Mosquito Control Newsletter
Dirt Doctor Weekly Newsletter
MOSQUITO CONTROL
We do not recommend any products that contain DEET. See this archived page from About.com for a discussion.
My personal opinions are stronger, especially since there are organic controls that work as well and better in some cases. Some of the effective body repellents are as follows:
Personal Treatment
Straight Vanilla: dabbed on the skin or clothing as needed.
Vanilla Mix: – 8 oz. water, 2 tsp. vanilla extract and 1 tsp. orange oil. Spray on skin and clothing liberally.
Watkins Vanilla hand and body lotion is recommended by some gardeners.
Cactus Juice is effective for many people.
Cedar-Cide products have been recommended.
Oil of lemon eucalyptus: a natural repellent that works by dabbing full strength on exposed skin or clothing.
Site Treatment
To spray and attempt to control adult mosquitoes with pyrethroids, pyrethrum, pyrethrins or any other toxic chemical inorganic or organic products is not advised. We do recommend sprays of garlic, citronella and other non-toxic herbal products. Homeowners can spray and kill adult mosquitoes with plant oil pesticides such as Bioganics and Eco-EXEMPT. Garlic sprays work well to repel the insects for up to 14 days. Dr. T’s Mosquito Repellent is a good dry product and dry granulated garlic from the grocery store is one of the most effective choices to use at 1 to 2 lbs. per 1000 square feet in beds, turf, pots, plants and other areas. It can repel mosquitoes for up to four weeks. The best combination is to spray liquid garlic and broadcast dry garlic.
Water Treatment
To treat mosquito larvae in water, we do not recommend oils or toxic pesticides. What we do recommend is Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis) and other botanical products. They don’t hurt animals or even the other insects like dragonflies that help with the mosquito control.
Overall Mosquito Control Recommendations
Empty standing water where possible. Even small containers such as pot saucers, old tires, soda bottles and cans which can hold enough water for mosquito breeding.
Use organic landscape management to encourage birds, bats, fish, dragonflies and other beneficial insects.
Summary
The best treatments for mosquito control and protection are:
1. Non-toxic herbal treatments for skin and clothes.
2. Bti products for standing water.
3. Dry granulated garlic and liquid sprays for site treatment.Dry Granulated Garlic is available at grocery stores, Asian markets and other food suppliers.
If you have any questions regarding this newsletter or any other topic, join me for my radio show heard in Dallas/Fort Worth and across the country on Sunday from 8 – 11am (CST). Radio
Naturally yours,
Howard Garrett
The Dirt Doctor