Tips for Mosquitoes in Garden


There are a number of things that can be done to control mosquitoes effectively in a bid to prevent mosquitoes from ruining one's gardening activities.

It has to be borne in mind that dawn and dusk are ideal times for insects that fly, and if one is desirous of commencing gardening activities very early in the morning or in the evening; it would be wise if a repellant is applied. Bti mosquito dunks are quite effective in countering the mosquito menace. Bt is the short form of Bacillus thuringiensis which is a bacterium found in nature. The i means israelensis, which is the particular type that destroys mosquito larvae ahead of their emergence from water as stinging adults.

Bti can be obtained by gardeners in the form of granules, floating mosquito dunks or briquettes. It is natural and nontoxic for birds and fish, which can still consume the mosquito larvae without risk.

One can utilize Bti in ponds in the gardens, water bodies or at any place where there is stagnant water in the garden.

If one is relaxing on the deck or patio in the evening, it is advisable to place outdoor lights away from the area one is sitting since flying insects such as mosquitoes are drawn towards bright, electric lighting. One can make use of a mosquito coil to assist in driving away the mosquitoes.

Getting rid of stagnant water

  • For effective mosquito control one should eliminate sources of stagnant water.
  • Old tires, flower pot saucers, wheelbarrows, rain barrels or tin cans can accumulate water and become the habitat for mosquito larvae.

If one possesses a rain barrel one should try to keep it free from mosquitoes. One can do so by fixing plastic mesh window covering over any outlet of the rain barrel or add BTi to the accumulated water to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes.

One should make certain that water does not accumulate on swimming pool covers and also ensure that the swimming pool pump is circulating in the correct manner when the cover is not in place.

One should clear and turn over the plastic wading pool, if there is one in the garden, when it is not in use and replace the water frequently when it's hot to effectively deal with the threat from mosquitoes and the kids are using it daily.

Individuals who are in the age group of 45 to 50 and over are most vulnerable to the dangerous and sometimes lethal neurological form of West Nile disease and while in the garden enough precaution should be taken by them to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

However this does not imply one has to give up gardening completely. In order to eliminate the threat from mosquitoes one should put on long-sleeved clothing for protection and utilize an insect repellent during the time when mosquitoes are most active. If one is wearing thin clothes one should spray the clothing to rule out the possibility of mosquitoes biting through thin cloth. Mosquitoes are drawn by dark, deep colors and so it is advisable that colors which are light should be worn.