Hey everyone! I'm looking for some guidance on how to effectively deal with mosquitoes in my small yard located in Queens, NYC. Last year was really tough because the mosquitoes made it nearly impossible to enjoy my outdoor space or even harvest my vegetables. I've already tried planting various herbs like marigolds, lavender, mint, and citronella, but unfortunately, they didn't seem to help. Anyone have any safe and natural methods that could work?
3 Answers
I've had a lot of success with mosquito dunks! They help target the larvae without harming your veggies. Just remember to eliminate any standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Cover the buckets with mesh to keep other animals out but still attract those pesky mosquitoes. Rallying some neighbors to do the same could really help too—mosquitoes don’t know property lines!
Creating a barrier is key! Wearing long sleeves and using garden gloves can minimize bites. Some people also use small fans to blow mosquitoes away while they're outdoors. I've read a lot about plants being supposed repellents, but I've never found them very effective myself. Best way is to also set up mosquito traps and use natural repellents if you can.
Try using cedar oil as a natural mosquito repellent—there are products available in both liquid and granule forms. You might also want to attract natural predators like bats by setting up bat houses; they can significantly reduce mosquito populations. Remember, it’s a combination of efforts that usually yields the best results!
Great tips! Building habitats for predatory creatures certainly helps—every little bit counts!
Totally agree! Plus, consider planting more herbs that mosquitoes dislike; it might send them off to bother someone else!