Control mosquitoes naturally

Its name comes from the Spanish for "little fly." It is so agile it can fly through a rain shower without getting wet! Only the female sucks human blood.

Birds, bats, frogs, dragonflies and ants eat mosquitoes.

To control mosquitoes, get rid of all standing water. If you can't, add a little soap or a little neem oil to the water, or add some Bti, an effective biological control that kills insects without harming humans or the environment. Garlic oil also can be used for control (Good Nature Organic Lawn Care can garlic spray your backyard).

On people, consider using Avon's Skin-So-Soft. Avoid using products that contain DEET. People, especially children, may experience neurological symptoms, muscle pain, headaches or tremors. It is much safer, and just as effective, to use oil of lemon eucalyptus.

The Repel brand, with 26 percent oil of lemon eucalyptus, prevent bites for 4–12 hours. However, note that pure oil of lemon eucalyptus, an essential oil, has not been tested for safety or efficacy.

For more information about natural ways to control mosquitoes, contact 216-371-3263 or visit www.beyondpesticides.org/mosquito.

Barry Zucker

Barry Zucker is executive director of Beyond Pesticides Ohio, which provides alternatives to chemical pest control. BPO is located in University Heights.

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Volume 4, Issue 7, Posted 2:52 PM, 07.04.2011