The mild winter weather and heavy rainfall has caused an increase in the mosquito population this year. Mosquitoes pose dangers health risk according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ways to prevent Mosquitoes:
- Remove standing water by emptying outside containers and making sure your yard has proper drainage. If you’re a fan of birdbaths, change the water in them at least twice a
week, and, of course, change the water in outdoor pet bowls regularly.
For items such as recycling bins, drill drainage holes to prevent
standing water. Clean debris from gutters. Repair leaky faucets. Turn buckets and the kiddie pool upside.
- Grow the right plants. Plants such as horse mint,
rosemary, marigolds, ageratum and catnip are said to
have odorous attributes that mosquitoes detest. Simply crush the leaves
to release their scent, or rub them on your skin and clothing for the
most protection.
- Burn a bit of the herb. (Not that herb.) The next time you barbecue, throw some sage or rosemary on the coals to repel mosquitoes.
- Attract bats. It is said that one small brown bat can catch 600 mosquitoes per hour. I have clients that are true believers. All about bats.
- Wear repellents when outdoors. There are plenty of natural concoctions that you can make by searching online. My new favorite is Natural Quit Bugging Me! I purchased it at Whole Foods and keep it in my car at all times.
If it has already happened try one of these remedies.