Mosquitoes are some of America's peskiest pests. Not only can they wreak havoc on outdoor activities, but they can also be carriers of disease, such as West Nile. No wonder millions of homeowners search for ways to kill these annoying and possibly dangerous insects. With a little ingenuity and some key ingredients, you can make traps that will kill mosquitoes in their tracks. Does this Spark an idea?
2-Liter Trap
An empty 2-liter soda bottle can be turned into a mosquito trap and killer. Remove the label from the bottle, and unscrew the cap. Cut off the top of the bottle, about 4 to 5 inches down. At the bottom of the bottle, pour 3/4 cup of hot water and mix in 6 tablespoons of brown sugar. Pour one packet of yeast into the sugar water. Take the cut bottle top and place it upside down on the bottle base, with the neck facing down in the base. Tape the bottle together. Set it outside. The sugar and yeast mix will generate carbon dioxide, which attracts mosquitoes. Mosquitoes will seek out the source of the carbon dioxide and get trapped in the bottle. Mosquitoes do not have the mental capacity to escape by memory. While a few mosquitoes might find their way out of the trap by chance, most will become confused by the clear walls and suffer exhaustion. Their wings eventually will be covered by the sticky sugar and yeast solution; unable to fly, they will drown in the water mixture.
Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis (BTI)
BTI is a special bacterium that attacks only the larvae of mosquitoes, gnats and black flies. These bacteria will not harm or attack any other organisms. Fill a bucket or large container with water; this will attract mosquitoes. They will lay eggs in the standing water. Nurseries, specialty stores and online sources will have BTI. Place the BTI in the water. Within 24 hours, the bacteria will start killing the larvae. Once the number of mosquitoes decreases in your area, remove all the standing water from your property.
Mosquito Prevention
The best homemade mosquito killer is prevention. If mosquitoes cannot lay eggs in your area, the population will decrease. Areas of standing water attract mosquitoes. Eliminating standing water removes mosquito breeding grounds.
Citronella candles are a well-known and effective mosquito deterrent. Citronella oil comes from the citronella plant, an approximately 6-foot-tall grass requiring warm temperatures and sunlight. If you have the climate and space, planting the grass will further prevent mosquitoes.
Catnip is a very powerful mosquito repellent. Planting the herb is an effective way to prevent mosquitoes from multiplying in your yard. Marigolds also can be used as an effective mosquito repellent. Mosquitoes can't stand the smell. Crushing the leaves and placing them where there are people helps keep these biting creatures at bay.
Tags: standing water, attract mosquitoes, bacteria will, carbon dioxide, effective mosquito, mosquito repellent, prevent mosquitoes