Contributed by Mosquito-Hater Jill Robinson
(Son, age 4)
No matter how "advanced" we get, we can't get past the fact that we share the earth with some critters that we just will never get to like. A few of these common household pests are mice, rats, fleas, and mosquitoes. Traditionally, the ways to prevent problems with these pests, and/or to get rid of them altogether, have been heavy in the use of pesticides of one kind or another. However, now that we know what tremendous impact these pesticides can have on our immediate health and, long-term, on the health of our planet, So, my family and I have been trying to discover more eco-friendly solutions for these age old problems.
Mosquitoes
I despise mosquitoes, and have for many years, long before the fears about West Nile Virus. The fact that they also can carry diseases like some forms of encephalitis has been enough for me. I have always thought the idea of something searching me out like a heat-seeking missle , intent on feasting on my blood, was just too ghoulish to bear. If I'm walking in the woods, well perhaps then I'm fair game, but having to try to outsmart these little devils on my own beloved backyard deck or, worse, yet, in my home, is too much to bear.
That's why I have become a quasi-expert in the destruction of the garden-variety mosquito. I say "quasi" because I have not medical degree or PhD designation. I just have years of experience of tried and true methods to prevent the little buggers from pestering my family or our guests. Keep in mind that when it comes to preventing mosquito bites, however, go for something other than adding more chemicals to Mother Earth!
Reducing the Mosquito Population
Get them before they even start by reducing the number of hospitable environments around your home in which mosquitos can breed. Help eliminate the areas that mosquitos need to breed by emptying, removing, or covering any receptacle that can hold water. An example of this is those outdoor ceramic pots and plastic cans that accumulate water and are often forgotten. Get rid of old tires hanging around your yard - they're a perfect honeymoon destination for mosquitoes.
Do you have a bird bath? If it's just sitting there getting stagnant, it's inviting mosquitoes to make more mosquitoes.
How about a nice little ornamental pond. If it's not stocked with fish to eat mosquitoes, it's probably they're favorite stomping ground.
Another likely place for mosquito breeding is rain gutters that are left uncleaned for long periods of time. They can become clogged little pools, perfect for hatching baby bugs.
Topical skin treatments
I suspect everyone in the world has heard of Skin So Soft, that Avon product that my hunter husband has been soaking his camo clothing in for years (I hate the smell of it, as a result). This is worth testing, though it seems more effective for some people than for others. Perhaps it has something to do with everyone'unique body and/or blood chemistry.
If all else fails and you feel you must use a product that contains DEET, don't put it directly on your skin. Instead, lightly apply it to your clothing near the exposed skin. And, avoid exposing your skin in the first place. I wear a hat with a face net when I'm out gardening, for example, along with gardening gloves, thick socks and sneakers, instead of using any product to repel mosquitoes.
Dietary treatments
This may not work for everybody, but when I cook a dinner with lots of garlic, mosquitoes seem less interested in us. How much garlic? It's not unusual for me to crush 6 or more cloves into a pasta dish. And I wonder why the neighbors don't visit more often J
Outdoor treatments
Do citranella candles do any good? Some say yea, some say nay. For a few dollars, it's probably worth a try for your next backyard barbecue.
Do ultrasonic devises work? I've never heard of one that does.
What about those annoying bug zappers? I believe they just attract more bugs into your yard than is your fair share, though there is a lot of research going on today that should take us to a "next generation" bug zapper or mosquito trap that really will work. One enterprising New Hampshire entrepreneur had a very promising model, but it lacked funding for development. Perhaps the West Nile Virus scare will scare up some more venture capital for the product's deployment.
What have we done for enhancing the enjoyment of our backyard? I wish I had a better answer for you, but the truth is, we built a nice big gazebo at the end of our deck and screened it in!
Rodents
Do not buy rat poison. Aside from the fact that your pets (or, God forbid, your children) will ingest some, there's no way to get rid of it in an earth-friendly way.
If you are not too squeamish, you can use the old fashioned mouse trap. Bait it with a bit of peanut butter and you'll attract all your nighttime visitors in short order.
We once owned an antique colonial in a small city, perched by the side of a small brook that led to the river. We quickly found out, much to our dismay, that this quaint burbling brook was a main roadway to downtown and the river for a pack of rats. Rats! Squinty eyed, long tailed, slimey old rats!
One method we have found effective, odd as it may sound, for getting rid of rats and mice, without chemicals, is to fill a pail with water, 2/3 to the top. Place it in the basement and place a paint stirrer across the top, kind of like a boardwalk for the rodents. Then, hang a string with a piece of cheese as bait over the pail - so that it hangs just out of reach of the average rodent (you go figure out what is "average"!).
If you're lucky, you'll find drowned critters in your pail regularly until you get to the point where you don't here the pitter patter of little feet within your walls and ceilings anymore!
Fleas
Prevent fleas from infesting your home by preventing them from infesting your pet. For many years, we have relied on a combination yeast and garlic pill given daily to our dog. She loves them, they're inexpensive, they're good for her coat and her overall health, and she has never gotten fleas. Ask your veterinarian for a brand recommendation or peruse the aisles in your local pet store.
If it's too late, and you already have fleas in your carpet and upholstered furniture, ask your vet for suggestions. Have your house fumigated only as a last resort.
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