Question from Tara Atkins
Hi Debra,
I’ve seen products called Mosquito Bits and Mosquito Dunks.
I’m wondering if you think these are safe for use around the yard when we get standing water after heavy rains, for instance.
I’m having trouble finding something safe and effective to apply to our skin/clothing to repel mosquitoes, because I am very sensitive to fragrances, and even the essential oil based products seem to be bothering me.
But if we can have fewer mosquitoes outside in the first place, that would be a good start. I’ve also seen liquid applications containing garlic or cedar oil, but I’m wondering if the smell would be too overpowering for me.
Debra’s Answer
Living here in Florida, I know all about this and have tried a lot of different things.
Your Mosquito Bits and Mosquito Dunks are actually a biological mixture attached to ground corn cobs, so I don’t see that it would create any chemical fumes to be concerned about.
The website says they are nontoxic to all other wildlife, pets, fish and humans and is labeled for organic gardening by the EPA.
I think this is fine to use. I would use it in my garden.
But, I just go around and empty the containers that have standing water, or kept them upside down so they don’t collect water in the first place.
