Declare Your Backyard A Mosquito-Free Zone!

Mosquitoes can make life miserable – they are a constant annoyance and can easily spoil your family’s enjoyment of time outdoors. Their bites can cause irritation and also pose health risks. Mosquitoes are known carriers of the West Nile Virus and can transmit other serious diseases. Canadian Tire offers several mosquito control options to protect your family, help reduce their numbers around your home, and discourage these pesky little insects.

There are two main types of mosquito control methods to choose from. Each offers unique benefits which help repel or eliminate the mosquito population:

• Mosquito repellents and bug zappers
• Mosquito magnets and area traps

Mosquito repellents and bug zappers

Mosquito repellent appliances and bug zappers are designed to protect smaller areas such as decks or backyard patios. They are ideal for any outdoor activity as they are both odourless and easy-to-use:

• Repellent appliances create a protection zone by heating a mat that is saturated with repellent that mosquitoes find unpleasant, and release it into the surrounding area. They typically take 10-15 minutes to reach maximum effectiveness.
• Bug zappers use UV and fluorescent lighting, as well as lures such as octenol to attract mosquitoes, and kill them with an electrical current. They are easy to keep clean and do not emit toxins.

If most of your outdoor time is in a small area, choose a mosquito repellent appliance or a bug zapper. When portability is important, choose an appliance that does not require an outlet.

Topically applied mosquito repellents can also help prevent bites. The most effective contain the ingredient diethyl toluamide (DEET). The higher percentage of DEET in the product, the longer the protection lasts. The Pest Management Regulatory Agency recommends products with 10% DEET or less on young children. Of course, always read directions before use.

Mosquito Magnets and Area Traps

Mosquito magnets and area traps are designed to protect larger spaces (0.5 to 1.5 acres). They allow you to enjoy the full area of a large yard without the intrusion of mosquitoes:

• Mosquito magnets and area traps mimic human and animal qualities. They re-create body heat and carbon dioxide using a combination of propane, octenol, lights, movement and heat. These magnets and traps lure mosquitoes and vacuum them up. Once they are inside, they are trapped until they dehydrate and die. As traps do not generate immediate results, begin operation about 4-6 weeks prior to your outdoor living season.

Mosquito magnets and area traps are a great choice for backyard patios, pool areas, and cottages, as they help reduce the mosquito population by interfering with the breeding cycle. They are also are quiet, odourless, and provide 24 hours of protection.

Helpful Hints

• Citronella oil has been shown to have naturally occurring mosquito-repelling properties. Scented candles, torches and coils can offer protection, depending on how many are used and how close they are placed to the sitting area. Citronella is most effective in calm weather conditions.
• One of the most effective ways to reduce the number of mosquitoes is to find and eliminate their breeding sites - standing water. This can include a neglected birdbath, an empty flower pot and clogged rain gutters. Regularly empty out accumulated water from buckets, watering cans and wheelbarrows, and ensure that swimming pools are chlorinated and ornamental pools are aerated. Mosquitoes prefer non-flowing water for their breeding sites.
• While some mosquitoes are daytime biters, most are active in the evening, particularly at dusk. Wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing will provide added protection, however staying indoors after dusk will lessen the chance of getting bitten altogether. Bug jackets are also available for protection when hiking or camping.