Pest Control Methods - How to Keep Mosquitoes Out of Your Yard

During the Spring, Summer and Fall months, mosquitoes tend to infiltrate the yard. No matter what you do, it seems one cannot get rid of these pesky little annoyances! From spraying disgusting repellents, to piling on layers of clothes, they seem to find their way in somewhere to start probing.

I don't know about you, but during these months, I would much rather be outside doing something than feel like I am stuck inside. Mosquito's put a serious damper on my outdoor activities. Mostly because, I am seriously allergic to their bites. One bite can sometimes swell up to the size of a golf ball!

Catnip Plants

I have tried several repellents and plants that are known to deter mosquito's from coming around while I am outside. I seems, though, that none of them work as well as I would like them to. Here are a few products or plants that are known to repel mosquito's...

Mosquito repellent with Deet: In my experience, these sprays work to an extent. But only last for a short period of time. Not to mention the fact that Deet effects included rashes, skin or mucous membrane irritation, transient numb or burning lips, dizziness, disorientation, and difficulty concentrating. Also, most of the time these sprays do not smell that great, and it just is annoying to have to re-apply the spray over and over again. Just seems like it is not very cost affective, right?

Citronella Candles: These candles also work to a certain extent. Some also find the smell of Citronella offensive. When burning these candles though, how is it going to work when the wind is blowing away from your outdoor activities? Rather pointless if you ask me....

Marigolds: Did you know that most insects cannot stand the smell of these flowers? Including mosquito's! Marigolds are not the most beautiful flower in the world and come in a limited variety of colors. But the smell is repulsive to mosquito's, aphids and several other pesky insects. They do a fine job of keeping them away. I plant them randomly in my veggie garden to help keep the aphids away. I also have had them planted on my porch to try to keep mosquito's away. But it just doesn't seem to do the trick completely.

Avon Skin So Soft: This oil, made by Avon, has gotten rave reviews for keeping away mosquito's and flies. I have also tried this product, and it works about as well as the sprays that contain Deet. Even horse breeders use it on their horses to keep flies away. The smell is not repulsive and it does work pretty well. But, because it is oil based, it makes your skin feel really greasy. A small price to pay? Well maybe...but I just want to enjoy the outdoors without lathering myself up with products like this.

Catnip: This is the stuff that cats will go crazy over....literally! But mosquito's hate it. They cannot stand it, in fact, it is said that catnip is ten times more effective than Deet. But it seems to me, that whether you have the plant, or just a random bowl of it just sitting around...is every cat in the neighborhood or beyond going to come meowing at your door? Not sure if I want to risk that....

Mosquito Traps: Now mosquito traps, I feel, is the way to go. Some are better than others. Some, are more Eco friendly than others. For example, some traps require the use of propane. I really do not feel that is safe. Propane is very flammable. Have one of these traps close to a camp fire? That would not be safe. Or, the smell of propane...not pleasant. Also releasing toxic fumes into the environment does not seem all that safe either. Some traps, however do not require propane. Some, have the optional use of Co2, which is completely safe for the environment.

So, all of these products or plants, all have their own value. They also have their disadvantages, like most things do. But maybe, just maybe, using Mosquito traps in conjunction with a couple of these plants would do the trick greatly! I myself have a trap sitting on my front porch right now. I use it there with no plants, and using no other products. I can sit on my front porch and have minimal problems with mosquito's. It draws them in, and kills them, keeping them away from me forever. And keeping me safe from the diseases that mosquito's carry.

Pest Control Methods - How to Keep Mosquitoes Out of Your Yard