Horticulture Hotline 06/17/19
By Bill Lamson-Scribner
I had a few more myths I was going to write about this morning;
however, after being attacked by mosquitoes Saturday morning while trying to
help my mother read and follow product label, I decided after that rain
(flooding) and full moon tides the mosquito must go. The dry windy spring kept
the mosquitoes at bay, but they are out in full force now looking for that
blood meal.
Chikungunya, Dengue (still in the tropics), Zika, West Nile
Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis … 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. Mosquitoes & Gnats Are Gone, 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 Mosquitoes & Gnats Are Gone to yourself. This
product is organic and does an unbelievable job against mosquitoes, gnats,
no-see-ums, ticks and other biting insects. Mosquitoes & Gnats Are Gone is
non-greasy, DEET-free, and safe for the whole family. 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 protected and 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! A bottle cap can be a breeding area. Many mosquitoes
can breed in just an ounce of water. I was at a seminar and the speaker was
encouraging people to limb up Magnolias (every horticulturalist gasped) so you
could easily rake up the leaves because the big leaves held water and therefore
were a breeding spot for mosquitoes.
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 Swatter, Mosquito
Beater or Mosquito Repelling Granules. These organic products really do a great
job. They are 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 these products to people putting on large fundraisers, event planners, weddings,
other outdoor festivals, sporting events, and individuals. 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.
