Mosquitoes can make a relaxing garden uninhabitable.
An outdoor garden is a delightful space for many. The planting and landscaping areas entice a family to bring snacks and meals outside for relaxation and enjoyment. The restful environment can quickly deteriorate, however, with the introduction of a swarm of ravenous mosquitoes. Those who were previously socializing and removing the stresses of the day can suddenly begin aggressively slapping and scratching when the biting begins. The outdoor garden retreat becomes suddenly vacant as people run for the shelter and protection of the indoors. Does this Spark an idea?
Prevention
The primary method of mosquito control is prevention. Mosquitoes cannot breed without still standing water in which their young can grow and become adults. Prevention simply consists of eliminating standing water in the outdoor environment. Do not allow water to pool on the ground or in vessels left outdoors. Dump it out. Check for standing water after a rain and ensure that mosquitoes cannot get a foothold.
Diving Beetles
If you have a small pond, stock water tank or other standing water you cannot or do not wish to eliminate, then diving beetles are your friend. Diving beetles and their developing young consume large amounts of mosquito larvae and are a known method of natural mosquito control.
Damselflies and Dragonflies
Dragonflies in the nymph stage consume mosquito larvae.
Damselflies and dragonflies are known to consume mosquitoes on the wing. Young in the nymph stage of these winged insects consume very large amounts of mosquito larvae daily. Cultivate areas of your garden with habitat conducive to dragonflies and damselflies and your mosquito problems will shrink. Dragonflies and damselflies enjoy standing water of varied depth. Plants with roots in the water provide hiding places for nymphs, while plants extending above the water provide perches for adults.
Mosquito Fish and Guppies
Mosquito fish and guppies eat significant amounts of mosquito larvae. Guppies may be more susceptible to temperature changes than mosquito fish, however. Both species bear their young live and will add to the mosquito larvae eating population under the right conditions.
Spiders
Some types of spiders have been proven to eat mosquito larvae. If you see spiders near your water feature and they are not harmful to humans, you might consider letting them help with the mosquito problem.
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