Mosquito Warfare

Are you looking for new non-chemical weapons in your ongoing battle with mosquitoes? Instead of fighting them one-on-one – a battle which you cannot win since there are thousands of them and one of you, you can create a hostile environment for them while, at the same time, creating a peaceful environment for you and your family and friends.

 While nothing is 100% effective against the blood-sucking little pests, you can increase your odds of a bite-free evening by disrupting the mosquito’s life cycle. Start by eliminating the mosquito nursery. Eggs are laid in stagnant water. Get rid of the water and you get rid of the eggs and larvae. Clean the clogged gutters, empty the baby (or dog) pool when not in use. Empty and clean the birdbath regularly. Even grill covers and pool covers will hold water after it rains. If you like the Zen vibe of a backyard pond you can still have that too. Just be sure to stock your pond with mosquito-eating fish. You don’t have to spend an exorbitant amount of money on fancy fish. Goldfish and minnows do a respectable job of eating mosquito larvae.

Encourage the mosquito’s natural enemies to live in your yard. Bluebirds abound in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island. While beautiful to look at, they are deadly for mosquitoes. Two thirds of a bluebird’s diet is insects. Install nesting boxes and houses that are made specifically for bluebirds.

 The mosquito’s most deadly predator is one that has gotten a bad reputation over the years. It may not be as pretty to look at as the bluebird but do not dismiss the lowly bat just because of its image. A single brown bat can chow down on up to 1,000 mosquitoes every hour! Install bat houses on your property and they will come.

Even your choice of patio furniture can be effective. Stay away from dark colors. Mosquitoes are partial to navy, black, red and orange. Stick to beige, green or blue when choosing patio furniture and accessories. Strategically place outdoor fans around your deck or patio. Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, body heat and body odor. Fans will blow weak-flying mosquitoes away as well as disburse the heat and scents that mosquitoes target, making it difficult for them to find you. In effect, creating camouflage for you.

Complete your mosquito-hostile environment with plants. Plant them around your yard but also plant them in pots so you have a mobile mosquito-fighting unit that you can rearrange depending on your needs. Keep in mind that just growing the plants is not enough. Crushing the leaves releases that scent that repels the little flying devils so be sure to keep crushed leaves near you. Make it part of your outdoor decor by putting them in decorative bowls.

Keep in mind that no bug likes smoke so be sure to use your firepit. Throw a few leaves and twigs in the fire to create a fragrant smoke.

Here are plants that are great for cooking and, when planted in your garden, will serve as a deterrent to not only mosquitoes but other annoying insects as well:

ROSEMARY:  a low-maintenance plant needing full sun and moderate watering. Bad for mosquitoes, great for cooking.

BASIL: thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. There are several types of basil. The stronger the scent, the better its insect-repelling ability.

SAGE: pungent odor that people like and mosquitoes hate. Toss a few leaves in the fire and the smoke will repel bugs for hours.

THYME: another savory herb good for your kitchen and bad for bugs.

LAVENDER: strong, heady fragrance and showy blooms. What’s not to like?

MINT: so many different varieties to choose from. Keep in mind that mint will spread like crazy when planted in your yard so you might want to stick to pots for this one. Great in your tea, too.

LEMON GRASS: loves full sun and regular watering. Strong lemon scent, often used in Southeast Asian cooking.

Flowers that mosquitoes avoid:

MARIGOLDS: bright splashes of color that are hated not only by mosquitoes but many other members of the insect world. Pyrethrum, found in marigolds, is the same substance used in organic insecticides.

LANTANA: easy to grow here in the Lowcountry. Winning combo - repels mosquitoes and attracts butterflies.

CATNIP: makes your cat happy and mosquitoes miserable. Keep it in a container. It is a fast grower and can take over your garden if you are not vigilant.

EUCALYPTUS: choose a slow-growing variety and plant in a pot. While repelling mosquitoes, it is a favorite for bees and other pollinating insects.

Enjoy your yard, your barbecue, your family and friends! Don’t let the bugs bug you!