Mosquito Control

Slapchop

Slapchop

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 1, 2009
674
23
46
New York
#1
Recently moved to a rural area and I can't believe the amount and different types of insects that we have up here.

I tried the bug zapper and its not that great. Has anyone had any luck with those propane vacs like the Skeeter Vac? A friend suggested placing a bat house on the property, anyone ever try that?

Seriously, any suggestions are welcome.
 
#2
Re: Mosquito Control

If you can, eliminate all standing water near the house as well as dense foliage that will trap and hold water. I remember we had pretty bad mosquitoes at my parents one year, most of the property was let to run wild, I spent a few days and mowed a good amount down, probably doubled the sized of the mowed area, that alone actually helped cut down on them a bit.

Now if you are up north, around Watertown, Fort Drum area, good luck, invest in napalm and flak guns, those bugs are so big they have landing gear haha.
 
#3
Re: Mosquito Control

my buddy has an old barn that bats live in and they eat tons of bugs. as soon as the sun is mostly down they fly all over catching em.
my parents have purple martin bird houses at their house but there has to be a pond or water source for them to come. purple martins are like bats that they eat lots of bugs but theyre not creepy. (great lakes bird so u might be able to get em depending on where in NY you are)
not sure about the propane vacs never had one. i heard the zappers kill the bugs that dont bug ya anyway??? not sure how true that is.
sorry im not better help. your local DNR (dept of natural resources) might be helpful with bat questions for your area
 
#5
Re: Mosquito Control

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sled Dog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Build a bat house. If you can get a small colony started they'll eat 'em up. </div></div>

Yeah, but make sure you block off any ventilation to your home, with small mesh wire grates!!!

Like chimney flues, and attic vents!!! lol
 
#6
Re: Mosquito Control

Definitely want to add to the Martin House suggestion. A now departed neighbor lady, at our previous home, had several on her property and they were amazingly effective at knocking down the skeeters!

Takes a little planning though as the houses need to be built (Or bought) specific to their size and the scouts need to find them on the return trip north after the winter migration. If the scouts find the houses, they'll bring home the bitches! Then you'll be set for life.

As to what you can do now, exterminators can make a dent in them.

Good luck!
 
#8
Re: Mosquito Control

http://www.bughat.com
grin.gif
 
#10
Re: Mosquito Control

A lot of good suggestions above, and here is what has worked for me for the cheap solutions. Make sure your property drains well, especially under decks if you have them. Try some spreadable insecticide on your yard focusing on the low lying areas. Anything that holds water will be a breeding ground, so get rid of those or at least make sure the water is dumped after each rain. Tires, open trash cans, buckets, tarps, etc.

Screened in porches and 100% DEET kick ass too.
 
#12
Re: Mosquito Control

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Peloton</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If your mosquitoes are anything like ours, I recommend one of these.
aa-gun.jpg
</div></div>

Are you still referring to the mosquito insect, or the bomber...?
grin.gif
 
#13
Re: Mosquito Control

There are basically 2 types of mosquitoes. Some breed in stagnant water like in abandoned tires and anything that holds water, creeks, etc. The other type lays eggs that may end up on dry ground until rain comes. Then the eggs hatch and you really get swarmed.
Moswuitoes travel several miles so most barrier methods don't work.
The best option is to be absolutely sure you have no standing water anywhere on your property.
Where did you place your bug zapper? Most people place it near the patio. You have to remember that it not only zaps them, it also attracts them so place it a little distance away.
You won't be able to keep them away, but you can reduce their numbers locally. When you have a picnic use everything you can find. Something working a little is better than nothing.
Also remember they become more active at dark. If you can avoid that time period. Of course it's so hot here that going out during the day just isn't an option.

Jim
 
#14
Re: Mosquito Control

When I was in Alaska it was said that teh Mosquito was the state bird.

You know what works?


Avon Skin So SOft -


NOTHING ELSE TOUCHES IT..............TRUST ME - BEEN 6 years in Alaska in the bush there, SSS is the BOmb!!!!!!!!!!!
 
#15
Re: Mosquito Control

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#16
Re: Mosquito Control

I cut back the weeds/undergrowth, and plant marigolds.

The weeds provide shelter and allow the mosquitos to cling when the wind picks up, otherwise they get blown downwind.

The marigolds are a natural repellent, and I always have several in my veggie plots. I am told ferns (asparagus, etc.) are also natural repellents. Always let a few grow out and go to seed.

The Indians taught the New England settlers to plant veggies in a triple strategy; corn, beans, and squash. The corn provided a trellis for the beans and the prickly foliage of the squash kept the animals off. Add marigolds and the bugs get repelled, too.

I used to be an elected committeeman in a condo campground. I would walk around early on Sunday mornings, scattering marigold seeds all through the campground. It helped, and most of the folks in our village never even noticed.

