Mosquitos

[Jekyll]

Anyone have any ideas how to keep them away when I'm sitting on my deck? Don't really want to use spray. Do those Thermacell things work?

 

[StephenHero]

You can rub Bounce dryer sheets over your skin.

 

[dragon8]

there's a machine that works well but its expensive IIRC. I think the Navy uses it. I'll try to find the product.

 

[texas_jack]

Use the spray. It's the only thing that works. Also, make sure you don't have any mosquito "farms" in your back yard. They have been known to breed in bottle tops with a little water in them.

 

[HORNS]

Skeeters are attracted to carbon dioxide, so the device mentioned above emits CO2, fueled by propane, and has a trap for the insects. It is indeed expensive and I believe less reliable in windy areas. I remember the product Skin So Soft (Avon?) works well as an alternative mosquito repellent. Edit: Here's a solid article on mosquito traps: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0607013042.htm

 

[dragon8]

Originally Posted by HORNS

Skeeters are attracted to carbon dioxide, so the device mentioned above emits CO2, fueled by propane, and has a trap for the insects. It is indeed expensive and I believe less reliable in windy areas.

I remember the product Skin So Soft (Avon?) works well as an alternative mosquito repellent.

Bingo!!! Its called Mosquito Magnet. Expensive it is-against mosquitos anyway.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by texas_jack

Use the spray. It's the only thing that works. Also, make sure you don't have any mosquito "farms" in your back yard. They have been known to breed in bottle tops with a little water in them.

Spray or lotion is the only thing that works for me. I seem to be a magnet for them.

 

[MrG]

I've found that citronella candles and torches work well.

 

[kwilkinson]

Originally Posted by MrG

I've found that citronella candles and torches work well.

Yep. Has always worked around here.

 

[Jekyll]

Hmm...I tried a citronella candle last night. I set it on a table less than a foot away from me. The F***ers just flew right over it like it wasn't there. Maybe I need to use more?

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by Jekyll

Hmm...I tried a citronella candle last night. I set it on a table less than a foot away from me. The F***ers just flew right over it like it wasn't there. Maybe I need to use more?
Citronella candles don't work for me either. I have to apply repellant directly on my skin, and if I miss a spot, the mosquitos find it and proceed to eat me alive.

 

[HORNS]

I've never found citronella to work. Also, FYI, the plant happens to be quite toxic to cats.

 

[kwilkinson]

Originally Posted by HORNS

I've never found citronella to work. Also, FYI, the plant happens to be quite toxic to cats.

I looked into the citronella thing last night. I read a study that said use of citronella only reduced bites by 42%. So apparently citronella is effective, but not very much so if used on its own. Supposedly it should be used in conjunction with another repellent. It's just weird in that I don't think I've ever used anything but citronella for casual stuff like sitting on the porch or whatnot, and I have found it to be very effective in my own experience.

 

[Johnny_5]

I've heard that lemongrass plants work and out a couple on my deck to try out for the summer. Anyone ever tried this?

 

[NorCal]

Move to CA, we don't have mosquitos.