backyard mosquito control
With warmer temperatures come backyard cookouts, summer parties and — we hate to say it — tons of mosquitos. While humid environments are better breeding grounds for these pesky bugs, they can survive almost anywhere, as long as they have access to water. But just because their presence is inevitable doesn't mean you have to suffer through itchy mosquito bites and annoying buzzes: Take matters into your own hands by protecting your yard with the best mosquito repellents and bug sprays.
The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have battled all manner of backyard nuisances for decades. They can tell you why mosquito bites are so itchy (it's a reaction caused by the salivary proteins of female mosquitoes), why pregnant people tend to get munched on (the extra carbon dioxide and heat their bodies release) and which treatments provide the fastest belief (go for the 1% hydrocortisone cream). For this report, our experts pulled together a list of the best mosquito repellants for keeping the bugs from reaching you in the first place.
Read more about the most effective mosquito repellents you can buy below, including top-rated machines, sprays, candles and more; you can find more information about how we choose the best mosquito repellants and how to prevent bites in the first place at the bottom of this guide. Looking for ways to naturally repel mosquitos? Check out our guide to the best mosquito repellent plants.
Family Friendly Back Yard Mosquito Misting Systems
If you don't want to fiddle with sprays or candles, this cordless, scent-free device relies on heat-activated repellants to create a 15-foot bug-free zone, perfect for dinners on the deck or other small-scale outdoor entertaining. Our experts like the simplicity of the design, plus Thermacell's claim that its repellant uses EPA-approved pyrethroid as its active ingredient.
To operate the Thermacell Patio Shield, simply insert a 12-hour fuel cartridge and a four-hour repellant mat into the cylinder, then activate the cartridge to generate heat. As the mat becomes hot, it releases an invisible shield of repellant. A view window makes it easy to check that the device is working, and replacement fills are fairly affordable, costing about $20 for 48 hours of protection, good for plenty of hot summer nights.
This is a more aggressive solution that's formulated not just to repel mosquitoes and other pests, but to kill them dead, using the EPA-registered insecticide
Eco Friendly Mosquito Control Service In Durham
. Our experts say Cutter is a good fit for large backyards, but it needs to be applied safely and according to the manufacturer's instructions. Keep it away from sewers and storm drains, where it could enter rivers, lakes and other waterways. If children or pets are present, it's important to keep them away until the spray is thoroughly dry.
The major upside to sprays like Backyard Bug Control is their ease of use. Simply attach your hose to the sprayer bottle and you'll be able to reach every nook and cranny of your yard. A single bottle treats up to 5, 000 square feet of landscaping, lawn and other outdoor terrain. Even rainy or humid weather won't get in its way: It kills mosquitos, ants, fleas, ticks and other insects for up to 12 weeks (a.k.a. all summer long).
Like its brand-mate in this roundup, the Patio Shield, this Thermacell device is meant to keep mosquitoes from flying into your space with the use of a heat-activated repellant. Our product experts like that it also allows you to illuminate your patio or deck thanks to its built-in, battery-powered lantern. Operation is the same as with Patio Shield and replacement fills cost the same $20 for 48 hours of mosquito protection.
The Backyard Is Yours Again With Mosquito Control
As a general rule, the best way to reduce mosquitos — besides using top-of-the-line sprays and repellents, of course — is by emptying anything that holds water. "Remember the 'tip and toss' rule, " says Craig Stoops, chief science officer for Mosquito Authority. "Tip over items that you can’t dispose of to empty water where mosquito larvae may be found. Then toss any items in your backyard that you don’t need anymore that may be sources of mosquito breeding."
The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement Lab provides expert reviews and advice on all things home-related, including lawn and yard care. In his role as Director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab, Dan DiClerico brings more than 20 years of experience to the Institute, having reviewed thousands of products for
. For this report, our review team also worked closely with Birnur Aral, Ph.D, director of the Institute's Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab.
Backyard Mosquito Control Guide
Dan DiClerico Home Improvement & Outdoor Director Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute.Mosquito Joe lead technician Damien Ysasi sprays a mixture of essential oil insecticides in a yard in Cascade Township near Grand Rapids, Mich., on July 20, 2022.John Flesher / AP file
CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. — It’s an increasingly familiar sight in U.S. cities and suburbs: A van pulls up to the curb. Workers wearing gloves, masks and other protective gear strap on backpack-type mechanisms with plastic hoses, similar to leaf blowers.
The winged, spindly-legged bloodsuckers have long been the bane of backyard barbecues and, in tropical nations, carriers of
Post a Comment for "backyard mosquito control"