We really don’t like the idea of spraying broad spectrum natural or synthetic insecticides around the yard in an attempt to deal with mosquitoes. Some times it may be necessary, but first we suggest that in most situations, you can take care of the problem using products other than insecticides.
Use Personal Repellents
One means of protection is to avoid mosquitoes by scheduling outdoor activities before or after peak mosquito activity, which is usually in the late afternoon and at dusk.
We recommend personal repellents that do not contain diethyl toluamide (DEET), at least for children. Recent research has indicated that DEET can cause serious problems for children. If adults choose to use that form of repellent, they should use products with concentrations of 15% or less to avoid possible allergenic reactions.
Personal Mosquito Repellents - In Yardener’s Tool Shed you will find products with two approaches to dealing with mosquitoes on one’s person. You can use one product on your clothes that will kill mosquitoes on contact with the permethrin that is included in the repellent. For protection on your bare skin we recommend products with natural ingredients that have proven to be effective. Drenching oneself in repellent is not necessary. You need only enough repellent to "confuse" the mosquito so it cannot detect a suitable spot to feed on you. See the Personal Mosquito Repellent files in Yardener’s Tool Shed.
Try Natural Area Repellents
Other methods that may be used to control mosquitoes but that are less reliable than those listed above are citronella candles, which work temporarily to repel adult mosquitoes. We do not recommend bug "zappers" equipment. Data indicates that less that 5 percent of the insects caught in a bug zapper are female mosquitoes (the ones that bite). Some models tend to attract more insects into an area than would be there if there were no zapper around.
