Mozzies are a part of living in Brisbane – unfortunately. They are nasty little bloodsuckers we all hate. But there are a few things you can do to make mosquitoes less of an irritant and to discourage more of them breeding in your backyard.
Repellent sprays and creams
Insect repellents that contain DEET have been found to be the most effective in repelling mosquitoes. Ones that contain the chemical picaridin are also recommended. Follow the instructions and be careful using on infants. You may like to try some of the natural alternatives available.
Oil burners
Burn citronella oil in the freestanding, stake-type burners that have a wick. There are cheap bamboo varieties or else many other aluminium and stainless steel designs for outdoor areas. They look great burning at night.
Indoors, use a small oil burner with a tealight candle or invest in a safe electric oil burner for about $50. Never leave them unattended.
Some people get good results from citronella varieties which plug-in to an electrical power point. These are safer to use than oil burners when asleep.
Mosquito coils
These are available in supermarkets and can be effective. They are cheap enough that you can light a few each night. Attractive mosquito coil holders enclose the coil but let out the smoke and are safer around small children. It’s best to light the coils just before dusk, when mosquitoes are at their worst.
Plants that mozzies hate
This shrub emits citronella into the air and can repel mosquitos.One useful native plant is called the Mozzie Blocker (Leptospermum liversidgei). This shrub emits citronella into the air and can repel mosquitos within about three square metres. Use them around your pool or outdoor area. They can be grown in pots – ask your nursery for more information about growing conditions.
There is also the citronella geranium which releases citronella when pruned. Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerarifolium) may also be a useful plant.
The herbs lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) can be crushed, boiled, strained and then used as a spray in the air around you.
Mozzie nets and insect screens
It’s easy to hang a mozzie net above each bed in the house. Cotton ones can be cooler as breezes can pass through but polyester ones are much cheaper to buy.
Many modern houses have insect screens with aluminium windows. If you live in an older house, then magnetic screens may be a good option for casement windows. There are even screens which can be fitted over louvres and to bi-fold doors and windows. Talk to an insect screen specialist about what's best for your home.
In your backyard
Empty out places where water collects – especially pot plant saucers, children’s toys, palm fronds, ponds without fish, bromeliads and blocked gutters. It is especially important to ensure mosquitoes don’t enter water tanks.
Encourage frogs, birds, lizards, geckoes, spiders and other mosquito eating animals to your garden. They are natural predators for the pest. Just think of a spider web as a mosquito trap rather than a nuisance.
Most mosquitoes come from the local area. Common types of mozzies don’t fly more than a kilometre or two from their breeding ground. So do what you can to eradicate them from your backyard.
Health risks
Mosquitoes can be more than a nuisance. Try to avoid being bitten to reduce the health risks of Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus.
Mosquitoes are a part of life in our sub-tropical climate but using a few simple techniques can reduce their numbers around your home.
Bloodsuckers begone! What other tried and tested remedies are out there?
