If you’ve ever battled mosquitoes in your yard, you know just how bothersome they can be. Not to mention, the diseases they can spread. Mosquitoes have been around for centuries, and their pesky little habits have only gotten worse over time. When you’re outside during mosquito season, you’re subjected to their bite and their potential diseases.
The plight of the people is simple, to enjoy the warmer months outside without the potential threat of ending the day with itchy, red welts covering the skin. This particular mission has been an extensive one; scientists and inventors have been working on mosquito yard treatments for centuries.
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A Look Back
Interestingly, the first recorded use of mosquito extermination occurred in China during the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368 AD). There, a method of using bat droppings to control mosquitoes was developed. This involved the use of a vessel filled with bat guano and placed near where mosquitoes were biting people. The bats would then clean up the area around the vessel, killing all of the mosquitoes inside.
Here’s a look at some of the history and improvements with mosquito yard treatments.
Treatments With Substances
Attacking mosquitoes has a long history. In fact, treating yards for mosquitoes dates back to the 1600s. At the time, people used methods like burning sulfur and DDT to fight off mosquito populations. It wasn’t until 1952, though, that commercial mosquito control products hit the market. This was thanks to Dr. Ward Hiller who invented an effective way to kill mosquitos using carbon dioxide.
In the beginning, people used natural methods to try and get rid of mosquitoes. They would burn branches or throw rocks at them. However, these methods were not very effective. It wasn’t until 1921 when Dr. Walter Reed first identified mosquitos as the cause of yellow fever. This was a huge breakthrough, as it was the first time that someone had identified a disease-causing organism on this scale.
This led to the development of mosquito control methods. One of the earliest methods was the use of insecticides. This was helpful, as it allowed people to gain some control over the population. However, this method had some drawbacks. For one, it was dangerous to use and had a lot of negative side effects.
Another method that was popular in the 1940s was the use of mosquito larvae collection. This involved filling a container with mosquito larvae and then dumping it outdoors. This was thought to help control the population by limiting the number of mosquitoes that could reproduce. However, this method was also not very effective.
Getting Into Yard Treatments
It wasn’t until the 1960s that people started to develop more effective mosquito yard treatments. One of the first treatments was called Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This was a natural pesticide that would kill mosquitoes by poisoning them. However, Bt did have some drawbacks, such as the fact that it was toxic to people and other animals.
Another popular treatment at the time was DEET. DEET is a derivative of the active ingredient in insect repellent. It is effective against mosquitos and has been shown to be safe to use. However, it can be harmful if it comes into contact with the eyes.
Today, there are a variety of mosquito yard treatments that are available. Some of the most popular treatments include the use of a host of mosquito yard sprays, mosquito larvicide, mosquito attractants, and mosquito suppressants. Each of these treatments has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Mosquito larvicide kills mosquito larvae before they can develop into adults. This is the most effective treatment for controlling populations of mosquitoes. However, larvicide can be expensive and may not be effective if the environment is hospitable to mosquito larvae.
Mosquito attractant works by enticing mosquitoes away from an area. This can be done through the use of natural or artificial scents. Some products also contain female mosquito eggs to help reduce the population of immature mosquitoes.
Mosquito suppressants work by suppressing the development of mosquitoes in the area. This can be done through the use of chemicals, devices, or traps. However, suppression devices can be harmful to both people and wildlife if they are not used correctly.
When setting up any of these devices, be sure to read the instructions carefully. Additionally, be sure to check with your local health department before using any of these treatments. Be aware of the risks and safety precautions. That way, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Treating your yard for mosquitoes is an effective way to avoid irritation and discomfort. There are a variety of treatments available, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Choose the one that is most appropriate for you, your time, your budget, and your lifestyle.
