Mosquitoes - How are you fighting them?

[aggierailroad]

Here's the scenario: I sprayed OFF! on all over myself last night and started working in the garage around 8pm. I've also got a 36" fan blowing on me to help swat the vampires out of the sky.

Act 2: I'm doing some upside down welding and the vampires are now flying in my hood and causing my brain to go on lockdown. I tack the piece up, and jump up arms flailing. I shut her down, pack it up and go inside, beaten. My Miller Digital Elite hood is nice, but it didn't come with mosquito netting.

The Question: What are ya'll doing to combat the bloodsuckers? I was thinking citronella candles but figured my fan would blow away any good that it would do. I'm interested in those yeast/sugar traps made out of a coke bottle

but am not sure it will attract them more than I will when we are both present.

Would appreciate your tips

 

[Gary S]

I keep my garage closed, so I don't have a problem with them getting in there. In my yard, I use my bug lights to attract them and kill them if the population gets out of control. Some years it is a big problem, and some years it is no problem. It all depends on the rain.

 

[hmbemis]

We've had a few weeks of near constant rain... they are warning us our local mosquito populations are going to explode over the next couple of weeks. It was already bad enough that once the sun set I was getting covered by them in the back yard. I use Cutter and Off, which does help, but not enough.

Never seen that Coke bottle trap. Neighbor in the back used to run a propane powered traps, he said he'd catch millions of them but it didn't seem to make a dent on the number swarming you, so he stopped bothering. He has a bug zapper, says it doesn't really help help much either but at least gives him some satisfaction hearing them fry.

 

[Automatic Slim]

I keep one of these in my shop and it's really the only product I endorse for mosquito's. Of course get rid of any standing water issues around property or use dunks.

The bug dope has limitations, the fan is helpful, clothing a must. Mosquito magnets work well in heavy areas, but are expensive.

be sure to have your pets on preventative for heartworms, and the west nile don't play games either.

The thermocell works well for most shop sizes, or can wear on your person for more protection.

I'm interested in what others have to say here as well. GL

 

[Professur]

The key to the traps is to locate them away from where you are. They attract the blood suckers, and if you're sitting right next to an attractant ...

For the most part they don't like me much ... particularly if I'm with the family .. they all taste better than me it would seem. It's important to remove any standing water if you don't want them around. A puddle on a tarp is all they need to breed. Look in your rain barrel for quarter inch long worms swimming sideways ... that's them.

 

[Angelfire]

No mosquitos here so I can't help. But I lived in Alaska for awhile so can associate with your pain!

 

[marty_p]

I lived in Alaska for awhile so can associate with your pain!

And can I tell you what they're like down here!

When darkness falls, my doors close too.

 

[Perrorojo]

Ju-Jitsu.

 

[Perrorojo]

This time of year I have to bath in Deep Woods Off.

 

[dandan111]

If they are terrible in the grass I spray malathion. Our town fogs so Mosquitos are pretty much under control.

 

[Steevo]

Drink more tequila.
It makes your perspiration repel mosquitoes.

 

[ShawnJ]

I've used this stuff called "Mosquito Barrier" it's really just concentrated garlic juice. If you spray the perimeter of your property and any standing water this should really help. Here's a link. http://www.mosquitobarrier.com/

 

[Bender78]

I keep one of these in my shop and it's really the only product I endorse for mosquito's. Of course get rid of any standing water issues around property or use dunks.

The thermocell works well for most shop sizes, or can wear on your person for more protection.

I'm interested in what others have to say here as well. GL

X2 on the ThermaCELL; I use one in the shop and when I'm sitting on the porch in the evening throwing back some cold ones. Works very well as long as it's not too breezy out.

 

[aggierailroad]

I live in Houston... the city is full of water. Me keeping my area clear is like throwing a snowball in a blizzard.

I like the repellent, but I think that the fan will mitigate any effects it would have. You also have to think that it's around 95F in the evenings here. You have to have the fan and keeping the door shut isn't an option, especially with welding, grinding and sanding.

 

[bdamico]

I live in Houston... the city is full of water. Me keeping my area clear is like throwing a snowball in a blizzard.

