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Pesticide Alternatives To Ward Off Mosquitoes

Updated: Friday, September 7 2012, 12:46 PM CDT

It's no wonder why people seem more curious about keeping mosquitoes away this summer. They’ve been bombarded with local and national news on the West Nile virus outbreak. Although the chances of getting the disease are very slim, it's clear mosquitoes can be more than just a nuisance.

“The Dallas episode has everyone on high alert,” said Walker Hale, the entomologist with Chem Free Organic Pest Control. “There's always a push for organic in Austin, that's an understatement.”

Instead of breaking out the DEET every day, he showed us some natural, reduced impact alternatives for repelling mosquitoes.

“You may recognize some of the ingredients,” he said about the organic products. “Garlic oils, peppermint oils and lemon grass oils.”

He told us non-toxic, all-natural granule is pet safe and won't hurt your yard.

“You can understand what the product is and where it's derived from,” Hale explained. “And you have a better grasp of what the material is doing to your yard, how it breaks down.”

Bacterial active mosquito-dunks kill the pests at the breeding sites. Throw them in any standing water to destroy mosquito larva.

“It doesn't affect tadpoles or fish or any other aquatic organisms,” Hale said about the dunks.

Also, be sure to eliminate other potential breeding grounds by clearing out any tree holes and gutters.

If you're still concerned and have $2,000 to drop, Hale showed us a plant derived mist system that automatically turns on at dusk and dawn, killing mosquitoes on contact.

“It operates on a pump system and timer,” he said. “Kind of like barrier protection on the outskirts of your yard that catches the adults as they are flying in.”

Mosquitoes are also very weak flyers. If you're throwing a party outside and don't want to break out the bug spray, Hale said to bring out box fans. Usually, the wind current will keep them away.

A bat box may help too. Bats can eat up to 500 mosquitoes an hour. But Hale said the best way to fight the mosquitoes is to get them early on, at their breeding sites, which is in any stagnant water.Pesticide Alternatives To Ward Off Mosquitoes