Ugh, all these mosquitoes! (Chicago, Geneva: school, live, stores)

[JustJulia]

This is only our third summer here, but I thought this year was worse than before.

Extra buzz over pesky mosquitoes in Chicago area - Chicago Breaking News (http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/08/extra-buzz-over-pesky-mosquitoes-in-chicago-area.html - broken link)

I used to just get bitten if I went outside after dusk, but it's all the time now. The kids and I walked a few blocks to their school for registration last week, and I have bites all over my arms. My husband and I have stopped going for our walks and bike rides because of the mosquitos--using Off doesn't seem to help a lot. Does anyone have a different recommendation? Maybe I should burn a citronella candle when I go outside to BBQ, also.

Do you have a mosquito problem where you live?

[TempesT68]

Having the same problem as well. This has been the worst i have ever seen them in many years, if not ever. Just have to hose yourself down with off, the candles don't really do anything, make sure there is no standing water anywhere, even a small amount, and keep your eyes open to smash them if they do try to land on you.

[Chummy Waters]

CDC: West Nile Virus - What You Need to Know about Mosquito Repellent

Good info above. Use higer concentrations of the correct active ingredient repellents. Deet is excellent, I use a spray with over 20% deet, highly effective, even this year, but make sure you spray EVERYTHING!

I spray my mouth as well.

[JustJulia]

Originally Posted by TempesT68

make sure there is no standing water anywhere, even a small amount

Yes ... sorry, birdies, no bird bath for you this summer.

[nanannie]

I agree with the mass attack this summer, really bad this year, and we have a large pond on our property. They seem to be active 24 hours.
Have you tried BOUNCE (fabric softener)? I rub 2 sheets all over exposed skin and then stick them in my pocket and bra when I am outside in the garden. It doesnt last as long as OFF, but it does do the trick for me for a few hours. I always feel weary using OFF too much. Scarey chemicals (I know,probably Bounce too)I have heard it doesnt work on everyone, but anything would be worth a try during this invasion.

[ImaloneJill]

I went to Lollapalooza a few weeks ago and even the musicians were commenting on the aerial show given by the dragonflies that soared everywhere in the skies.

[bangaru]

Look at this article way back from 2001

UF scientists say global warming could spread mosquito

Possible?

[gardener34]

These are the worst I have ever seen around here. I live on water. It is unbearable. I cover up completely in the AM to walk the dog. The only thing exposed is my face and fingertips, and yes, those get bitten daily. I have gotten bites on my knuckles and on my eyelids and around my eyes.

When outside, I spray with deep woods or maxi deet min 20% deet. The other stuff just wears off too quickly. I have even started putting it on my face.

What I want to know is why they still rarely spray for mosquitoes around here!!? We are unincorporated. Geneva yesterday evening seemed to have few mosquitoes, they must spray there.

It is just that we had a rainier than usual summer and those flood mosquities are aggressive.

I have had some luck with those mosquito coils if you are sitting directly around the coil. We also use a fogger in the yard when company is over. It works.

The stores are running out of repellent. They don't want to re-stock before autumn, they know they may get stuck with it.

I am quite worried about the dog getting bitten up, you are not supposed to spray them with deet. But there are dozens sitting on her all over when she is outside. But mostly her face and eye area.

Good luck all!

[purplesky]

I used a bug spray that attaches to the hose and covered my back yard with it. It was about $12 and it seems to work pretty well. It lasts about 4 weeks, but I usually respray after 3 weeks.

Also, the mosquitoes are worse because they don't have the truck spraying the deet-like spray (don't remember the name), like they did in the 1970s.

[AuDiBelle]

This is by far the worst year for mosquitoes that I can recall in recent history.

Just be careful with the deet. It is a neurotoxin. I personally use Skin So Soft.