Bugs vs. Humans- Four Ways to Win this Common Summer Battle
*Hint- it doesn't involve pesticides*
Everyone knows the struggle- a beautiful summer night gone sour because of annoying mosquitoes. But before you go bug bombing your entire yard, let's take a look at their ecological importance. Contrary to popular belief, mosquitoes do serve a purpose other than ruining outdoor barbecues. There are over 3,500 species and not all of them feed on humans. Surprisingly, they mostly feed on nectar and serve as pollinators, just like bees and butterflies. It is only when the female lays eggs that she seeks out a blood meal for protein. Along with their pollinator status, mosquitoes serve as an important part of the overall food chain. Animals such as hummingbirds, turtles and bats all feed on this pesky fly.
Not only are mosquitoes an integral part of the environment, using insecticides to get rid of them will also kill other bugs in your yard and are generally a detriment to the natural world. Here we give you four easy ways to limit your mosquito exposure and get back to enjoying the outdoors!
Tip #1 - Eliminate breeding spots
First, focus on controlling mosquito larva by eliminating spots of standing water in your yard. Clogged gutters are common areas that harbor eggs. Clean out debris and install wire screening to prevent buildup. Inspect other areas like kids' toys, playsets, and garden decor to drain standing water. Mosquitoes take at least five days to develop into winged adults, so bird baths can be drained every two days to eliminate breeding. For other bodies of water like garden ponds that can't be drained, install a pump or fountain to keep the water moving. These tactics help reduce mosquitoes at the source rather than waiting until they've had a chance to populate.
Tip #2 - Use repellents
Make it harder for mosquitoes to bite you with the use of repellents. There are a variety of bug sprays on the market, both natural and chemical based. Ingredients like DEET and picaridin are effective chemical blockers. If you're interested in something more natural, certain essential oils also repel mosquitoes by masking your scent. Look for sprays with citronella, lemon eucalyptus or peppermint oils. Our all natural outdoor spray blends citronella, lemongrass, thyme, peppermint and lavender oils to repel bugs like mosquitoes and ticks so you can enjoy the outdoors and smell great at the same time! Wearing loose-fitting long sleeves and long pants minimizes exposed skin. Because mosquitoes are fairly weak flyers, adding some outdoor fans can also help in patio and porch spaces.
Tip #3 - Encourage natural predators
Take a hint from Mother Nature and use natural predators to your advantage. A wide variety of animals, including some species of birds, dragonflies, bats, salamanders, lizards, frogs and spiders, all rely on mosquitoes as a food source. Don't go crazy cleaning every spider web you see. Hang some cute birdhouses. By making your yard a sanctuary for other animals, you reduce your chances of mosquito take over.
Tip #4 - Landscape Effectively
Many plants not only make a beautiful garden but also effectively repel mosquitoes. Flowering plants like allium, mums and marigolds look great placed around patios and porches. Herbs such as basil, mint and rosemary also deter mosquitoes (and taste delicious!). These plants work by giving off scents that either confuse mosquitoes while hunting for humans or just generally repulse them. Mulching gardens with cedar chips has the same effect. Mosquitoes typically hide in foliage to avoid dehydrating so stay on top of mowing the lawn and remove tall weeds.
You can win the fight!
These four easy tips can help you enjoy the outdoors more. Remember that almost all species play an important role in our environment and trying to eliminate them with insecticides or chemicals can have major consequences for our ecosystem. Instead, try using the tools Mother Nature has provided us with to live harmoniously with the great outdoors.
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