Chikungunya, Dengue (still in the tropics), Zika, West Nile
Virus … 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 Beater, 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. If you would rather go old school,
Sprayon Insect Repellent II (23.75% Deet) or our 95% Deet Mosquito Repellent
should do the trick. 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, an upside down 5 gallon bucket
that has a lip that holds water, a trash can lid with a dent, brick work that
needs repointing, 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 or wood pile can have many
pockets that hold water. Sagging gutters hold water. 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 include a growth regulator like Pivot
or Nyguard, your control will last much longer.
If you would like to stay organic apply Mosquito Beater. 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.
