How to Kill Mosquitoes Without Harming Vegetables
Unfortunately, mosquitoes are a fact of life. Wherever there are warm temperatures and water, these blood-sucking insects will multiply and thrive. And mosquitoes aren't just obnoxious; they harbor diseases and viruses they pass from host to host. Do what you can to get rid of a growing mosquito population without harming your vegetables with noxious chemicals. The key to getting rid of mosquitoes is to eliminate their breeding grounds. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Replace white porch lights and patio lamps with orange or yellow bulbs. Mosquitoes are not as attracted to warmer colors.
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Remove any standing water, which is a primary breeding ground for mosquitoes. Fill in any low areas in your yard to eliminate puddling during rainy weather. Keep lids on outdoor trash cans to keep out rainwater. Fix any leaking pipes. Standing water that can't be dumped (birdbaths, wading pools) should be refreshed once weekly. If you cannot refresh the water, add Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) to the water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Available at most home improvement and garden centers, BT is a natural substance that is safe for humans and wildlife.
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Clear weeds. Mosquitoes use the foliage of weed stands for resting and breeding. Weeds directly near bodies of water are especially prone to infestation. Keep shorelines and areas around drains and ditches as weed-free as possible.
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Clean and clear gutters and drain standing water on flat roofs.
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Hang a bug zapper near your vegetable garden. Turn it on at night so it zaps any passing adult mosquito.
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Tips & Warnings
It will take a week or so to break the mosquito breeding cycle. In the meantime, garden wearing dark clothes, as mosquitoes are less attracted to darker colors.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
