Organic Mosquito Control? Help?!?!

19 years ago

My entire yard is being taking over by mosquitoes. We can't go outside without becoming a buffet at any time of day. The problem is a large drainage creek behind the house that never drains. I was hoping that by this time, the Texas heat would have dried it up, but this year has been unseasonably wet. I'm doing my best to encourage natural enemies like lizards, and I am even making friends with the massive spider population. I'm not willing to use chemicals on the large scale they would be needed to control these vampires, but I was wondering if there was an organic solution I could make large batches of pretty cheaply that wouldn't effect the beneficial insects in the yard. Either a spray for the yard, or a repellent to spray on myself and the kids. Oh, and I also wanted to ask: Does anyone think diatomaceous earth in the grassy areas would help keep them away from the house? Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance for any advice!

--Joe in TX

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Comments (5)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
19 years ago
Who is responsible for the 'creek'? If your city is in charge of maintenance, then perhaps a call to them might bring about an application of mosquito larvicide, Bacillus thuringiensis-Israelensis. Bt-I is not harmful to non-target insects or animals (of any kind) but will take care of the mosquite wrigglers.

Don't let them come out and do a malathion or pyrethrin spray.
chuckr30
19 years ago
The only organic thing I know of must be placed in their water where they breed. It's called BT (bacillus thuregensis) and is sold in donut shaped blocks. Now you have to find their breeding places, which could be in: hollow stumps, in your gutters, any fishless pool of water at least 1/4 inch deep.
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averagejoetx
Original Author
19 years ago
Rhizo - Well I think the city is in charge of it, however I'm not sure they have a mosquito control program. (very small city) But I will put in a call anyway. Couldn't hurt. I appreciate the advice!
webkat5
19 years ago
Yea...I would toss in some Mosquito dunks...completely harmless to everything except Mosquito larvae.
averagejoetx
Original Author
19 years ago
I appreciate all the advice given. I checked w/the city and they don't spray, so I am off to get some mosquito dunks. It looks like they work well. Thanks to everyone again!