Mosquito-Proof Your Summer
As the spring rains send welcoming moisture across our coastal landscape, the irrepressible sound of summer comes calling to our backyards and front verandahs. Frogs and crickets we can abide by, it’s a nightly concert that soothes souls. But mosquitoes and midges have upset many a gathering and are just plain annoying!
Get strong smelling plants amongst your garden. These can also double as great additions to salads and your cooking e.g. Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Lavender, Marigolds and Garlic.
Hang your mature garlic to dry (usually harvested October to November) in a pantry or kitchen helps to ward off these little vampires.
Remove containers holding water inside and outside the home, as well as dense foliage around windows and entrances. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes(the dengue fever variety) breed in stagnant water in sub-tropic zones, rarely flying more than 200 metres from the breeding site.
Natural personal repellants that do not contain toxic chemicals such as DEET, can still be effective for up to 2-3 hours if they contain strong-smelling essential oils like Eucalyptus, Tea tree, Lemon Myrtle, Pennyroyal and Sandalwood.
Use of citronella oil candles, coils or sandalwood incense around outdoor entertaining areas. The smoke and strong smells can discourage their voracity.
Avoid the M-zone times just after sunrise and before sunset. Plan outdoor activities in areas away from dense foliage and where a dispersing breeze can be found.
