mosquitos

[TravisW]

The big key that I've found is to get the spray out at the right time and in the right places. If you can get the spray out while they're hatching, that puts you WAY ahead in the game. This year, I was stuck with a bunch of rain and a torn-up street next to me, filled with water. I sprayed my yard, my back alley, did a considerably stronger mixture and sprayed any puddles nearby. We still have some mosquitos (if the neighbors don't spray, you're still stuck with the overflow from their yard)--but it's nowhere near what it could have been.

[plantlover]

I live in south Florida just a few miles from the Everglades, where mosquitos can carry you away. Most of the time I don't use any repellant, but if they are really bad, I spray myself with Cutters. I find that it works better than Off. You have to use something with DEET in it.

[MikeyToo]

Originally Posted by plantlover

I live in south Florida just a few miles from the Everglades, where mosquitos can carry you away. Most of the time I don't use any repellant, but if they are really bad, I spray myself with Cutters. I find that it works better than Off. You have to use something with DEET in it.

Just a word of caution when using products with deet in them:

Mosquitoes, ticks, West Nile virus, Lyme disease - grab the insect repellent and spray, spray, spray. Not so fast!! Better read the labels verrry carefully. DEET products vary in strengths from 4% to 100%. Only the lowest concentrations should be used around children and then use only on clothing because DEET is easily absorbed through the skin. Absorption increases proportionate to the concentration.

DEET repellents are not totally safe, and pose the greatest risk for children especially with repeated usage. According to Marion Moses, MD, founder of the Pesticide Education Center, San Francisco, CA, DEET is very toxic to the brain and nervous system. It can cause headache, tremor, weakness, paralysis, slurred speech, emotional / behavior changes, seizures and death in rare instances. More common symptoms may be skin rash, blistering, or allergic reaction.

Many parents are not likely to make the connection between mild symptoms or behavior problems to DEET exposure, and are less likely to report it, even if they suspect an association.

[MikeyToo]

This is a subject I have interest in, as we will be moving to Lake Metigoshe on the ND/Manitoba border as soon as our house sells. I know Home Depot sells a rather elaborate contraption that you locate away from where you spend time in you backyard to keep them from you. There are some alternatives I've read about and the most that seem to get repeated over-and-over I will post here:

The first line of defense against mosquitos is to seal their point of entry. Mosquitos are most active in the early morning and early evening. They seek areas of still air because they are hampered by breezes. Close windows and doors on the side of your house which are opposite the breeze. Then try:
The most important measure you can take is to remove standing water sources. Change birdbaths, wading pools and pet's water bowl twice a week. Keep your eavestroughs clean and well-draining. Remove yard items that collect water.
In a New England Journal of Medicine study, oil of eucalyptus at 30% concentration prevented mosquito bites for 120.1 minutes, while Bite Blocker with 2% soybean oil kept bites away for 96.4 minutes. (the eucalyptus oil must have a minimum of 70% cineole content, the active therapeutic ingredient.) Citronella, a common alternative to DEET, performed poorly, warding off bugs for only 20 minutes.
(Caution about DEET in previous post)

If you're using the barbeque, throw a bit of sage or rosemary on the coals to repel mosquitos.
An effective natural bug repellent, mix one part garlic juice with 5 parts water in a small spray bottle. Shake well before using. Spray lightly on exposed body parts for an effective repellent lasting up to 5 - 6 hours. Strips of cotton cloth can also be dipped in this mixture and hung in areas, such as patios, as a localized deterrent.
Neem oil is a natural vegetable oil extracted from the Neem tree in India. The leaves, seeds and seed oil of the Neem tree contain sallanin, a compound which has effective mosquito repelling properties. Neem oil is a natural product and is safe to use. Look for new Neem Oil-based commercial products on the market.
Planting marigolds around your yard works as a natural bug repellent because the flowers give off a fragrance bugs and flying insects do not like.
Campers often report that the very best mosquito repellent is Avon Skin-So-Soft® bath oil mixed half and half with rubbing alcohol.
Safe, nontoxic pheromone-based mosquito traps are now commercially available

Good Luck!