(Long Island, N.Y.) Bug off, already! There’s nothing I love more than a summer barbecue. Fresh corn, burgers with all the fixin’s, S’mores once the sun goes down….oh wait, there is no sun. Yep, if you haven’t noticed it sure is raining a whole lot here on Long Island. And not only is it a summer bummer for the kids, all this rain is bringing on the mosquitoes.
If by some chance the sun does manage to shine long enough to head outside for some family fun, here are some tips from Hicks Nurseries (in Westbury) on how to repel mosquitoes by using these organic methods.
First, prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Get rid of sources of standing water such as tins cans, plastic containers and old tires. Change bird bath water at least twice a week. If you have a pond, stock it with fish that eat mosquitoes and keep the edges clear of vegetation and debris.
Mosquitoes don’t like wind.
Set up a fan, set at a low to medium speed, to gently blow across outdoor picnic, dining and sitting areas. This does a great job of keeping annoying insect pests like mosquitoes, flies and yellow jackets away. Many of these pests can’t fly when it’s too breezy!
Try herbal remedies
Mosquitoes hate garlic. Try garlic sprays, powders and plantings to help keep away these insects. There is an oil in catnip that may be more effective at repelling pests than Deet, the chemical used in most commercial repellents. Try breaking off a branch of rosemary and rub it over exposed areas of your skin.
Use mosquito repellant products
There are several remedies in the market that are excellent for mosquito control. One that contains natural oils like cedar oil, citronella oil, geranium oil and lemongrass oil as well as garlic is available in dry granule form or as a liquid hose-end applied can be applied to lawn and garden areas as well as for places mosquitoes congregate.
Another remedy is an organic biological control for mosquito larvae that is applied to standing water and yet another uses baking soda and vinegar to emit carbon dioxide, heat and moisture to safely lure and trap mosquitoes. Even a monthly spraying of lawn and garden areas with safe organic pest controls like insecticidal soap, Neem or horticultural oil will significantly reduce mosquitoes and other annoying pests like fleas and ticks.
Hicks Nurseries, Long Island’s oldest garden nursery (established by the Hicks family in 1853), is located at 100 Jericho Turnpike in Westbury; 516-334-0066; www.hicksnurseries.com. The nursery is handicap accessible throughout.
