Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia
Over 40 Years of Growing Gardens and Gardeners
#MGNV #MasterGardener #mosquito
Mosquitoes are a nuisance that keeps us from enjoying the outdoors, but in addition they can transmit disease. It is important to take steps to protect ourselves, families, and pets but it is all too easy to harm beneficial insects when fighting mosquitoes. Learn how to protect against mosquitoes without harming pollinators.
May is a great time to learn how to effectively prevent mosquitos and ticks in your yard! Best strategies for protecting yourselves from mosquitoes and ticks are to manage habitat, especially standing water where mosquitoes can breed, wear long sleeves and pants, and use a mosquito repellent
As you enjoy the spring blooms this May, start strategizing ways to keep mosquitoes and ticks at bay in your yard without the use of pesticides. Our May 20 class, "Controlling Mosquitoes and Ticks in Your Yard Without Pesticides, describes an integrated pest management approach based on an understanding of the life cycles of these insects.
Mosquitoes are a perennial summer pest, and the temptation to resort to commercial spraying to deal with this scourge can be strong. A key consideration to keep in mind is that all insecticides used to target adult mosquitoes are nonselective and will kill all insects that come in contact with the chemicals, including pollinators and other beneficial insects. Learn better techniques for controlling mosquitoes.
