This time of year, many people are enjoying their out-door living spaces including decks, patios, etc.  When the bite and itch of a mosquito becomes a persistent problem, many will light up a citronella candle or torch to rid themselves of these pests.  So the question today is: is citronella effective against mosquitoes?
The citronella most commonly referred to is actually an oil.  This oil is an essential oil which is collected from the stems and leaves of assorted species of Cymbopogon (Pictured below).  Citronella oil is heavily used in soap, perfume, and cosmetics.

Citronella oil has been registered in the United States as a plant-based insect repellent for over 60 years (dating back to 1948), and is considered by the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) to be a biopesticide.
Effectiveness in use as an insect repellent has been researched and verified.  For local applications, citronella repellents must be reapplied to exposed skin every 30-60 minutes.  According to the EPA, citronella oil poses little or no threat as far as toxicity when used in this manner.  In the over 60 years the oil has been registered, there have been no reports of adverse effects.

All in all, citronella oil has been researched and proven effective for use as an insecticide, among other things, so that once again, we can light our candles, apply some oil, and go enjoy the sun!

Preventing pests from entering your home can be as valuable a treatment as the treatments performed by pest control companies.  By protecting your home/office, you can inhibit a wide range of infestations, and can save yourself time and money.  The following are all things that can put you and your environment at risk for pest infestations:

1.     Unsealed food

2.     Open garbage cans

3.     Gaps in plumbing pipes and/or walls

4.     Leaking roof

5.     Blocked gutters

6.     Openings in windows/door frames

7.     Improperly sealed attics/crawl spaces

8.     Plies of firewood

9.     Standing water

10.  Long grass & overgrown shrubs

11.  Leaf buildup

By avoiding such risk factors, you can greatly reduce your chances of infestation from many common pests. Keep in mind that most pests are attracted to your home by conditions that are created by you, and are easily avoidable.  Many infestations can be avoided by keeping your home clean, and your yard free of clutter and debris, but as with anything, there are always exceptions.

If you are facing an infestation in your home or office, call 1-877-757-7767 for a free consultation.  The call is free, and the information gained is priceless!

Recently, we published an article that spoke about mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus.  This opens up a large door of conversation in regards to the other diseases that can be transmitted by the blood-sucking pests.  While many of the diseases that can be common in mosquitoes are not common in many parts of the United States, it is still vital to stay well educated on the possibilities.  There are six major diseases that are commonly carried and spread by mosquitoes.  These six are West Nile Virus (WNV), LaCrosse Encephalitis (LAC), Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE), Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE), and Malaria.  Many of these diseases are prevalent in horses, and cattle, as is implied by their names, though they can be spread to humans as well.

For more information on any of these diseases, or if you are experiencing a concern with mosquitoes, feel free to contact our office at 570-491-5500 or toll free at 1-877-757-PROS.

Both male and female mosquitoes are by nature nectar feeders, much in the same way a humming bird is.  The female mosquitoes of many of the 3,500 species of mosquitoes found around the world are capable of feeding by drinking blood from many warm blooded mammals.  These mosquitoes use the blood meals not as a requirement for survival, but rather as a supplemental source of such things as protein and iron to assist in the development of eggs.

So how do these mosquitoes find their blood meals? Similar to the way a bed bug locates a host, mosquitoes take advantage of the carbon dioxide (CO2) exhaled by prospective hosts.  The carbon dioxide is the first directional in finding a host.  Malaria mosquitoes in particular are attracted to specific locations on the human body.  This location is usually the feet of humans.  In the research conducted by Remco Suer, if was discovered that the foot odors detected by the malaria mosquitoes are actually the defining factors in where they should bite their selected victims.

What does this tell us? When outdoors in an area with mosquito populations, many people think to wear protective clothing.  Perhaps closed shoes (with clean feet!) should be added to the clothing requirements. 

Click Here to read the full article about Malaria Mosquitoes

As the warmer months approach, we all begin to plan outdoor activities and adventures.  It is always at this time that the mosquito population begins to create a problem.  Mosquitoes are blood feeding insects, which unlike bed bugs, are capable of transmitting diseases.   This makes control of the insects vital.  The following suggestions can help to keep the mosquito population near your home to a minimum.

1.       Remove stagnant water! – Still waters are the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.  Removing such areas will decrease populations.  Make sure planters are draining well, turn over empty pots, ect.
  2.       Citronella – Candles and torches with citronella oil will repel the mosquitoes
  3.       Dress light – It is best to wear light colored clothes, as mosquitoes are attracted to both bright and dark colors.
  4.       Pass on  Perfume – Mosquitoes eat the nectar from flowers, so avoid perfumes and deodorants that have a floral scent before going outside.  Some laundry detergents can have the same effect.
  5.       Avoid beer – A French study recently found that mosquitoes actually prefer beer drinkers over those hydrating with water.
  6.       Plan your workout – Perspiration and body heat, along with lactic acid (a byproduct of working out) attract mosquitoes.  Plan your jog or other workouts in the morning to avoid excessive sweat.
  7.       Vitamin B-1 (thiamine) – Increasing your intake of this vitamin actually repels mosquitos, as does an increase in your intake of garlic.  These items make you “stink” to a mosquito, but not to your friends & family.
  8.       Plant your garden – Marigolds give off a scent that repels flying insects and other bugs.  Planting some of these easy to grow flowers can assist in avoiding mosquitoes.
  9.       Oil of Eucalyptus – A 30% concentration of eucalyptus oil, applied topically has been found to repel mosquitoes for up to two hours.
  10.   Have a fire – Having an outdoor bonfire can help to repel mosquitoes.  In addition to the smoke caused by the wood, consider adding some rosemary or sage to the coals, as these scents will also repel the insects.

If you have other suggestions for avoiding mosquitoes, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.