They are back
Just in time for the first, long-awaited, balmy evenings, they make life difficult for us again - the mosquitoes, also known as gnats.
However, they are not only terribly annoying, but also act as disease vectors, which should not be underestimated, especially in the case of so-called "alien", i.e. introduced species.
It is said that the dreaded tiger mosquito, which was first sighted in Austria 11 years ago, is now present in large populations in all federal states, as the mild temperatures make it easier for it to overwinter in this country.
You can read more about their career as vectors (carriers) of various diseases here.
What to do?
We certainly don't have to convince you that it makes sense to keep the yellow fever population small.
With this in mind, here are a few measures to contain breeding sites:
- Flower coaster
- Paddling pool
- Bird baths
Empty them daily - otherwise they become a breeding ground for evil.
- Turn all containers in which water collects (watering cans, wheelbarrows, etc.) upside down so that this can no longer happen
- Covering rain barrels
In the garden pond:
- Add movement to the water (bubble stone, pump)
- Biological control by Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)
- Remove larvae with the landing net
- Carp-like fish (goldfish, koi) love to eat gelatinous larvae
In general, the removal of larvae from the pond is a difficult issue, as they are part of its natural ecosystem and are considered an important food source for many living creatures.
Other natural means of defense and control
- The scent of basil, chives and lemon balm, catnip, lavender, geranium and scented geranium ("Lillibet") repels mosquitoes
- Planting tomatoes or a walnut tree can also help
- Essential oils that can be helpful both in the fragrance lamp and on the body (always in combination with a carrier oil such as coconut oil): Cinnamon, neroli, niem, lavender, lemongrass, scented geranium, citronella and also Swiss stone pine oil.
- The most exciting fact is that studies have shown that gnats prefer beer-drinking victims with high cholesterol levels - we all didn't know that
- It is well known that fly screens, roller blinds and mosquito nets also keep the pests away
- As mosquitoes are attracted to heated bodies and carbon dioxide emissions, a fan is also extremely helpful - it simply blows them away, swirls up our carbon dioxide emissions and keeps us cool
- Nesting boxes in the garden provide a cozy home for birds, which are very happy to help decimate the mosquito population
With this in mind, we wish you all a balmy summer night free of reading! 💚
