Safe Mosquito Control
Adapted from the "Care2 Ask Annie" newsletter.

Simple Solution
Watching a mosquito buzzing around your child is a different
experience than it used to be! Here are some effective and safer
alternatives for both your body and the outside environment.

Mosquitoes can carry West Nile-like virus, and a handful of people
have died from the disease in the New York City area. Crows have
dropped dead from the virus in my county and others in NY State.

The virus has made repelling mosquitoes from our bodies and keeping
them from hatching in the environment the focus of much interest, and
unfortunately many are resorting to toxic repellents containing DEET
and the organophosphate pesticide malathion, both suspected
neuroxicants. Read about the new concerns about DEET in this REPORT
from The Duke University Medical Center.

Mosquito Repellents
Health food stores now carry a wide variety of herbal bug repellents.
Good herbs that repel mosquitoes and took look for in products
include basil, eucalyptus, cloves, geranium, peppermint, rosemary,
lemon balm (citronella), onions, garlic, and feverfew. A Victor
Poison-Free non-poisonous mosquito spray and Victor Poison-Free
Mosquito Barrier which contains garlic, water, potassium sorbate, can
be ordered online. Victor Pest.

You can make your own repellent with essential oils with this
recipe:,br> Mosquito Repellent Oil
10 drops essential oil (see list of herbs, above, for choices)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Combine the ingredients in a glass jar; stir to blend. Dab a few
drops on your skin or clothing. Note: Pregnant women should consult
with their doctor before using essential oils.

The Outdoor Environment
I have to admit I always thought mosquitoes traveled from swamps, but
according to expert William Olkkowski of the Bio Integral Resource
Center, the "chances are very good that the pests are being produced
within a few yards of where you are bitten." Flower pots, old tires,
roof gutters, jars, pet dishes, bird houses, plastic weed coverings
in gardens -- any place with still, standing water is conducive to
mosquito hatchings, and the water should be removed from all of these
places.

Mosquito Dunks
An over-the-counter product called "Mosquito Dunks" is recommended as
a least-toxic material for outdoor mosquito control by Erik Kiviat,
Science Director of Hudsonia, an ecological research and consulting
institute at Bard College, who has worked with health departments
concerned with West Nile-like virus in New York state.

The dunks are safe for birdbaths, rain barrels, ponds, ditches, tree
holes, roof gutters, unused swimming pools -- anywhere water
collects. Available in hardware stores, Agway, and some catalogs such
as Real Goods, the dunks are Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis
(Bti), a bacterial mosquito larvicide. Bti is effective in waters
that do not have high organic matter levels, and its effects are
limited to mosquitoes, blackflies, and some other related species of
flies with aquatic larvae.

Bti may be allergenic to some people and should be handled with
gloves and the dust not inhaled. Frequent repeated use in wetlands or
streams is not recommended.

Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability
for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each
individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a
particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to
use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first.
Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please
call or see your physician or other health care provider.

http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/self/174

Posted on SHARE Yahoo group May 13, 2004