Mosquitoes can be a problem in Wisconsin, too.
Make sure there is NO STANDING WATER anywhere on your property. If you keep bird baths, clean them out daily. If you have rain barrels, keep them covered, or float a few drops of cooking oil on top of the water (makes a seal that the mosquitoes can’t break to lay eggs in there.) Replenish the oil drops every few days. It only takes a 1/4 tsp. per barrel.
If you have a tree-line that is overgrown, clean out all of that shady vegetation beneath - Mosquito Heaven.
If you can destroy the environment where they can lay eggs, that’s half the battle right there!
Wear light colored or white clothing with long sleeves if you want to sit out in the evenings. For some reason, they can’t ‘see’ you well if you’re dressed that way.
Encourage bats to come to your yard. Put up bat houses and the like. Bats eat a zillion mosquitoes every night. They’re creepy, but they vacuum them up like nobody’s business!
Lastly, you can ‘fog’ your yard which kills them off. I’m sure by now they make a fogger that is MUCH more Earth-Friendly than the old fashioned ‘Raid’ bombs! ;)
Hi Diana,
Yes, Wisconsin is well known for this problem. I saw a fogger advertised in a catalog. Just have to wait an hour. Then it works for @6 hours. Good idea about cleaning out the underbrush. Didn’t realize mosquitoes lay their eggs in that stuff. Frankly, bats would be the easiest solution if their house can be put high enough in the trees to keep kids and pets safe. But how would you know if they are going to “eat” in your yard vs. all your neighbors’?
Also didn’t know mosquitoes can’t “see” white clothing. Easy to wear but that means pants for ladies who often prefer flip flops and dresses for evenings out. These are all doable so thank you for taking the time to write back!
The Westerner