When heated in an aluminum foil packet, the sugar and potassium produce a thick, noxious gas that is poisonous to not only mosquitoes, but also humans, pets and beneficial insects. Homemade mosquito foggers are easy to make and use inexpensive materials, but their long-term effects -- breathing difficulty and ecosystem damage, to name a few -- make safe, natural methods more effective.
Safe Mosquito Control
Safe, organic methods of mosquito control give relief in both the short and long run, and have no negative impact on the health of you or the environment. You can find short-term mosquito relief with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis. Bt sprays come from naturally occurring bacteria, and they kill mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes within two days of application. Long-term mosquito relief comes from repellent plants, such as lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and catnip (Nepeta cataria), both hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9.
Mosquito traps release a small amount of carbon dioxide, and -- depending on the brand -- octenol, which attracts mosquitoes to the extermination device, either a sticky substance, an electrified grid or a vacuum that collects them.
The Drip Cap
- Mosquito foggers provide quick, exhaustive mosquito annihilation at a high environmental cost.
- Homemade mosquito foggers are easy to make and use inexpensive materials, but their long-term effects -- breathing difficulty and ecosystem damage, to name a few -- make safe, natural methods more effective.