What do Bluebirds, Bats, and Backyard Barbeques have in Common? Mosquitoes!

Mosquitoes are the bane of any outdoor activity. But beyond bug spray, there are other things you can do to make a difference.

If you are bitten, here are some remedies for relief and also an answer to “why do they itch so much?”

Prevention comes first. Most people know to eliminate any standing water to prevent breeding areas. However, since water is essential to all living things, keep birdbaths clean by emptying regularly.

In addition, adding fans to your deck or patio can literally blow them away. Also, avoid peak mosquito hours, dawn and dusk, which is when the wind dissipates and the feeding frenzy begins. Have you ever wondered why your ankles in particular get devoured? They tend to hover and fly low where there is less air movement, hence the chewed-up ankles.

Here are 3 more things you can do to reduce mosquito populations that will also enhance your life naturally!

Put up Bluebird Houses

Bluebird houses can be found in many places, including and-Hole-Protector. It’s important to have the proper size opening to prevent predators from entering and attacking the eggs or chicks.

Nature provides a ready and willing squadron of mosquito consumers ready to do the heavy

lifting for you. Bluebirds are insectivorous birds that feed on a variety of insects caught in flight. While eating 2,000 or more insects a day, a few bluebirds can keep the mosquito population at bay. And since they raise several broods a season, a few bluebird houses may be all you need.

Because I grew up in a large family, I can appreciate the fact that siblings from one brood, help to raise the siblings of the next brood. Bluebirds prefer a home placed at the edge of a field. There can be a tree nearby but the box should not be so near a tree that it could provide cover for a predator.

Install a Bat House Near Your Home

For instructions on how to build a bat house and for more information on attracting bats go to www.batcon.org

Research shows that some bats consume up to 1,200 insects per hour! That could add up to

6,000 per night of which many are mosquitoes. Be sure to select a bat house that is at least 24” high and 16” wide. This allows enough space for the bats to regulate the heat inside.

We’re lucky in the northeast to have Little Brown Bats as our night patrol. They will use the bat house to find shelter, raise their young and avoid predators. The box will act as a tree cavity where they can hang upside down. This is true!

This video explains how bats will use their new home and why the construction details are important.

Include Plants That Deter Mosquitoes

While most of my readers have gardens and natural spaces around them, many natural areas are shrinking due to development and sadly, habitat destruction. Consider adding these plants to your patio, balcony or garden. Pot up these edible delights: thyme, chives, sage, basil, and lemongrass.

Cilantro and rosemary can also be included in this hard-working culinary mix. Citronella is known as an insect repellent and the essential oils are commonly used in outdoor candles. You can use lavender to line a sunny walkway or fill pots with this fragrant sub-shrub. Wearing essential oils from these plants can also be helpful. Don’t forget to treat your ankles!

So, don’t let mosquitoes keep you indoors! Invite nature’s best bug busters in, surround yourself with glorious scents and enjoy this beautiful blue planet.