Repel mosquitos w/o chemicals or repelling fireflies

[woods1892]

Hi all,

Odd question but if you live in an area where you have both, when it gets dark, you can quickly see why a person would want and not the other

Fireflies are just beautiful. From what I read I collect they are repelled by chemicals and like tall grass or woodsy areas. I dont want to go dousing my property with chemicals or anything like that, especially with a garden nearby.

Does anyone know of any ideas?

 

[Beth_B]

If only there was a yard spray that killed ONLY mosquitoes, I'd use it. But I also get fireflies and wouldn't think of spraying my yard with anything that killed all bugs.
Lots of mosquitoes here. Only think I've ever found to be effective if you want to be out in the evenings is Deet or Backwoods Off or something like that. So they stay away from you but otherwise do their thing.

 

[peachdejour]

I've actually started going a more natural route of repelling mosquitos by planting lemongrass, lavender and citronella. I have a lot of problems with chemicals myself so we try to stay away from using as many chemicals as possible. My gardens are still fairly new so I will let you know how it all works out.

 

[Claire]

Here in NC (and other states I imagine) there are several mom and pop anti-mosquito companies popping up all over the place. They come out once a month (or every 6 weeks depending on the need) and spray something "all natural" that kills mosquitos, ticks, and fleas. It is harmless to humans and pets, and doesn't get rid of every single bug you have.

We've been very happy with the service in the wet summers that we've needed it most.

To be honest though, the best thing for mosquitos for us was moving to a house without any standing water nearby. From our old neighborhood (with a big pond behind the fence) to this one is a difference of night and day how many mosquitos we have.

You can also try building bat houses to attract natural mosquito eaters. A single bat can eat up to something like 500 mosquitos a night. A single bat house can hold hundreds of bats. Google it. They are pretty cool.

 

[GoatDriver]

I use Beautyberry {Callicarpa Americana} to make insect repellant, it works much, much better than commercial products and is natural and safe to use.
Take the leaves (and you can also use the berries if you want), place them in a pint jar and cover with rubbing alcohol. Leave for 3-5 days and then strain off the leaves. I put the liquid in a small spray bottle that I get at the dollar store and "spritz" it on me when I need to repel biting insects.
The fruit of the Beautyberry is also used to make jelly.


Here's a few links for more info on the insect repellant

http://www.motherearthnews.com/natu...ry-natural-insect-repellent-zmaz09amzraw.aspx

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/07/060703091932.htm

http://www.preppergarden.biz/Beautyberry-for-Preppers-p/wld-beautyberry.htm

Researchers at Iowa State University found nepetalactone, the essential oil in Catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET.
https://www.cals.iastate.edu/news/releases/catnip-captures-attention-mosquito-repellent
http://www.mosquitosolutions.com/iastateu.html


PENNYROYAL (Mentha pulegium) can also be used as an insect repellant.