing will help the lawn dry.
Mosquitoes are a public health issue, so if neighborhood is
not being maintained, you might be able to get some help from a government
agency.
Next, you want to mow your lawn then spray the lawn, shrubs,
trees, and mulched areas with Cyonara Lawn and Garden. This product not only
kills mosquitoes but also kills chiggers, fleas, ants, ticks, spittlebugs and
roaches just to name a few other problem insects out right now.
If you would like a more organic approach, apply Mosquito
Repelling Granules. Check the weather (I know it is hard to do around here)
because this product likes to be dry for 48 hours after application. This
organic product really does a great job. It is university tested and has also
proven itself in the Lowcountry. Many of our customers at Possum’s have
reported control for over three weeks! We sell it to people putting on large
fundraisers, other outdoor festivals, weddings, sporting events, and
individuals and we always get positive feedback.
IC3 is another organic option. It is a spray that also gets
a lot of other yard pest.
If this sounds like too much work, hire a professional.
Always read and follow product label.
Always read, understand and follow product label. The
product label is a Federal Law.
