The summer heat has shown up this year early in June as temperatures continue to hit 90 degrees. This means getting outside, having barbecues, swimming and outdoor parties….
For those that like the heat of summer, they should be happy with this years’ temperatures. The long term forecast looks like it will continue.
With all the rain we had back in May, bugs and diseases have been running rampant. Mosquitoes are really bad this year! Mosquitos are insects in the fly family which have single pairs of wings. The wings of mosquitoes are narrow and have a fringe of scales on the margins and veins. Mosquitoes have 3 pairs of large slender legs and two long antennae. Their mouthparts form an elongate beak called a proboscis. Female mosquitos use proboscis to feed and extract blood from humans and animals.
Mosquitoes typically feed on nectar and plant juices but the females require proteins and fats found in blood. They need this blood to ensure successful egg laying so they may reproduce healthy offspring.
The larvae hatch in stagnant water in birdbaths, tires, puddles and anywhere else water will culminate. The continued spring and early summer rains have mosquitoes hatching at incredible rates.
Mosquitoes have been known to transmit diseases such as zika fever, malaria, west nile virus and many others. When you are bitten, the bite can cause skin irritation. They can easily attack guests and foil your plans for an evening sitting outside on your patios or decks. If you are like me, the first and last to continue to be bitten when no one else gets a bite, it may keep you inside and become anti-social at least at night events....
The best method to control mosquitoes is proper lawn care, the removal of still water and use of insecticides when populations are abundant. A few products I use for still ponds or areas where you can’t eliminate old water and replace with new are mosquito dunks. This little doughnut like all natural products is simply tossed into bird baths or ponds. They naturally inhibit the larvae of mosquito eggs from growing. Mosquito bits (pieces) are also available for this purpose as well. On a side note, if you have fungus gnats on your houseplants, use the "bits" when you water to eliminate this annoying pest.
If you are planning on entertaining, Mosquito Beater is what you should use…Simply sprinkle the granules around the area you will be using one hour before you intend to be in that area. This all natural product deters mosquitoes from entering that area you placed a barrier around. I have had a lot of success with this product and have handled it for years.
Many sprays containing “deet” can be purchased and sprayed on one's skin. These seem to be effective. A few select people can have an allergic reaction to deet so please be careful.
If you really have a large infestation of mosquitoes, I would recommend spraying with Hy Yield brand 38 plus insecticide in areas of thick flora or fauna. This insecticide is quite broad spectrum and will work for many other insects as well. Try it out and I am sure you will be pleased with its results…
Another effective product is the Spartan Mosquito Eradicator. Deploy Spartan Mosquito Eradicators as soon as the weather begins to warm to create a barrier to “catch” hunting mosquitoes by emitting the same attractant triggers that draw mosquitoes to people and animals. Once mosquitoes feed on the water solution, they will perish before they can breed again.
The Spartan Mosquito Eradicator is a uniquely effective, long-lasting, continuous mosquito control system. The Spartan Mosquito Eradicator also doesn’t require batteries or electricity, just water! The mosquito population will suffer dramatically in the first 15 days and will be up to 95% controlled for up to 90 days. The beauty of this 2 tube system is all you do is add warm water and shake the tube and then hang them up off a branch or shepherd hook. A two tube system costs under $30.00 and can protect an area up to 1 acre in size. That's incredible and many clients have had great success with this product!
Citronella candles burning on patio tables help to keep mosquitoes at bay and come in many different styles and sizes. I like the Miniature Tiki one made by Zendozones. It adds a bit of tropical feel to the party and burns for 8 hours.
Lemongrass and citronella plants planted around areas you wish to protect in the ground or in pots are also a great, natural way to protect areas you wish to entertain guests or family.
The last product I'll mention is Murphy's natural incense mosquito repellent. These natural incense sticks are made of a mixture of all natural rosemary, peppermint, citronella. lemongrass and cedarwood oils. They smell good too when burned!
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