I like the repellent, but I think that the fan will mitigate any effects it would have. You also have to think that it's around 95F in the evenings here. You have to have the fan and keeping the door shut isn't an option, especially with welding, grinding and sanding.

this has been covered a few times here. I use a full perimeter system from mistaway. big bucks. systems were invented in texas. I also use drum fans diy mosquito trap, which is significantly better than the trap systems people buy, especially if you combine it with a bg sentinel mosquito lure

for more information on that approach--check out skeeterbags.

i have researched the hell out of mosquitos and tried lots of stuff. I have spent thousands fighting them I can tell you to start with the fan traps. that is best bang for your buck, and may help break the breading cycle

and those little diy co2 systems are not sufficient. if you insist on luring them, look into mosquitaire and import a system from mexico. they use proprietary mosquito lure / combined with co2 from tanks. they make the bg sentinel trap, which researchers use to track mosquito populations, and make the only trap that really works with asian tiger mosquitos.

 

[CNGsaves]

Wow I feel for ya down there in Houston, TX . . . . . with the rains lately I bet it's a swarm at dusk!!

I'd say try any and ALL options . . including the Steevo method of drinking tequila! If one of your trickster buddies gave you home-made remedy to rub on, make sure it's not sugar water!

Try perimeter approach around garage by spraying any lawn around garage with one of those fogger cans. Then near garage doors the citronella burners. Finally Deep Woods Off on yourself. Good luck!

 

[AndyL]

We get these 'rings' from the garden center (can't remember the name, they sell them in bulk format) - you throw in standing water; contains bacteria that kill mosquito larvae.

On springs like this one where - they're a godsend... go on a walkabout with a couple dozen in my pocket and toss them into the ditches / flooded areas.

edit - ahh here they are!

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/mosquito-dunks-6-pack/917448

Mosquito dunks is what they're called.

 

[malibu101]

I never tried it myself but I've heard that vitamin B1 helps to keep mosquitoes away from you and helps any bites fade away quicker.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/440865-vitamin-b1-as-a-mosquito-repellent/

http://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/are-you-mosquito-magnet?page=2

 

[Jagmandave]

I decided to not fight mother nature, I put a big 18K BTU window A/C in my garage and keep the door down as much as possible.

When I have to mow, especially the acreage out south, I coat myself in Deep Woods Off - it helps a lot but when it's hot and I'm sweating a lot, I have to recoat frequently.... it's a PITA - no doubt.

 

[gipraw]

I hang a Thermacell over the area where I am working, and I have one of these handy to deal with the ones that can't take a hint.

 

[mayday0017]

My wife's grandpa uses Cuter yard spray sold at the big box stores. You put it on your water hose and spray the area. The only reason I even know what he uses is becuase it works so well. He lives close to a pond that was an old sand pit, and the other old sand pit on he other side of him has turned into a junk dump. He has huge mosquitoes around his property but no longer has any on his property. There is literally a wall of mosquitos you can see just on the other side of where he sprayed. I saw this when I was at his house and had to ask what he did to keep them off his property and that is when I found out about the yard spray.

 

[Tone-NY]

I've used these for the last two years and they get the job done.

http://www.keepsbugsoff.com/en-US/Products/Pages/OFF-Clip-On.aspx

 

[pmiranda]

That fan thing looks awesome. I've tried the Mosquito Magnet and it never ran reliably. Too damn finicky.

 

[kbs2244]

I am on the vitamin B1 train.
(I have heard that a half tea spoon of bakers yeast at breakfast works as well.)

It alters your body chemistry so you don’t smell good to a mosquito.

A big advantage is it works wherever you go.
But it takes a week or so to get through your body to the point it works.

 

[mudhog]

Skeeter Beeter that screws on your water hose works the best, a lot better then cutter or other brands. But if you go to a feed store and buy perethuim (don't know how to spell it) but it is the active ingredient in those lawn spray water hose attachement stuff and you mix it with water and it is alot cheaper this way. I live in mosquitoe country and out in the woods with ponds all around me and after spraying this stuff you can walk around in your birthday suit. It last about 3-4 months if it don't rain. I can tell when I step out of the sprayed area I instanly get attacked.

 

[Thumper68]

http://www.scotts.com/smg/goprod/ortho-bug-b-gon-max-lawn-garden-insect-killer/prod180008/

Have used this for years, once in june and again in aug

 

[bdamico]

I am on the vitamin B1 train.
(I have heard that a half tea spoon of bakers yeast at breakfast works as well.)

It alters your body chemistry so you don’t smell good to a mosquito.

A big advantage is it works wherever you go.
But it takes a week or so to get through your body to the point it works.

Placebo only. People should research before they commit to stuff like that

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/mosquito-mythbusting-real-repellents-stand/story?id=10543307

 

[bdamico]

That fan thing looks awesome. I've tried the Mosquito Magnet and it never ran reliably. Too damn finicky.

look up mosquitaire (by biogents) as well. It uses co2 from beverage tanks so you avoid the propane conversion issue, which plagues the mosquito traps we have in the usa. but for now i have fun with the fans (and of course my mistaway perimeter system)

 

[wrench409]

We've taken to using a pump .410 on 'em here.

