How to Control Mosquitoes in Your Yard and Garden
Hello, again!
Last Friday, close to 200 athletes headed out on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route for a trip down the spine of America, through the continental divide from Banff, Alberta, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. The athletes included seasoned professional cyclists in the prime of their careers, as well as your next-door neighbor working 40 hours and preparing for their ‘trip of a lifetime’. Having done the ride myself, it really is something special. The front runners cover the 2750 miles in about 2 weeks, while those in my group will take about a month or more. There are so many factors that go into the ride that it’s difficult to keep on a schedule. The weather, snowpack, river crossings, food, and mechanicals all play into the equation.
Friends and family of participants can follow their favorite athlete on Trackleaders, which gives current race status and each rider's position on a route map. My favorite racer is Sonny Rasmussen from South Dakota. A totally deaf cyclist that I have been fortunate enough to share miles on the bike with.
As of yesterday, Sonny was averaging over 100 miles per day and had stopped in Whitefish, Montana, for a new pair of cycling shoes and padded shorts - I didn’t ask! Today, Sonny should go over Richmond Pass, one of my favorite spots on the route, with its clear view of the Mission mountain range to the west.
Local racer Trey Harrison is also on the Divide heading northbound, which is tough. I’ve tried the route northbound, and it took 4 days!
Before my first trip down in 2015, Dr. Kara, a cyclist and physician friend of mine, strongly advised me to keep bug spray on as I rode. She warned me that I didn’t want to contract Lyme Disease from ticks or West Nile virus from mosquitoes. I took heed and kept bug spray handy. Thanks, Kara.
This same advice should be followed in the garden. Natural repellents can be very effective on mosquitoes and other insects, but sometimes other controls are needed.
Here are my recommendations for a variety of preventions and controls:
Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus) – This plant is used for obtaining the oils in many of our mosquito-repelling products, such as candles and incense. The easiest way to experience the repelling effects of Citronella is to crush the leaves in your hands and rub the essential oil on your skin. You will smell fresh and lemony while keeping mosquitoes at bay. This plant also brightens its surroundings and makes a wonderful addition to your yard, patio, or garden setting. Homemade Citronella lotion is also easy to make; just mix the essential oils into your favorite lotion.
MosquitoGo from ferti•lome – If you want to repel mosquitoes without harming beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and ladybugs, use MosquitoGo. It's also safe around kids and pets. MosquitoGo Granules create an irritant scent barrier using natural cedar oil. It also repels ants, fleas, roaches, beetles, crickets, chiggers, chinch bugs, flies, and gnats. Apply to the area using a spreader at a rate of 1 lb. per 200 square feet as needed. It’s especially helpful when applied before outdoor gatherings.
Summit Mosquito Dunks – The best way to stop mosquitoes is before they're old enough to bite. If you have standing water you can't get rid of, such as in a bird bath or water garden, add Mosquito Dunks to kill any mosquito larvae. Dunks are formulated with BTI, a bacterium that's toxic only to mosquito larvae, making it safe for other wildlife, pets, fish, and humans. Dunks kill larvae within hours and last for up to 30 days.
ferti•lome MosquitoGo Yard Fogger – If you have a big problem with insects like mosquitoes or biting flies, you'll need a more powerful repellent like ferti•lome MosquitoGo Yard Fogger. MosquitoGo Fogger contains a combination of ingredients that rapidly eliminate many nuisance insects. It works best on yards, porches, patios, screens, window frames, and doors. One 16 oz. bottle treats an average 500 sq. ft. patio up to 4 times and also kills mosquitoes, flies, gnats, flying moths, ticks, fleas, hornets, midges, mud daubers, wasps, and many other unwanted insects.
Whatever option or area you are looking for, visit our mosquito control displays at the stores. You don’t want to make a trip to visit Dr. Kara this summer.
Also, don't forget, Summer Mania Days start this Friday, June 19 – July 3rd.
Make sure to dig out all those savings you stashed away from this year's purchases. Mania Money is equivalent to the dollar value printed on the bill (1 = $1.00) and can be used on any regularly priced merchandise, for up to 50% off your purchase total. Our fall Pansy Mania Days won't be until October, so don't miss your chance on these savings!
Your friend in the garden,
Marty Johnson
Owner - Johnson's Garden Centers
