Deck-Flies/Mosquito (lights, standard, vent, outside)

[family66]

Hello,

I am planning to have a party in my backyard on the deck in the evening time.

In general, flies and mosquito fly in the evening and I believe with lights on it will make the things worse as food will be in the deck area.

Whats the best way to prevent the flies and mosquito?

Please guide.

Thanks,
Ashok

[chet everett]

Options are probably not going to impress any treehuggers:

Cutter Aerosol Backyard Insect Control

Repel Insect Repellent Stakes

Repel Aerosol Repellent

Cutter Citronella Repellent

Coghlans Mosquito Coils

Bonide Outdoor Insect Fogger

Burgess Outdoor Insect Fogger

[MainLineMommy]

If it's in the evening, a bonfire will help with mosquitoes. They are attracted to carbon dioxide, and the smoke in the air seems to either repel or confuse them (I'm not sure of the science here, but we do outdoor parties pretty much every weekend and have noticed a definite difference in the number of mosquitoes on the nights that we do a bonfire, so now we make them standard even when it's hot and we don't want to roast marshmallows). An oscillating fan will help keep flies away from the food, but you could also pick up a few of those mesh food screen things. We use them a lot and like them.

And then definitely have insect repellent (we always have a deet and a deet-free option) available for your guests if they want to use it.

(Like these http://www.amazon.com/Large-Pop-Up-S...ds=food+screen)

[Nonesuch]

The area sprays that settle onto plants are good for controlling ticks and the like, but mosquitoes will still fly in from outside the treated area to feast. You may be able to obtain (rent?) several "Mosquito Magnet" type traps and place them strategically near the deck? You'd want to start trapping a week before the party.

Citronella and other "candle" type devices (e.g. the ones with allethrin or Metofluthrin) will work in still air, but have a limited effective area and are defeated by a light breeze. Also, allethrin, like nearly all pyrethroids, is toxic to cats.

DEET sprays works, but DEET is also pretty nasty stuff, I prefer the sprays with picaridin, avoids that sticky "I just coated myself in neurotoxic solvent" feeling.

Personally, I want one of Lowell Wood's lasers.