mosquito control

Louis Romain wrote:
Hi everybody
Do you know what is the latin (gender species) name for herb lemon ? Does it grow in temperate climate ?
Thanks

It is Melissa officinalis, which is in the mint family. Lemon balm is a super prolific perennial in temperate climates.

My neighbours use BT pucks in their natural ponds. I'm glad they do.

I have goldfish in my little artificial pond. No larvae to be seen, and a good place to dump slugs as well. (Note about goldfish: make sure they can't escape into natural water bodies, even in a 500 year flood. They eat everything in the food chain, and can even survive in ponds that freeze to the bottom. Big, big problem.)

Unfortunately not all mosquito species need standing water. Many can hatch in a damp hollow. So we always have waves of annoyance in the summer.

For repellants, I use DEET, primarily on clothing. I have also used a lemon eucalyptus product (Naturapel) that was quite effective.

I find that wearing light coloured clothing and hats (khaki) makes a huge difference. That is, until my black hound makes a beeline for me, shakes off two hundred skeeters, smiles at me, and leaves at high speed. Dog practical jokes.

I'm having success in Wisconsin controlling mosquitoes and tricks with a flock on Indian runner ducks. Two years ago we moved to  semi rural farm  with four acres on grass land it was mosquito haven now no sign of tricks or mosquito, I'm a bit concern of my ducks eating beneficial insects also.

Someone in this thread mentioned permethrin.  That is an unnaturally concentrated chrysanthemum extract that only works if you apply it onto your clothes. It is a contact killer, not a deterrent.  It is extremely potent and kills insects the second they touch it.  

It is equally lethal to pet cats.  Don't ask me how I know.