Page 18 - Intra Muros February 2024

GARDENING

MOSQUITOES

By Elize Malan

What attracts mosquitoes?
You on your patio! Body odours, even
breathing will be picked up by mosquitoes
and they can spot their next meal from
50 metres away.

The bug zapper with the blue light on
the patio attracts and kills moths, beetles
and lacewings, but is not effective getting
rid of mosquitoes. They are attracted to
white light in a specific spectrum.

The mature female can live up to a
month and will rest in cool dark places
between garden plants during the day.
After sufficient feeding she will lay eggs
directly on or near water. Breeding places
can be in your garden as well as in the
surrounding environment. Contrary to
general belief mosquito eggs can only
hatch in water. This will happen within 48 Minimizing mosquitoes in the There is no scientific proof that these
hours. garden environment products are harmful to humans but if in
Predators: doubt, apply on cuffs of long-sleeved shirts
During dry periods the eggs can survive • Keep fish in your pond. and pants instead. Some essential oils at
for several years and only hatch when • Create a natural ecosystem to 10% concentration e.g. Cloves will be quite
they are eventually submerged in water. encourage, frogs, dragonflies and even effective preventing mosquito bites. Mix
bats. one part of essential oil with nine parts of
Breeding places in the garden • Lizards are excellent predators. lotion and apply.
• Plants such as tank bromeliads that Plants:
hold water in their leaves. Proper • Lavender next to a patio will hinder a The possibility of eradicating mosquitoes
maintenance will prevent this problem. mosquito’s ability to smell. in your garden environment is slim, but
Flush out dirty stagnant water from • Citronella grass used for producing removing all stagnant water will reduce
plant cups every 3 to 7 days and mosquito deterrent products has a their numbers significantly.
remove old plants that have completed strong aroma and is an attractive plant
the flowering cycle. Using a pesticide for use in garden design. References:
https://www.greenspiritmiami.com/post/
will affect your beneficial predators and • Marigolds contain natural Pyrethrum should-you-really-avoid-bromeliads-because-of-
is a short term and not very effective and have a distinct aroma that is found mosquitoes#
https://www.lifeisagarden.co.za The Garden
solution. repulsive by mosquitoes and other bugs. Guardian’s guide to environmentally-responsible
• Indoor plants that are overwatered or • Trimming shrubs and grasses near patios garden care - Johan Gerber.
have dirty water in the plant saucers. and entertainment areas regularly will
Tel: 012 804 1807
Keep the saucers filled with clean water remove mosquito resting places. Fax: 012 804 0278
or completely dry. • Margaret Roberts (Vectobac) Biological Web: www.garden-group.co.za
• Blocked gutters or gutters sloping in the Mosquito Insecticide can be applied Email: admin@garden-group.co.za
wrong direction that collect stagnant over fish ponds and marsh areas as it is
water. a biological larvicide and will not harm
• Birdbaths should be flushed and wildlife.
cleaned regularly.
• The drain outlet from an air conditioner We are all familiar with the usual mosquito
is a consistent breeding ground. repellent that is sprayed onto your skin.

16 | INTRAMUROS FEBRUARY 2024