http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-best-green-ways-to-rid-your-yard-of-ticks-and-mosquitoes.html
The Best Green Ways to Rid Your Yard of Ticks and Mosquitoes
I went about writing this article as if I were researching tick and mosquito abatement I would consider doing myself. For something I would buy myself, it has to be non-toxic, and because I am well-read in the green field, a relatively sophisticated product in terms of understanding of the science, and one that is green. I have a vested interest in this because I have just fallen in love with gardening and we live in one of the East Coast’s tick epicenters. What can I do to keep them out of the garden so that I can comfortably weed? What would I do for mosquitoes if I were to have an outdoor party?
In researching tick repellents for a retreat center a number of years ago, I came across the research that carbon dioxide attracts ticks like no other, and mosquitoes, too. At that time there were no contraptions on the market to establish carbon dioxide and catch ticks. At the time, if you can believe it, I bought dry ice, put it in Styrofoam ice chests (not too eco-friendly, sorry), and caught ticks in there with masking tape!
How wonderful that the product world has caught up to the science about what an attractant carbon dioxide is for ticks and mosquitoes, to make products for us that don’t require a DIY contraption. In looking around the Internet I’ve found a few that I like, both because they don’t use propane, the commonly used method of creating carbon dioxide in these types of pest control products. You can read more about H-man at a distributor site, and buy an H-man, here. There is also another type of propane-free CO2 pest trap called an Eco Trap.
I am also considering doing a non-toxic garlic juice spray on my lawn and garden a few times a year. Ticks are such a huge problem for my environment, and I have had a few serious cases of Lyme disease to prove it. The garlic spray will also repel mosquitoes because, apparently, they simply hate garlic. For more detailed information about safe mosquito control and guidelines, read my Safe Mosquito Control.
For a small gathering outside with friends, I’ll use beeswax candles with citronella. I’ve written about citronella candles recently, in Green Touch for the Tiki Torch.
You can also easily custom make your own insect repellents.
Annie B. Bond is the author of four books on green living.
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add your comment »According to the August/September 2009 issue of National Wildlife Magazine, "Even concentrated garlic sprays, one of the most widely advertised 'natural' mosquito repellents, may repel bees and other pollinators as well." Please be careful,
Just to note that it also said that "...'natural' or 'plant based' doesn't always mean safe - or effective. The pesticides known as pyrethrins, for example, are made from the extract of chrysanthemum plants: plant-based, yes, but also highly toxic to fish, tadpoles and benficial insects..."
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I found a product that is simply awesome. It is called MyMosquitoDeleter. This simple product really works. I was very skeptical at first but decided that I had to do something. I was tired of candles that stunk and did not work, sprays with who knows what in it, etc. This product is safe for pets and kids as well as the environment. BEST OF ALL - virtually NO mosquitoes in my yard any more!!! Check it out. www.mymosquitodeleter.com
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I acknowledge of a favorable way to save ourselves and our pets versus ticks and fleas.
_______________________________________
Mac
Addiction Recovery Minnesota
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The H-Man trap is an illegal Chinese "knock off" of the Mega-Catch ALPHA trap which you can see at www.megacatch.com
H-Man isn't licensed by either the EPA in the USA or by the PMRA in Canada and its 120 volt trap is dangerous if used in an out door setting.A dealer I talked to said he didn't appreciate this and was getting out of the brand in any event because it didn't work very well and had a poor design quality.
Anyone foolish enough to buy the H-Man is in for a lot of trouble.
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HI Liza,
Yes, for ticks, too. Carbon dioxide is the best attractant for ticks.
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I'm confused. You list H-man and Eco Trap as being tick repellants, but they are marketed as being mosquito repellants. Are you saying they are also effective as tick repellants?
Liza
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I use a product called CONTACT that is a poison-free insect/pest treatment to control fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, you name it it works on them, and it can be used indoors or out! I also use it as a dip for my dog and cat. They both stay flea free! and as a bug spray for myself and children. This product has all safe natural ingredients and leaves us bug free all year long! I found the CONTACT product at http://www.biologix.com. I had to purchase it by the case, but it has been well worth it!
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Too much garlic is also toxic to dogs.
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I had a terrible case of mosquitoes in my backyard. i won't even let my kids go out to play. I installed a mosquito misting system. We now love and enjoy our backyard. Thank you ABC Pest & Lawn. Go Green!
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I had a terrible amount of mosquitoes in my backyard. I wouldn't even let my kids go out and play. I installed a mosquito misting system. It has worked great. My family is now enjoying our backyard daily! Thank you ABC Pest and Lawn. Go Green!
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