Greg
 
#18
Re: Mosquito Control

If you have a bad mosquito problem use any product that contains BIFENTHRIN, preferably 25% active ingredient. Mix 18oz per 100 gallons and wet everything down except the roof. Think perimeter control. Excellent kill and 6 - 8 week residual control. This will also do in ticks, spiders, wasps, hornets and termites. Basically all the nasties!

Note: If you have flower beds, skip them because this will kill honey bees.

FYI - Certified and Licensed terminator
 
#20
Re: Mosquito Control

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArcticLight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
You know what works?


Avon Skin So Soft </div></div>

+1 works really well
 
#21
Re: Mosquito Control

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I cut back the weeds/undergrowth, and plant marigolds.

The weeds provide shelter and allow the mosquitos to cling when the wind picks up, otherwise they get blown downwind.

The marigolds are a natural repellent, and I always have several in my veggie plots. I am told ferns (asparagus, etc.) are also natural repellents. Always let a few grow out and go to seed.

The Indians taught the New England settlers to plant veggies in a triple strategy; corn, beans, and squash. The corn provided a trellis for the beans and the prickly foliage of the squash kept the animals off. Add marigolds and the bugs get repelled, too.

I used to be an elected committeeman in a condo campground. I would walk around early on Sunday mornings, scattering marigold seeds all through the campground. It helped, and most of the folks in our village never even noticed.

Greg </div></div>

Johnny_Appleseed_1972_post_card.jpg
 
#22
Re: Mosquito Control

I feel your pain. I have 7 acres, half or better is trees, the rest is my yard. Surrounded by 40 acres of timber and 60 acres of wetlands.

Honestly, I have tried the "tricks" and I have a ton of ferns growing wild in the woods.

The only real way to eliminate the bastards is through chemicals.
I was spraying a product called Perm-Up and loved it. Sprayed it at my Dads, brothers, and Grandmothers place. Now its gone, and my source is no longer available. It is a restricted pesticide, and was pretty pricey at 90 bucks a gallon. But it went along way, and was well worth it.

I am likely going to get a chemical applicators license just to spray the damn bugs.

I wish I could call in a crop duster and be done with it!

ETA: I have a barn full of bats, and starlings, I promise they can't eat enough. But I think the bats are fun to watch!
 
#23
Re: Mosquito Control

Permethrin works well. Probably what Teggy is referring to. It is commonly used to spray farm animals so I would check your local feed stores. Pesticide stores will carry something similar but will charge a lot more for it (dont ask me why). Runs about ~ $15/32 oz of 10% in my neck of the woods.

I spray exterior walls, patio, bushes, etc, with a 0.15% solution every month or so. Once a year I spray inside the house with 0.05%.

Also can be used to treat clothes (soak or spray) and dogs.

Best thing I ever did was treat all of my outdoor gear.
 
#24
Re: Mosquito Control

The problem you will have is that you can't apply pesticide on the wetlands. The best control I have used is the mosquito cakes. We throw them into standing water. The cakes dissolve and reduce the surface tension of the water. Since the mosquitoes lay their eggs on the bottom of the surface the lowered surface tension makes it impossible for them to lay eggs.
Almost anything you can apply to water that does that would be banned in a wetlands, and that is where most of your problem is.

Jim
 
#25
Re: Mosquito Control

Not really for mosquitoes but a neat trick anyway...

Its really for wasps, bees etc...

Take a two liter soda bottle, slice the top 1/4 off. Fill the bottom 3/4's with jam, honey, soda, sugar and water. Place the top 1/4 that you cut off back into the lower part of the bottle (inverted). Tape the bottle closed and you have one hell of a trap. Dont move it too often - if you have a bee problem it can catch 100 on a good day.
 
#26
Re: Mosquito Control

My best friend had a problem with one of his homes. They were in a wooded area with shrubs, vibernum, and wild untended greenspace all through. His daughters were very attractive to skeeters, and when bit would get big welts that itched and burned. The vapors released by some people are very attractive to mosquitos. My brother in law get attcked constantly (italian)while standing next to me, and I don't even know they are there.
Well, I suggested the Mosquito Deleto to my friend, and bought him one. He put it about20 or so yards from the back of the house, behind the Rhodadendron and ferns growing under a few Tulip trees surrounded by mowed grass. The device was up the prevailing wind (Northwest) and between the woods and the house. It almost completely eliminated the problem. They could sit out on the patio in the evening without the kids getting bit at all. If they did start noticing them he knew it was time to replace the attractant in the device. That really helped.
He would replace a tank of propane every April. It also attracted the annoying tiny Black Flies that come out early abnd stay out late in the spring and fall.
It was such a success that his wife, a Real Estate agent, buys one as a gift for clients who buy a house from her and are in areas she knows (from personal experince) will have mosquitos. They really appreciate it, and that gesture helps her greatly with referrals and return clients if they decide to move.
A high quality Mosquito-Deleto is very successful and a great gift for those who you care about and need one.
The devices were field tested in development at the Coast Guard Station in Cape may New Jersey, one of the most infested places you can imagine. They were a resounding success controlling the skeets from the New Jersey swamps (multiple ones were used around the station). In fact, after testing the CG bought a bunch to replace the test models and they are still in use there.
Great products. You don't need a vac type or a electric one. Better to get two or more of the gas ones and keep the attractant fresh. They each cover a half acre or so. Placement is important, but they catch skeeters all day and night even if you put one right on your deck. That many less when you do come out.
Bug lights are useless for skeeters, and kill useful insects in far higher numbers that skeets (almost none)
 
#27
Re: Mosquito Control

Mosquito Control?

