The Green Desk
Reducing Mosquitoes
How can we reduce the number of mosquitoes in our outdoor learning environment?
Most important – eliminate standing water
All mosquitoes require standing water to breed and some species only require 4 days to reach maturity. Objects that collect water provide mosquito breeding areas. This includes tarps, tires, planter saucers, children’s toys, and clogged gutters.
- Clear roof gutters of leaves and debris that prevent water from draining properly. Gutter guards can help prevent leaves and debris from clogging gutters and downspouts.
- Repair leaky outdoor faucets.
- Water in birdbaths should be changed at least twice a week.
- Empty or discard containers that can hold standing water.
- Rain barrels and cisterns should have screens to keep out mosquitoes.
- Correct drainage problems that cause water to pool.
- Remove debris or report drainage problems in ditches and culverts.
Attract bats and dragonflies
One small brown bat can catch 600 mosquitoes per hour and dragonflies have earned the nickname “mosquito hawk” due to their appetite for mosquitoes. To attract bats, build or buy a bat house. For information about building and installing a bat
house, go to Bat Conservation and Management. Because dragonfly larvae are aquatic and adults must live near a body of water, dragonflies are a good option if you have an existing body of water.
house, go to Bat Conservation and Management. Because dragonfly larvae are aquatic and adults must live near a body of water, dragonflies are a good option if you have an existing body of water.
Include mosquito-repelling plants
Some plants have odorous attributes that mosquitoes dislike. Crush the leaves and rub them on your skin and clothing for the most protection. Plant them densely within most used settings. They can be interplanted with vegetables or planted within a sensory garden.
Examples include:
- Basil
- Catnip
- Lavender
- Lemon Balm
- Lemon Thyme
- Lemon Verbena
- Marigolds
- Rosemary
Source: Hibiscus and More (contains additional ideas about mosquito-repelling plants)
Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing
Mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothing and some can bite through tight-fitting clothes. When practical, wear long sleeves and pants.
Do not wear scents
Do not wear perfumes or scented soaps, deodorants, lotions, etc.
Make use of fans
An anchored fan, secured and out of the children’s reach, can help keep mosquitoes away and provide a cooling breeze .
Resources
Myths
- Ingestion of garlic and vitamin B12 has been proven in controlled laboratory studies to have no impact on mosquito biting.
- Eating bananas does not attract mosquitoes.
