Gnats and mosquitoes are almost everywhere. Even though humans are the most intelligent living things to ever inhabit the earth, we still have not figured out a way to eradicate them from the face of the planet. Most experts and entomologists agree eliminating them is pretty much an impossible task. That being said…my friends, they are here to stay.

This past winter was veryΒ cold forΒ overwintering insect eggs. When you have harshΒ winters like we just experienced on Long Island, insects will sometimes get knocked out pretty good. But when I was at some Memorial Day eventsΒ they were out in force. SoΒ my theory is wrong.Β Gnats and mosquitoes thrive when conditions are both moist and warm but not very hot. This spring has been perfect for them.

So what can you do? The answer is plenty. The first thing you need to do is rid your yard of any standing water where they can lay their eggs. Breeding grounds are anywhere water can collect, such as old tires, buckets, garbage pails, and saucers under your pots. Clean your gutters of debris a few times a year to be sure water is able to completely drain. If you have a bird bath or fountain in your yard, change the water once a week during the warm months of the year. If you have a pond, introduce fish, as they will devour the eggs of gnats and mosquitoes. If there is standing water that you cannot get rid of, use BonideΒ Mosquito Beater Water Soluble Pouches. This product is placed in the water and kills the larva (eggs) of the mosquitoes and gnats.

We have an effective repellant called Bonide Mosquito Beater. It is available in a liquid spray or granular form that you apply on your lawn and garden. Both of these products are made of natural ingredients such as citronella oil, cedar oil, lemon grass oil, and geranium oil. After you apply they can repel the gnats and mosquitoes for up to 3 weeks. This is a great product to use before BBQ’s or parties. There is also aΒ Bonide Mosquito Beater in a Hose End applicator that is more potent then theΒ natural product. Use this for severe cases of gnats and mosquitos.

A very effective killer of mosquitoes and gnats would be Ortho Malathion Insect Spray. You have to mix this yourself and apply itwith a hose end or pump sprayer. If you can’t do this, we also carry Ortho Bug-B-Gon Ready to Spray. Just hook it to your hose and apply to your entire yard including shrubbery, flower beds, and lawns. These sprays will not only kill the bugs on contact but will also kill the eggs. Remember to read the labels of any product you use so that you apply them correctly.

If what I just said is too much work for you and you still can’t deal, you have one other option that will get these little “pitas” out of your life once and for all. Move to Antarctica. I promise you they won’t bother you there.