Last night I finally figured out one of the “mysteries of
life”. I had always wondered why there are one to three mosquitoes flying
around inside my car in the morning. They were not in my car when I parked it
the night before. My windows are sealed tightly. No holes in the floor board
like my 1972 VW Bug. Drum roll please… The brief minute it takes me to get out
of the car, the mosquitoes are going into the car! Light bulb comes on (some
people have said my head looks like a light bulb) and I have finally figured it
out.
Now it is time to wage war against the mosquito.
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, 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). A tarp covering a
boat. A few empty bottles or cans can
end up being thousands of mosquitoes! 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. Mosquitoes
are very weak fliers, so they do not like wind or air movement (big fans for
parties help). Mosquitoes are a public health issue, so 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 to stay organic 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, sporting events, and individuals and we always get positive
feedback. If you would rather spray, try EcoVia EC. A natural product that
works!
If this sounds like too much work, hire a professional.
Always read and follow product label.
