Get rid of mosquitoes without the heavy chemicals with these tips below.
Stan from Granite Shoals asks: How long do mosquito eggs survive on a dry surface? (After I’ve dumped the bowl that collected water when it rained.)
[image id="23316" title="Luedecke"] Bill Luedecke and daughter Martelle offer advice to Highland Lakes gardeners.Answer: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Eggs are very hardy; they stick to the walls of a container like glue and can survive drying out for up to 8 months — even over the winter in the southern United States.”
It only takes a very small amount of water to attract a female mosquito. Bowls, cups, fountains, tires, barrels, vases, and any other container storing water makes for a great “nursery.” And, they say, a female can lay up to 100 eggs at a time! Ouch! Or, rather, itch!
So, on that note …
Mosquito solutions are flourishing in the “I always use” department.
Here are just a few:
They say you can repel mosquitoes if you use Bounce fabric softener sheets to wipe your arms, legs, etc. Another tip is to use Avon Skin-So-Soft bath oil mixed about half and half with alcohol (that came from some Marines). One of the best natural repellents is clear vanilla. It is good for ticks as well.
MOSQUITO REPELLENT
Here is a recipe for mosquito repellent from Delicious Living magazine.
James Rouse recommends this natural insect repellent to keep the bugs at bay: Mix together a few drops each of citronella, geranium, lemon, and rosemary essential oils with a few tablespoons of unscented almond oil and apply to your skin. He says to reapply as needed. This really beats the smell of Deet.
Or, for chiggers and mosquitoes, you can make a spray. Simply place lavender, lemongrass, rosemary, or tea tree essential oil in a witch hazel base. Use 2 teaspoons of witch hazel to 4 tablespoons of water with five drops of oil. Place in a spray bottle, shake, and spray.
MY FAVORITE MOSQUITO REMEDY
Several people have sent this one to me. Put some water in a white dinner plate and add a couple drops of lemon-fresh Joy dish detergent. Set the dish on your porch, patio, deck, or outdoor area away from where you will spend time. It will bring in mosquitoes by the droves, and they will drop dead shortly after drinking the detergent mixture — usually within about 10 feet of the plate. Give it a try. It is cheap and will not harm children or pets.
Keep your souls and soles in your garden!Remember the True Master Gardener: Jesus said, “I am the vine; my Father is the Gardener.” John 15:1
Have questions or comments?
Contact Bill Luedecke at The Luedecke Group Realtors at (512) 577-1463 or email him bill@texasland.net. Contact Martelle Luedecke at (512) 769-3179 or luedeckephotography@gmail.com.
