by Patricia Wall – The Club at Woodbridge
Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance—they’re relentless, especially in the thick of summer. While sprays and foggers flood the market, there’s a smarter, more sustainable way to fight back.
Dr. Karen Fields, PhD in Entomology and a specialist in integrated pest management, emphasizes a different strategy:
“The key to mosquito control isn’t chasing adult mosquitoes around—it’s stopping them before they ever take flight.”
Trap Them Before They Bite
Mosquitoes lay eggs in shallow, stagnant water. Instead of trying to dry out every puddle, Dr. Fields suggests building a targeted trap.
Here’s her recommended approach:
- Fill a large bucket with water.
- Add a handful of leaves, straw, or grass clippings.
- Let it sit in direct sunlight for 2–3 days to build up organic material.
- Once it begins to attract female mosquitoes, drop in a biological larvicide tablet containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti).
“You’re essentially luring mosquitoes to lay their eggs in a ‘decoy nursery’—and then cutting off their lifecycle before they can become adults,” Dr. Fields explains.
These tablets, available at most garden centers, are non-toxic to humans, pets, and pollinators.
Let the Breeze Work for You
According to Dr. Fields, the simplest way to keep mosquitoes from landing on you is to keep the air moving.
“Mosquitoes are weak flyers. A medium-sized fan creates enough breeze to block them from landing.”
Set up a fan on your patio, or use a battery-powered one on the go—it’s a low-cost, chemical-free barrier.
Rethink the Spray
Dr. Fields advises homeowners to skip broad pesticide spraying:
“Widespread foggers and chemical sprays kill beneficial insects like bees, ladybugs, and butterflies—but only offer short-term relief from mosquitoes.”
Instead, she recommends natural plant barriers: basil, lavender, citronella, peppermint, and lemongrass around your outdoor space. Not only do they smell great, but they also confuse mosquitoes’ scent detection.
✔️ The July Checklist
- ✅ Make a mosquito decoy trap with a Bti tablet
- ✅ Set up a fan during outdoor activities
- ✅ Plant mosquito-repellent herbs and flowers
- ✅ Avoid dusk/dawn exposure when mosquitoes are most active
- ✅ Wear light-colored clothing and cover exposed skin
- ✅ Use essential oils like lemon eucalyptus as a topical defense
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes and highlights natural prevention methods. These approaches may help reduce bites but aren’t guaranteed. In high-risk areas or during disease outbreaks, the CDC recommends EPA-registered repellents. Always consult a healthcare provider for bite-related concerns.