Got Mosquitoes?
With the constant threat of Mosquito borne illnesses like West Nile Virus it’s important to do all that we can to protect our family and our selves from this virus. Up to 80 percent of all people infected with West Nile Virus will see no symptoms and will recover completely on their own. People over 50 with other health issues are most susceptible to becoming ill. The best defense is to use an approved insect repellent every time you go outdoors.
Another way to protect our families and ourselves is the regular use of insect repellents outside of the home and in the landscape. It’s equally important to protect our outdoor areas from these pests. By using different forms of repellents in and around our landscapes during these hot dry months we can deter these insects from moving in, spreading diseases, and detracting from your outdoor experience.
To tackle the ever present mosquito and pest problems in North Texas during the summer look to organic products like Natures Guide Cedarcide in granular form or liquid ready to spray containers as well as mosquito dunks and citronella scented geraniums, also known as “Mosquito Plants”. These outdoor solutions coupled with mosquito management techniques will help decrease the Mosquito population around your yard and get you back in your garden and enjoying the outdoors!
How does Cedarcide control insects?
Natures Guide Cedarcide works on the pheromones, the chemical signal that most insects use to communicate with each other. Insects like ants use these signals to mark their trails as well as to navigate from place to place. They use these chemical signals to direct other ants to nearby food sources. When an ant mound is disturbed their pheromones warn other ants to bring reinforcements from within the mound.
The scent or smell of Natures Guide CedarCide interrupts an insect’s ability to receive these chemical signals. By overloading their pheromone signals, it creates mass confusion. They in turn lose the ability to perform certain tasks like mating and finding food. Their immediate response is to leave the treated area or risk certain death. Studies of Cedar Oils have been shown to be effective in killing mosquitos.
Natures Guide Cedarcide Granules
Natures Guide Cedarcide Granules, made from 100% Eastern Red Cedar Trees, help repel mosquitos, fleas, ants and other flying and crawling insects. The Texas summer heat and drought can initiate the movement of various insects indoors looking for food, water and cooler temperatures. To keep them outside, apply a two to four inch wide continuous barrier of Nature’s Guide CedarCide Granules around the foundation of your home. Insects such as fleas, ants, roaches and other insects will avoid crossing this barrier. Because it is lightweight and convenient to use Nature’s Guide CedarCide Granules are great for repelling insects in and around most any outdoor area along with added protection for most outdoor activities.
Natures Guide Cedarcide Spray (Ready To Spray)
For flying insects that hide in shrubs, trees and other hard to reach places use Nature’s Guide CedarCide Ready to Spray. It comes pre mixed with its own hose end adapter and sprayer. Simply attach to the hose and spray. No mixing or measuring needed.
Apply on lawns, trees and shrubs to help repel fleas and other crawling insects. To repel mosquito’s and other flying insects be sure to saturate the entire area evenly and completely. When applying around raised decks or patios pay close attention to apply underneath these hidden areas as well. Mosquito’s and other insects tend to hide in these dark areas during the daylight hours. Continue to spray problem areas regularly until insects have moved to other areas and are no longer a problem.
‘Citronella Scented Geraniums’ “Mosquito Plants” (Pelargonium ‘citrosa’)
Citronella Scented Geraniums also known as “Mosquito Plants” repel mosquitoes, ants, flies and many other biting insects. These lemon scented geraniums can also be used indoors to repel certain insects inside the home. When using indoors be sure it receives 4-6 hours of sunlight. It will do best when placed next to a window that receives bright sunlight throughout the day. This plant can be used in containers around the front porch, deck, and patio as well as in the landscape. With its lavender blooms in the summer and fragrant lemony scent it can be used and enjoyed just about anywhere you like.
Pelargonium ‘citrosa’ is a hybridized plant derived from two other plants, Chinese Citronella Grass and the African Geranium. It requires full to part sun. Requires good drainage. Grows 2-3 foot tall and wide. Use several plants to repel insect in larger areas. Remove a few leaves from the plant, crush them in your hand and rub it across the arms or legs to create a personal insect barrier.
Mosquito Management!!
Mosquito’s live and breed in water, without these wet-breeding sites there would be no adult mosquitoes! Checking regularly for these breeding sites is key to any Mosquito Management program. Look for any area where water stands or collects. Also look for anything that holds water such as clogged gutters, birdbaths, trashcans and lids, dripping water faucets or low spots in the yard where water collects after rain or watering. Anything that holds water becomes a breeding site. Place Mosquito Dunks in areas that cannot be drained.
Mosquito Dunks
Every 30 days place 1 Mosquito Dunk wherever water accumulates around your home for whole season long control. Each Dunk treats up to 100 square feet of surface water. Mosquito Dunks can also be broken in half to treat smaller areas of water. They can be used in water gardens, flowerpots, birdbaths, rain gutters and ponds. Will not harm people, pets, wildlife or fish.
