Tiny Mosquito
Green Mosquito Control Products: Safe Ways to Get Rid of Pests
In the summer months mosquitoes can be more than just an annoyance; bites from a mosquito can make you sick. On the other hand, many of the pest control choices out there for getting rid of mosquitoes are just as bad. Filled with chemicals that are not good for the earth or for you, these mosquito control products are not a green choice. Fortunately, there are some natural and effective methods of having a bug-free summer.
Essential
Oils that Repel Mosquitoes
The movement towards safer mosquito control products has led
to the development of repellants that contain natural essential oils known
to keep the bugs away. You can purchase repellants containing these oils
at natural product stores. You can also make your own by purchasing the
essential oils and mixing them with a little vegetable oil.
Oils that are known to repel mosquitoes effectively include eucalyptus, rosemary, cloves, basil and peppermint. In addition to being safe, natural and good for the earth, these oils have the added benefit of smelling good to the wearer as well! See this page for more information on mosquito control products.
Clear Mosquito Breeding Grounds
The best way to prevent mosquitoes from bothering you is to do
your best to clear them from the immediate vicinity. Mosquitoes usually
breed in standing water, and it doesn’t take much water either.
One of the easiest things to do to get rid of them is to check your yard
for potential breeding grounds such as a wheelbarrow left upright, puddles,
or other items that might contain stagnant water.
There are also some green mosquito control products you can use throughout the yard to help stop the pests. One of the most popular natural ways to get rid of mosquitoes is Bit, or Bacillus thuringienis ssp. Israelensis, bacteria that infects and effectively kills off mosquito larvae. This stops the mosquitoes right where they are breeding. Bit is harmless to other creatures including wildlife and pets and does not damage the environment. It can be purchased in granule that are spread around the yard or in “dunks” which are added to water to prevent breeding.
Mosquito Control Products for your Yard
Even if you work to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, you
will still have to deal with adult mosquitoes already in the area. There
are some simple natural mosquito control products that can be used to
keep these pests away.
Citronella candles can be burned on patio tables to repel mosquitoes. Citronella is known as a natural and very effective means of keeping mosquitoes away and the oil itself is natural and safe for the environment. Of course caution is needed as with any candle to prevent fires or injuries.
Mosquito traps are a more expensive method of controlling mosquitoes, but are effective for clearing the pests from larger areas. They attract mosquitoes and can clear them from areas of up to an acre. You can expect to spend several hundred dollars on a good mosquito trap, but when used properly they are safe for the environment and can make your outdoor space more pleasant.
With a combination of repellants and other mosquito control products you can enjoy a summer free of mosquitoes without damaging the earth.
Written by Karen Foster: Karen Foster is the content manager and editor for Tiny Mosquito: Understanding the Mosquito. For more information about mosquitoes, visit her site at www.tinymosquito.com.
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