CORPUS CHRISTI — Rain earlier this week is a welcome sight to replenish soil moisture. However, the heavy rains resulted in more standing water than we have seen in more than a year in many areas. For that reason, homeowners need to expect an increase in the unofficial state pest, the mosquito. The best approach is a combination of prevention, eradication and repellent methods.
Prevention. One of the most important things to do to prevent mosquitoes is to eliminate potential breeding habitats. Although you may not be able to control water in nearby fields and ditches, you can keep an eye out around your yard for hidden sources of standing water required for mosquito reproduction. All sorts of makeshift containers may harbor mosquito larvae. Plant saucers, buckets, watering cans, folded tarps, and even old tires can hold water and provide a breeding site for these outdoor pests.
One mosquito breeding site may be so obvious that it may be overlooked by the gardener trying to attract more desirable wildlife, the birdbath. Dump the water in birdbaths regularly, wash out the basin to remove mosquito larvae and then refill with fresh water.
Another harbor for mosquitoes is dense grass and shrubs. Keep grass mowed and fence lines trimmed, tasks that may not have been as pressing during the drought. Also, be on the lookout for mosquitoes around dense shrubbery with poor air circulation.
Eradication. Besides municipality spray programs, some homeowners look for other alternatives to keep mosquito populations under control in their backyard. Foggers are the most common tool. The problem is that the same chemicals we use to control mosquitoes also kill many beneficial insects like lady beetles and butterflies.
Mosquito dunk tablets also are effective to control mosquito larvae in standing water such as ponds and fountains. These donut shaped, floating tablets actually contain mosquito killing bacteria referred to as BTI. With no poisonous chemicals, the mosquito dunks are completely safe for birds and pond fish. Mosquito traps are another way to kill mosquitoes. These devices emit carbon dioxide to attract mosquitoes and then trap and kill them to minimize the numbers available to breed.
Repellents. Citronella is probably the most common mosquito repellent. However, most people don't understand how it works. The smoke from citronella candles, torches, and coils will help to keep many of the mosquitoes away, but it is only effective near the smoke.
Natural oils are worn by many to repel mosquitoes. Examples include citronella, lemongrass and eucalyptus oil. I have had reliable organic gardeners tell me that rosemary can be crushed and used as a repellent. Another uses a spray of cedar oil. These herbal alternatives work for some, but novice gardeners need to realize that simply planting these plants will not ward off mosquitoes from your patio. They will, however, provide a lush landscape and a self-replenishing source of fresh herbs to crush and use as homemade repellents.
Although many natural repellents are available either over the counter or made in the home, realize that effectiveness may vary. What works for one person, may not for another. The repellent with the most consistent results is still products containing DEET.