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Novel Technique for Zapping Mosquitoes

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Q. What's a safe way to kill mosquitoes? We have a cabin on a pond and the mosquitoes are ferocious. Some always manage to sneak in and there is nothing worse than being buzzed, especially when you are trying to fall asleep.

Trying to swat mosquitoes at night is challenging. When my husband gets totally frustrated he sprays a powerful DEET mist in their direction. Then we breathe the stuff, which I am not sure is safe.

A. Instead of spraying DEET or an insecticide at mosquitoes, try 90 percent isopropyl alcohol, which you should be able to find in almost any pharmacy. Put some in a plastic spray bottle and adjust the nozzle so you get a fine mist. Next time a mosquito comes close or rests on a wall just zap it with the alcohol. This should be safer for you and deadlier for the mosquitoes.

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This is a great idea. I bought 91% Isoproyl alcohol in Wal-Mart. We have a problem with a lot of mosquitoes and they get in the house, even though we are careful to close the doors quick. My husband saw 2 of them near the computer and sprayed them and killed them. We like the idea of not using chemicals and this really works!!!! THANKS

I tried Listerine, diluted in a spray bottle. Some people think it works. My mosquitos weren't impressed. Tried lavender water. That wasn't very effective either.
But vinegar seems to work. I keep it in a spray bottle and release a mist in my midst, or spray it directly on my skin. Seems to be very effective.

Another great defense from mosquitoes is to use Bti discs in your pond. This is a naturally occurring bacteria that is safe to humans and other animals but is deadly to mosquito larvae. The scientific name is: Bacillus thuringensis israelensis. It can be purchased at hardware stores.

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