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Recent heavy rain means more annoying mosquitoes and more people heading to the store to buy products to get rid of these pesky bugs.
There are several insecticides to handle various problem situations. A mosquito dunk, which consists of pellets that you drop into the water, is useful for killing mosquitoes in areas that have standing water. However, if standing water isn't the problem, you can use yard spray or a bug fogger to reduce the pests.
"It fogs the air, very similar to what you see the trucks spraying. Same chemical, it just keeps them away," explained Michalenko.
These insecticides just target the mosquitoes and are safe for people and pets. Those who have used some of these products have found them to be successful in mosquito control.
"As a horticulturalist, I have used them in a greenhouse situation, which is more enclosed than a yard and the BTI dunks have worked there,” claimed Amy Dobbs, horticulturalist with Clemson Extension Service.
Dobbs also stated that despite the fatal effects dunks have on mosquito larva, people and other animals are safe.
"It has virtually no toxicity to wildlife. It basically only kills the larvae of mosquitoes,” said Dobbs.
The dunks can be used in bird baths and ponds without affecting other animals.
Spray bottles and foggers are also good at keeping away mosquitoes, especially when re-applied regularly. Tiki torches can also be used to keep mosquitoes away when outdoors, however they aren't the best choice for prolonged mosquito control.
"The citronella does work. It is proven. The buckets, as well, work great. Problem is they go out and they don't offer lasting control," said Michalenko.
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