Mosquito bites not only itch, but can spread disease and pathogens.
Mosquitoes can ruin an afternoon on your patio in a hurry. Female mosquitoes, in particular, bite and are responsible for leaving itchy, red blemishes. There are numerous options available to you for keeping them away, with some working better than others. What method is best depends entirely on personal preference. Does this Spark an idea?
Citronella
Citronella has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency as a repellent against mosquitoes and other flying insects. It typically comes in the form of candles that can be placed on a patio. They give off the strong citronella scent when lit, which purportedly keeps mosquitoes at bay by masking the scent of human breath. They are effective against mosquitoes, but there is no guarantee they will stay out of the area. It is best used for large, open areas that need a wide area of protection. However, it will only work for as long as the candles are burning and will do little to deter mosquitoes permanently. Citronella candles and torches are the best option if you want temporary large-scale protection during picnics or other patio outings.
Misting Systems
Home misting systems are an effective yet costly way to keep mosquitoes from your patio for short periods of time, but are not quite as useful in the long run. They work by expelling an insecticide like pyrethrin into the air via tubes and misters connected to a drum of the substance. It kills mosquitoes on contact, but does not serve as a repellent so there's nothing to stop another wave of insects from attacking shortly after the first have been killed. Insecticides are safe as long as they are used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The price for these systems vary, but expect to pay around $2500. They are the most viable option for those who have severe mosquito swarms that citronella candles can't keep away.
Mosquito Nets
Mosquito netting may be the most effective way to keep mosquitoes away from your loved ones, but are impractical for large, open patios. The netting is a net of very fine mesh with holes too small for mosquitoes and other flying insects to pass through yet large enough to allow for sufficient airflow. They may be placed around your patio's table areas to keep unwanted mosquitoes out. Some are laced with insecticides to kill pests that try to break through it. Mosquito nets are the best choice if you're staying in a small, confined area.
General Prevention
The best way to keep mosquitoes away from your patio is to prevent them entirely. They require standing water to lay their eggs, so remove any receptacle on or around your patio that could harbor it. This includes trash cans, empty pots and buckets. Keep your pool pump on as much as possible so the water circulates and deters mosquitoes and drain your kiddie pool between uses.
What Doesn't Work
Bug zappers are a popular choice for mosquito elimination on patios during evening hours but sbe rather ineffective. They work by drawing flying insects in with a bright light then zapping them on an electrified grid. Studies show that less than one-quarter of bugs killed with bug zappers are actually biting insects and that yards equipped with them do not show any significant difference in mosquito numbers as yards without them. Ultrasonic devices are advertised to give off a high-pitched ring that drives mosquitoes away but studies show that these are not effective.
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