SEARCH5 Ways to Control Mosquitoes In and Around Your Log Home
The change in weather during spring and summer adds humidity and increases water use in the garden and yard features around your log home. These changes increase the likelihood that mosquitoes will appear.
Besides the uncomfortable bites that many experience from mosquitoes, there are an increasing number of diseases that might be contracted by contact, such as the West Nile virus and the Zika virus. To protect you and your family, there are many chemical-based and natural products as well as tactics that can keep mosquitoes away from your log home.
Chemical-Based Mosquito Treatments
DEET has long been used as a chemical-based treatment because of its ability to repel mosquitoes. Although effective, the chemical has considerable side effects that cause skin irritation, nausea, and dizziness in some people. Other chemical treatments include those used by a licensed professional, who can spray around your log home to keep mosquitoes away.
Natural Mosquito Treatments
If you prefer natural treatments for mosquitoes, you can use citronella, which is a plant extract. Read the label carefully as to ensure you're using an all-natural product, because some manufacturers use chemical compounds to mimic citronella. The essential oil in catnip also effectively repels mosquitoes. Other natural treatments include making a solution of crushed basil, lemon thyme, lemongrass or using soybean oil.
Borate Mosquito Treatments
Borate is used to target pests of all kind and has been used as a fungicide and insecticide. Look for a borate-based product that will not stain the wood on your log house or damage any other materials like screws, nails, or supports.
Standing Water and Clean Yards
Since mosquitoes are attracted to water, you will want to remove any standing water from around your log home. This includes any buckets or gutters that have collected water. Regularly change out the water in wading pools and birdbaths that you may have around your log home.
Even the smallest amounts of standing water can attract mosquitoes, so diligently empty it from children's toys or any objects around the yard. Mosquitoes will also be drawn to damp vegetation, so trim plants back and water in shaded areas sparingly.
There are many places where mosquitoes like to breed that should be addressed by cleaning your yard of any plant debris, such as leaves and grass clippings; trash; or old tires. Ponds or water troughs can also be breeding grounds, so consider mosquito dunks or other bacterium-based granulated products that get rid of mosquitos and their larvae but that do not harm people or fish.
Mosquito-Repellent Plants
Changing your yard plants provides a long-term solution. Consider planting citronella, peppermint, lavender, marigolds, catnip, and basil. You can also plant sage, rosemary, and geraniums in your garden or yard. Placing these plants close to the log cabin and any deck or patio will provide welcome relief from mosquitoes in the evening hours as well as reduce the risk that they will get inside your home.
Remain Vigilant with Mosquito Abatement
While some of the ways you can get rid of mosquitoes offer long-term assistance, you will need to remain vigilant every season to ensure that you can avoid these pests around your log home. Add mosquito abatement to your list of summer maintenance tasks to keep your log home in the best shape while protecting you and your family from mosquitoes.
Image via Flickr by turkletom
