Desperately need help w/ mosquitoes!

[lizzylou]

Wasn't sure where to post this...

They are not here yet, but they will be soon, and they are always BAD. We don't have any standing water around here. Maybe there was a bit in the gutters last summer, but I've recently had them cleaned. We do have a large field of kudzu behind our house and I wonder if the mosquitoes like to hang out there.

In desperation, I did once try a spray on the lawn... it didn't work, and with a dog and a toddler and a veggie garden I wouldn't want to pursue that anyway.

Help! What has worked for you?

[zoesmom2009]

Strangely enough, I've found that catnip deters mosquitoes rather well. I started growing some on my porch last summer as a treat for my kitties and noticed that I was bit much less. (Only 3 or 4 bites as opposed to being practically carried off.)

[Geofizz]

Likewise, no standing water in our yard, though possibly in a neighbor's. We get chomped more in our yard in a town that sprays than we do when going camping in places with still ponds and no spraying.

Looking for solutions.

[Ruthiegirl]

They are probably breeding in the kudzu. Are there shady spots? Trees?

We have a terrible time with mosquitos too and it wasn't until we cleared out a lot of old spindly trees from the back that we saw any drop in mosquito production. They can breed in any damp spot. It does not need to be swampy, just a little moisture in the soil will provide enough of a pocket to lay eggs.

Darn things are so frustrating.......

[lizzylou]

Yes we do have quite a few large trees. Hmm, maybe I will send my husband back in the field before the kudzu takes over to take a look around.

We do have some catnip growing but not too much. Maybe we should surround ourselves with it.

I haven't done much research on this yet, but I was looking at the supposedly "safe and natural" insect soap sold here: http://www.saferbrand.com/advice/ins...ontrol-options

[Stitches]

I haven't tried it myself but a friend of mine grows citronella plants and swears by it.

[earthmama369]

Many natural insect repellents use a combination of lemongrass, citronella, and geranium oils, so any of those plants would probably at least not attract mosquitoes and might act as a deterrent. We also put in bat houses. That's made a significant difference in our mosquito population and the bats are really neat to watch, as well.