Gettin' expensive as well as noisy.

 

[aggierailroad]

We've taken to using a pump .410 on 'em here.

Gettin' expensive as well as noisy.

Lol. The lawn sprays won't be too beneficial as my yard is about 50 sq ft. Think town homes. I appreciate the suggestions but may go old school with citronella candles. The fans are cool but I don't have storage space for them. The clip on shield is looking pretty good too as I'm looking to create a bubble more than wipe out scores of them.

 

[Jeep Monkey RTR]

I know this sounds stupid but I read recently that catnip planted in your yard repels Mosquitos. I am sure it will attract the neighborhood cats though. At least they are easier to shoot.

 

[fflintstone]

This year they are BAD here, they started early and are numerous. But, they seem to be slower, and much easier to kill. We have had a ton of rain here this spring though. I put up bat houses last spring and put bat guano on them. I have yet to see bats around though. They bug my wife and son much more than me. They seem to fly better in the breeze from the drum fan than previously. That usually keeps them at bay in the shop but not so much this year. I have tons of trees and ponds on my property so I am fighting a losing battle.

 

[Falcon67]

We've taken to using a pump .410 on 'em here.

Gettin' expensive as well as noisy.

Having lived in Houston and visited Louisiana, I concur. If you like hand-to-hand combat, the a .177 pellet gun does OK.

 

[ironman70]

build some bat houses...

 

[DoghouseForge]

Skeeter Beeter that screws on your water hose works the best, a lot better then cutter or other brands. But if you go to a feed store and buy perethuim (don't know how to spell it) but it is the active ingredient in those lawn spray water hose attachement stuff and you mix it with water and it is alot cheaper this way. I live in mosquitoe country and out in the woods with ponds all around me and after spraying this stuff you can walk around in your birthday suit. It last about 3-4 months if it don't rain. I can tell when I step out of the sprayed area I instanly get attacked.

X2 - permethrin is a very affordable way to make your own yard spray. It comes in pints, quarts, and gallons. I use it to make my own fly/mosquito spray for horses since the $20 a bottle stuff is just scented up versions of the same thing..

The Yard sprays really make a difference. Ive used Bayer/Cutter.. etc... My house is in a close neighborhood and even though I only spray my yard/driveway/plants/bushes (and whatever overspray might happen into the neighbors ) it makes a huge difference. Florida wet season is no joke and I can tell immedialty when its time to respray. The standing water issues just get dumped out if possible but the yard spray will take care of that as well.

The little personal body fan things seem to work when camping but it would be questionable under the fans.

The only other thing I use on extreme breakouts is 100% deet OFF . I dont know if you can buy that in texas but our wally world sells it as well as the sporting good stores.. Usually near the fishing stuff...

I feel your pain, they track me down. Matter of fact I have one in the office right now that is biting my ankles but I cant seem to get the *******!

JP

 

[NHBandit]

Been living here in North East Tennessee for 2 Summers now and still haven't seen a single mosquito.

 

[coljar]

Been living here in North East Tennessee for 2 Summers now and still haven't seen a single mosquito.

They're bad here in SE Ohio, but when we visit our son in Johnson City, TN, I've not been bitten yet.

 

[bullfrog123]

Tempo SC Ultra..... nuff said!!!!!!

I spray twice a year and enjoy the evenings on the deck without critters. Safe around pets, horses, etc. Heck, my fert/chem dealer sprays it IN his house. I spray around doors, windows, roof line, under the deck, trees, flowers, barn, corrals, even the entire pastures.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0041ND0ZY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[garagestevens]

I was thinking about trying something like this:

http://www.geektoogeek.com/live-outside-worry-free-witht-he-best-mosquito-trap-you-can-buy/

Is it worth the money?

 

[MScott]

I have been using the Blue Rhino SkeeterVac since last year and have notice a real drop in the number of biting insects. It uses a propane tank to heat the sticky collection traps and produce CO2. I used it this year on black flies for the first time (we have them for about 2-3 weeks in the spring and it collected thousands. I noticed a real drop in their numbers as I did with mosquitoes, deer flies and horse flies last year. A tank of propane lasts about a month and I go through a box of TacTraps every one or two months (more in the beginning of the season.)
Interestingly, my S.I.L. was barbequing at my place on Fathers Day and was being bothered by some mosquitoes. He walked over to the trap, then walked back to the barbeque and the mosquitoes stayed by the trap. Apparently they were more attracted to it than to him.