Mosquitoes Are Evil And Back In Lansing, Ways To Deal
Michigan seasons do what they want to do. A week and a half ago it was still chilly outside and it seemed like spring was limping it's way into Michigan. Like any other year, spring comes straight out of nowhere with temperatures that mirror summer. With that comes the return of mosquitoes.
We've moved into a home recently and for the past five years didn't have property to maintain or deal with mosquitoes. This time around it's on me to take care of these little buggers. I'm dealing with bees too.
Environmentally safe and "co exist" methods on how to deal with bees.
Our yard is too big for some tiki torches and citronella candles to handle the job to keep mosquitoes away. What kind of methods are the best for dealing with mosquitoes? We had zero mosquitoes five days ago and last night when I got out of my truck when I got home I was attacked by what seemed hundreds of mosquitoes. Not cool. If this is a sign of what is to come this summer, we are screwed.
Mosquitoes are annoying and they also carry disease, the CDC says:
Diseases that are spread to people by mosquitoes include Zika virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus, dengue, and malaria.
None of those diseases sound appealing. I want to protect myself and my family. It's time to take control of the mosquitoe situation at home and here are some ideas on how to do so. Quick and Dirty Tips shares some DIY mosquitoe remedies. I want to coexist but I don't want them in my yard.
7 DIY Mosquitoe Remedies To Use At Home
1. DIY Bug Spray
Use this (almost) all-natural insect spray to repel mosquitoes as well as other insects like flies. Chop one small opens in a new windowonion and one head of garlic. Mix together with four cups of water, four teaspoons of cayenne pepper, and one tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Spray around your deck and in places where your children play (rather than on the children themselves). This mixture will last a week or so if stored in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and kept in a dark, cool place.
2. If you don't like DIY Spray #1, try #2
If you’re uncomfortable with all of the unpronounceable ingredients in commercial bug sprays, try making this natural version. Mix together a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar, a quarter cup of witch hazel, and around 20 drops of a combination of any the following essential oils: rosemary, citronella, tea tree, cedar, eucalyptus, or lemongrass. Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle, and shake before each use. Spray directly on exposed skin and the bugs will stay away!
3. Lemon Eucalyptus
When shopping for a natural mosquito repellent, look for one that contains oil of lemon eucalyptus. It’s extremely effective and provides long-lasting protection.
4. Peppermint
Looking for an effective, yet natural way to combat mosquitoes? Try peppermint! Combine a few drops of peppermint essential oil with one cup of water in a spray bottle, shake well, and spray onto skin. Not only will the chemical compounds in peppermint help repel the blood-sucking beasts, but you’ll also smell minty fresh!
5. Rosemary and Sage
Do mosquitoes hover over the grill when you barbecue? Next time, place a few springs of rosemary or sage on top of the coals. They’ll repel mosquitoes, leaving your meat in peace.
6. Egg Cartons and Coffee Trays
Mosquitoes are a pain each summer, but you don’t have to buy citronella candles, mosquito coils, or the latest gadget—you can just use cardboard egg cartons and coffee trays (the kind you get when you order more than a couple of coffees to-go). Light them on fire, then blow them out and let them smolder in a fire-safe location. The burning smell they produce is pleasant, but keeps mosquitoes away.
7. Garlic Water
Citronella candles are great for repelling insects, but they can be pricey. Get the same effect for much cheaper by mixing opens in a new windowgarlic with water and spraying it near all your outdoor light bulbs. As the bulbs heat up, they’re spread a faint garlicky scent across your yard, which will keep mosquitoes and other bugs away.