7 Myths About Mosquito Control You Need to Stop Believing
Updated: Apr. 10, 2024
Contrary to popular opinion, these often-tried remedies won’t ward off mosquitoes.
Citronella Candles
Citronella candles are no more effective than other candles at keeping mosquitoes away. Candle smoke in general may have a limited effect. Likewise, planting Citrosa geraniums won’t repel mosquitoes. Instead, check out these 11 natural bug repellents worth trying.
Outdoor Foggers and Misting Systems
Outdoor foggers and misting systems will temporarily reduce mosquito numbers, but they rise again as soon as the system turns off and the spray dissipates.
However, this trick will get rid of most insects around your home.
Spraying Garlic
Spraying garlic will make your yard smell like an Italian dinner, but does little else. Instead, try these 26 expert-approved tips for controlling pests in and around your home.
Bug Zappers
Bug zappers attract and kill thousands of insects, but most of them aren’t mosquitoes. They kill only a small number of mosquitoes in the area. (Ironically, they zap a lot of insects that prey on mosquitoes.) Here are 15 essential products for people who hate bugs.
Propane Gas Traps
Placing propane gas traps in your yard will effectively capture many mosquitoes, but again, only a small fraction of those in your yard.
Ultrasonic Devices
Ultrasonic devices have no repellency value at all, according to studies. Find out more about ultrasonic devices and how they got popular.
Bat Towers and Purple Martin Houses
Building bat towers and purple martin houses to attract potential mosquito predators has been proven useless. Bats and purple martins rarely feed on mosquitoes.
