Natural Methods for Mosquito Control

Mosquitos are a problem for most people in virtually every area of the world. Some have a few mosquitoes and other areas may have them ten months out of each year. It has a lot to do with how much moisture is in the area where you live and how cold the winters get. Another problem stems from the fact that not everyone wants to use chemicals to combat mosquitoes and their itchy, painful bites. In this case, we recommend you consider more natural methods for mosquito control.

What Mosquitoes Love to Live In

Areas that are damp are an instant mosquito magnet. They thrive in damp, dark places. Swampy areas are prime real estate for them to make their home in. The same is true for river beds, creeks, and lakes. These nasty little insects can even make a home in an old tire that you have lying around, your dog’s water, and your compost pile or bin. If there is any source of water available, they will make their home near it. Can you eliminate all the potential moist areas around your home? Or would you prefer to seek out ways to gain control of them and keep the water?

Natural Pest Control

If you are not worried about a little chemical being used, you can use very small amounts to help. We used a backpack mosquito fogger to pre-treat our lawn. Afterward, we looked into natural ways to get rid of mosquitoes. We built a garden that was filled with all the plants that are known to naturally send mosquitoes away. These plants include lavender, marigolds, catnip, citronella grass, and scented geraniums. We also planted rosemary and basil herbs. You can also use a natural spray around your home and your body when you go out during peak mosquito hours. A lot of scented oil options can be used to safely apply mosquito repellent to your clothing. You can find recipes or buy a spray that is all-natural and pre-made.

Another natural option for gaining control of your mosquito problems may be to use a trap. However, these devices may not effectively eliminate mosquitoes quickly. This could be a problem if you are trying to plan a backyard event that is coming soon. Bug zappers are also useful according to many home owners.

Things to Consider

Mosquitoes serve very little purpose except to bite us. At times, their larvae and the adults may be used as food for some animals, but overall, if we lived in a world without them, we would all simply be happier. However, because they are a natural part of the world we live in, extermination of them will not come easily. If you live in an area where you are the only one who works to eliminate them, you will still have some that find their way to your home. This means, in a neighborhood where everyone has a compost pile and only one person trying to control the mosquitoes; that person will always be trying to get rid of them. In similar neighborhood where everyone works together to regain control of these pests, everyone will begin to notice fewer of them.