Just use both hands...

mosquito2.jpg



No seriously, I have used a mosquito fogger (sold @ Home Depot) for the past 10 years. If you know you and the family are going to be outside just fog the perimeter about 30 min prior and no bugs for hours. Depends though on if there is a breeze or wind. Might have to retreat...
Good Luck
 
#28
Re: Mosquito Control

I have a bird bath that gets skeeter eggs in it.

Read that a pre-1982 copper penny in it would prevent it, so I'm like "OK">


Friggin WORKS.....the 1982 penny was the last solid copper penny, the rest are plated.

Copper in water creates a deadly living condition for skeeters.

Granted you can't put copper on your wetlands but if you have a pond throw a gold fish and some pennies in and your problem goes away.

 
#29
Re: Mosquito Control

Hey, Jeff; That's really pretty funny; and it even kinda looks something like me...

Tall, skinny, goofy, frayed at the edges, white beard and Friar Tuck hairstyle. Yep, that's pretty close...

LOL!

Greg
 
#30
Re: Mosquito Control

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sled Dog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Build a bat house. If you can get a small colony started they'll eat 'em up. </div></div>

If you build it they will come!

Actually I had bats in my overhang a few years back at an apartment, 18 of em in there. Neat watching them!

They like the days heat so face it south or east..

I tried here at my house but they hang closer to the creek and never built a colony.


If you build it - use OLD wood, do not use new wood. Put wirescreen inside it so they have something to hang onto.
 
#31
Re: Mosquito Control

Another thing that people don't think about is your gutter system, if it is old the house has more than likely settled and there may be standing water in the gutters. I install gutters as a side job and have seen alot of problems caused by this...
 
#32
Re: Mosquito Control

I use Hi Yield 38, contains 38% permethrin, kills and repels fleas, tick, ants, spiders, bees, bugs, ect.

I put X amount in an adjustable feed amount sprayer and hook it up to the hose and spray the property, works very will and use monthly.
 
#33
Re: Mosquito Control

Tempo SC Ultra is a good product. It's not a RUP product, and can be purchased pretty easily I would think (probably online). A lot of small town elevators up here stock it for people wanting to spray their yard. It's around $40/8oz bottle. 1oz per 1gl H20, should do most average sized yards. It's pet/child safe once it dries too.
 
#34
Re: Mosquito Control

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EmergencyNrse</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mosquito Control?

Just use both hands...

mosquito2.jpg



No seriously, I have used a mosquito fogger (sold @ Home Depot) for the past 10 years. If you know you and the family are going to be outside just fog the perimeter about 30 min prior and no bugs for hours. Depends though on if there is a breeze or wind. Might have to retreat...
Good Luck </div></div>



I like it, and you have something to do
 
#35
Re: Mosquito Control

I live in an area that doesn't allow using any amount of chemical that would be effective. We have a bat box on the east deck, and I keep hoping to see it fill up. Until then, citranella candles and the individual sprays...
 
#36
Re: Mosquito Control

Was doing some deer hunting a few years back in south Florida (Corbett management area) out in the swamps. The guy's I hunted with gave me a camo mosquito suit to wear. At daylight they were so thick all you could here was that buzz sound. millions of them, even 15 feet off the ground in a tree stand. I was doing Ok until they figured out they could bite thru the mesh seat I was sitting on. Had to climb down in short time. must have had 100 bites on my butt. If I ever go back I'll bring some plastic to sit on. I actually felt sorry for the deer and hogs. I don't see how they can live out there without having all the blood sucked out of them. Mosquitos are evil...
 
#37
Re: Mosquito Control

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Redmanss</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A lot of good suggestions above, and here is what has worked for me for the cheap solutions. Make sure your property drains well, especially under decks if you have them. Try some spreadable insecticide on your yard focusing on the low lying areas. Anything that holds water will be a breeding ground, so get rid of those or at least make sure the water is dumped after each rain. Tires, open trash cans, buckets, tarps, etc.

Screened in porches and 100% DEET kick ass too.</div></div>

Effective, but I hate how 100% DEET makes your lips tingle and remove the finish on your oakleys.

Note to self put chew in prior to application of 100% DEET.
 
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