Mosquito Repellent Systems

Hi all,

Having a wet Spring here in the NE. A monster mosquito year is predicted. I am one who really gets devoured by them and usually get big welts. I have had less than great results from sprays, lotions, etc., whether they have DEET or not. I have always wondered about those whole property systems - the ones that use CO2, or some newer ones that do not. They cost in the hundreds but if I was sure it would work, I would definitely consider one. So, does anyone have first-hand experience with these? What about spraying the property? I am hesitant to do that with two young kids but if it were safe...Thanks!

Mosquito Magnet,
Victor

Just wanted to add that I definitely do NOT want to kill the beneficials as well!

Victor

We have two of the mechanical Mosquito Magnets, and they help a lot. We have a wooded lot with a wet gully behind--mosquito heaven. However, it takes two or three weeks to see the impact, since some eggs will have already been deposited at the time you set up the machine. And they don't attract every female mosquito, so there are still a few out there to bite you. If I'm going to be out for a relatively short time or if the day is breezy, I find I can get away without spraying up, but for longer gardening sessions on still days, Deepwoods Off is still needed. It is always amazing to us, though, how many mosquitoes are in the trap when we empty it (into the pond--the goldfish love the catch!)--hundreds!

Thanks. Where are you supposed to place these things? Does Deep Woods work well for you?

Victor

You place the machine in an open-ish area at the edge of the yard closest to the prevailing winds. In our yard, that means along the west side, since the wind usually comes from that direction. The breeze helps distribute the attractant, which the mosquitoes follow back to the machine. They are then sucked into the net by a small fan. The machine has a propane tank, and also requires electricity, so there has to be an outlet nearby.

Deepwoods Off does work for me, and it's the only repellent that seems to do the job. The machines help so much that I usually only have to spray for extended gardening, which is great because repellent use requires a shower following. Even the unscented version has an odor, and then there's the residue, since I spray every surface, including clothing and hair.

My MIL has had good luck with one of those propane-fired things, too. And it works for the gnats, as well.

Are these used in suburban settings? My question has always been - can I effectively eliminate / cut down the mosquito population with a device if none of my neighbors are doing anything?? Thanks.

Victor

Hi Victor- I haven't used mos. magnet but worked @Home Depot for a year and took lots of feedback- people liked it said it worked well except- people who weekend at the lakes said their electric was prone to surges and outages (when that happens unit had to be reset) so they would arrive to find unit had not been working and it does take a while to break the cycle of the mosquitos. In town if you have neighbors who aren't careful about standing water you'll have continuing problems but not as bad, they will have fewer too. I like my propane fogger- Just pour the bug spray in, light, walk around the yard fogging(keep kids & pets inside for a little while) I fog on still days because the mosquitos hide in my hosta beds. It sure does the trick. Also use deepwoods off. I'm really allergic to gnat bites - the BEST thing to keep them away is vanilla extract- yep right out of the kitchen! Pour a teaspoon in a cup of water and pat it on your skin hair and clothes- they hate it and don't even land. Good luck and happy gardening! Kathy

Thank you Kathy. That's exactly the kind of 'true' feedback I value. I certainly never believe hype or testimonials that appear on product info. As for your fogger, is there a selective spray that would only kill mosquitos, gnats and ticks? I really don't want to kill everything. There are many beneficial insects which help with pest control and pollination, etc. I will give the vanilla extact a try. It's one of my favorite scents anyway. Have you ever tried Bounce sheets? Many people claim they deter bugs but I've never tried it. With my luck, I would still get devoured but I wouldn't have static cling! Thanks again.

Victor

We are suburban--have close neighbors on both sides and a wet woods behind. We're the only ones with machines and we definitely have a lot fewer mosquitos, as do the neighbors, who also benefit. I don't know if the neighbors have any standing water (the woods has enough of that), but I know they don't treat for mosquitos. Kathy is correct; the machines are sensitive to lapses in power, so if your area is prone to variations you will be resetting. Rain or strong winds don't affect the machines, and we have found the manufacturer to be responsive to questions. If you purchase a mosquito magnet be sure that the place you buy it also carries the proper size attractant refills. In addition to the machines, we also use the donut-shaped mosquito dunks in anything that holds water. I have a water garden without fish and several urns/oil jars standing around the garden. I break the donuts in pieces for the smaller vessels.

A little off the subject, but....

If you get bit, use Orajel toothache medicine on the bite and it won't itch, therefore will not get inflamed, therefore will not get infected. I'm allergic to all insect bites therefore was one UNhappy person during the summer until I discovered Orajel http://www.orajel.com/

Judy

That's interesting. I get huge welts from mosquito bites as I said. I also am allergic to bee stings. I will try the Orajel on mosquito bites. Thanks.

Victor

here's a link to a product that looks good. we had the Magnet in the Keys, it worked great, but a little of a pain to deal with. http://www.mosquitofree.com.au/home.asp

Judy,

Used the Orajel a few times. Works great!!! Thanks again.

Victor

BACK,
Just wondering why there was NO "D" in front of that "MIL" in your post, lol.

Best;
blue