People who have a problem with the Asian Tiger or other container-breeding mosquitoes know that eliminating standing water around the home is the most effective way to control the mosquito population. Unfortunately, the Asian Tiger breeds in neighbors' yards, parks, greenbelts, and other places around our own homes that we cannot access (for example, tree holes that collect water and the occasional puddle in flower beds, gutters, and other areas).
It is for these people that the Mosquito SwallowTM was invented.
This page provides tips on what one can do to control container-breeders around your own yard and will be updated as we receive comments and suggestions from Mosquito Swallow trap users, like yourself. To provide a suggestion for us to share with others on this page, please contact us via email.
Rid your yard of other breeding sites. In particular, take care of things that hold water such as clogged gutters, water-catching tree holes, spare tires, and buckets, as well as piles of leaves or other rotting plant material. Change the water in things such as bird baths on a regular basis, and treat bodies of standing water that you cannot effectively change with a larvicide or a thin layer of oil. The goal is to minimize competing breeding sites--you will probably not get rid of all of them, but you can certainly minimize them. Here is a photo of a tree hole that needs filling (be sure to check with an arborist about how and whether to fill a tree hole so that you do not harm the tree).
Give your rain barrels a rest. Sometimes mosquitoes are able to escape rain barrels despite our best attempts to keep them screened in. Consider putting a rain barrel away for a month to see if the problem gets better. Or, consider putting Mosquito Dunks or other larvicides into your barrels on a regular basis.
Clean your gutters and gardens of leaves. Mosquitoes like to breed in rotting debris. If you gutters or gardens have not been cleaned for some time, this step may help tremendously.
Use fans to create an artificial breeze while outdoors. Mosquitoes are not strong fliers and do not like breezes. A large, industrial fan set off to the side may provide just enough breeze to let you have dinner on the patio, without the need for repellent.
Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. The mosquitoes targeted by the Mosquito Swallow traps are attracted to dark colors. Long sleeves will limit the amount of skin exposed to eager biters. Combined, light-colored clothing that covers as much skin as possible will lessen bites from these mosquitoes.
Use effective repellents when you go outdoors. For the most up to date information on effective repellents and cautions in using them, look to the recently updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and links there.
Use other methods with caution and full information. The Environmental Protection Agency has information concerning pyrethroids that are common in home misting systems. The American Mosquito Control Association has information on the misting systems generally as well as a discussion of traps for the adult mosquito.
Note that neighbors' yards, parks, and greenbelts will continue to produce mosquitoes which will come into your yard. Continue current efforts to combat them, and talk to your neighbors about taking steps to minimize breeding sites in their own yards. In the meantime, send us other suggestions to share with other customers on this page by sending us an email.
Learn more about the Mosquito SwallowTM; whether the Mosquito Swallow is right for you; how to use the Mosquito Swallow; or frequently asked questions.
Or if you are ready, place an order now.
They are helping, we've had fewer mosquitos both years [2007 and 2008] and last year we had all that rain, so that is saying a lot."
- J.D., Austin, TX
