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I love every part of my home, but my favorite place is my covered patio. I like the fresh air and the view. I like hearing the birds in the morning, and the frogs and crickets at night. What I don’t like are the mosquitoes.
Unfortunately, they like me.
The minute I step outside, mosquitoes zoom in like sports fans to a tailgate party. Apparently, I am among the unlucky 20 percent who, researchers say, are particularly appealing to these villainous vectors, who have a hankering for type O blood (yes), the smell of sweat both fresh and dried (uhh, it’s summer), folks who run warm, certain body chemistry (which is up to your genes) and those who drink beer, a factor you can control but may not want to.
So if you’re taking a break from doing yard work and sit down on the lanai for a brewski, you’re lunch.
I’ve tried bug sprays, zappers, candles, peppermint oil, citronella torches and electromagnetic wristbands. Mosquitoes don’t like moving air, so I keep the outdoor ceiling fan going. I have a pest control service spray the yard regularly, and I’ve planted herbs and flowers that mosquitoes allegedly don’t like. And I’m still prey.
So when I heard about a new smart mosquito system that connects to your Wi-Fi, letting you control the release of localized mosquito repellant from an app on your phone, I was dubious. I’d tried another product from the same maker, Thermacell Repellant, and was disappointed: The battery-operated lantern worked by heating up a wafer-like, repellent-infused insert that was supposed to fend off mosquitoes within 10 feet. Nope.
However, I was willing to give the brand ― one of the biggest names in the mosquito world for more than two decades and a favorite among outdoorsmen ― another try. Products do improve. But first, I called my soon-to-be son-in-law, an avid hunter and fisherman, to get his take.
“I love Thermacell,” he said without hesitation. “I clip one on my belt when I go hunting or fishing, and carry butane cartridge refills with me. While duck-hunting in the swamps of Louisiana, it was the only thing that kept mosquitoes away.”
I’m frankly stunned. Men’s hunting tales so rarely apply to better living.
After reading several favorable reviews about what the maker claims is the first smart mosquito repelling system, I ordered the smallest Thermacell LIV, which retails for (cough) $699. The system’s hub plugs into a GFI outlet (so no batteries to recharge or butane to replace). The hub connects via cable to three repellers, thermos-sized devices made of weatherproof die-cast aluminum.
When you turn the system on, repellers heat up and release a synthetic version of a compound in chrysanthemums that small biting insects don’t like. Each repeller covers a 20-foot zone, creating a bubble mosquitoes don’t want to be in.
I installed the system a week ago and have spent every evening since on the patio. What I noticed was that I stopped noticing mosquitoes … because there weren’t any mosquitoes to notice. I also liked that, unlike traps and zappers, the system doesn’t attract and kill mosquitoes, it just tells them to go somewhere else to eat. And it doesn’t smell.
Those who want to spend less can skip the tech and still get the same benefit, according to company spokesperson Alex Emmanuele. Thermacell also cells non-smart products (the E55 or E90), which look like large tumblers, run on rechargeable batteries and sell for around $50 each.
Here are seven ways, in addition to zone protection, experts say you can reduce mosquitoes in your yard this summer:
Eliminate standing water. Puddles, wheelbarrows with rainwater, stagnant birdbaths and similar wet spots are where female mosquitoes lay their eggs.
Mow your lawn. Mosquitoes like hanging in places that are cool, damp and dark, so long, wet grass is ideal. If you still have a lawn, keep it trimmed.
Hire a pro. A professional pest control service can spray the yard to discourage mosquitoes.
Plant plants they don’t like. These include mums, lavender, marigolds, mint, citronella grass and rosemary.
Keep air and water moving. Run your fans and your fountains, so mosquitoes can’t get comfortable.
Put out traps and zappers. They didn’t work for me, but they might for you.
Use bug spray. If you know you’ll be outdoors, apply bug repellent with at least 30 percent DEET. If you would rather avoid chemicals, try peppermint spray.
Marni Jameson is the author of six books, including “Downsizing the Family Home – What to Save, What to Let Go.” Reach her at www.marnijameson.com.
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