written by: Joan McIntyre
Now is the time to take steps to control mosquitoes in your yard. Mosquitoes become active as temperatures reach 50 degrees F. It’s time to think about controlling them. While it is tempting to use sprays, these insecticides don’t work for long, and they kill pollinators and many other beneficial insects. Insect populations are dropping precipitously worldwide, and we have 3 billion fewer birds in North America than just 50 years ago. Mosquitoes are not just annoying, they can carry disease, but we can control them using better strategies:
- Mosquitoes are best controlled at the larval stage, not as adults. Female mosquitoes bite for a blood meal before laying eggs in standing water. These eggs hatch in 2-3 days, and adults emerge in 7-10. The most effective control is to dump outside water at least every 7 days – bird baths, potted plant saucers, leaky hoses, toys left outside, kiddie pools, clogged gutters, corrugated drain pipes, upturned lids, pet water bowls. Even a tablespoon of water left for seven days is enough for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes range from 600 yards to two miles – getting neighbors involved will help reduce the mosquito population.
- Where you can’t dump the water, add BTi (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, the active ingredient in Mosquito Dunks and Bits), which kills mosquito larvae without harming birds, beneficial insects, or other wildlife.
- Set up mosquito larva traps, which if used by residents across communities can reduce mosquito populations. These traps contain water and BTi. They attract females to lay eggs, and the BTi kills the larvae. It’s still important to dump water to reduce other breeding locations. The Audubon Society has instructions for a DIY larva trap.
- Use fans on patios and decks, ensure screens don’t have holes, and wear long sleeves and pants.
- Use repellents with DEET (25-30%), Picaridin (20%), oil of Eucalyptus, or IR-3535.
- Explore alternatives to English ivy and other dense ground covers where mosquitoes rest and breed during the day.
Taking action now helps reduce the numbers later in the summer when you want to be out enjoying your yard.
For more, check out these articles written by the Extension Master Gardeners of Arlington and Alexandria:
Protecting Yourself from Mosquitoes without Harming Pollinators
Mosquito Control Begins with a Home Walk-Around
Protecting Yourself from Ticks without Harming Pollinators
For more information about mosquitoes and ticks: Contact the Extension Master Gardener Help Desk by email mgarlalex@gmail.com, by phone (703) 228-6414, or drop in Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
This content originally appeared in The EcoAdvocate newsletter produced by the EcoAction Arlington Advocacy Committee.
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