Growing Together: Open Forum

Hello everyone,

I searched with the magnifying glass and saw no related posts about this problem so I am writing in hopes that someone has a suggestion that I did not consider yet. The problem is mosquitoes !

The situation: we have 3 courtyard schoolyard gardens at our school. They contain pollinator friendly native perennial plants that attract everything from monarchs to swallowtails and from bluebirds to American Toads. We use no spray or fertilizers and the gardens are doing well. We have picnic tables for kids to sit outside and eat lunch in the garden areas too. We have a garden club with some pretty great students who are willing to work hard and weed, plant, prune and carry things like wheelbarrows and dirt.

The challenge: MOSQUITO INFESTATION. We have drains in each courtyard and they contain standing water in a deep pipe .The mosquito problem is getting so bad and kids no longer want to go in the courtyards because they get bitten and leave with welts. I have tried monthly mosquito dunks and planting lemon balm and other "anti mosquito" plants but they are not working . Even teachers complain that mosquitoes are coming in when we enter and leave the gardens and they go into the classrooms. 

What could we do? I am aversive to sprays and we do not usually get frost until early to mid December .I know mosquitoes are a large part of the food chain but they are impacting our kids' enthusiasm about being outdoors and I want them to be the ones who are working in our gardens and growing up with positive experiences about outdoor learning. Has anyone had a similar problem and if so, what did you do to solve it? Thank you for any ideas or thoughts. I hate complaining but they really are pretty bad and felt so sorry for the kids last time we met for garden club. 

------------------------------
Erin A.
------------------------------

I don't have direct experience with this company, but have heard good things about their products. Perhaps you could contact them and describe your situation. It's Rockwell Labs at: https://rockwelllabs.com/2025/04/15/ecovia-g-granular-insecticide-the-perfect-complement-to-mosquito-tick-treatments-for-targeted-applications/

------------------------------
Cindy Heath
------------------------------

Here is an interesting article from University of Maryland Extension that includes suggestions for making a DIY trap:

https://marylandgrows.umd.edu/2023/06/30/the-4-es-for-easy-breezy-beautiful-mosquito-source-reduction/

I am not sure if these would be logistically possible for you or not, but fans and mosquito netting can also be used creatively to try and discourage them in areas where you are trying to sit/meet. 

The good news is mosquitoes will decrease activity when you get in the 50 to 55 degree range, so you won't have to wait until a total frost. 

------------------------------
Sarah Pounders
Senior Education Specialist
The Woodlands TX
8324186540
------------------------------

Hi, We have a similar problem in the courtyard garden in Dayton OH at our elementary school. We grow mostly herbs in our courtyard.  I had the 6th graders create a bug repellent by tincturing three specific herbs: catnip, yarrow and mugwort.  These plants were harvested, allowed to wilt and then chopped up fairly finely.  They were put in a large jar with EverClear (alcohol).  It was kept in a locked cabinet in the classroom for 4 weeks and then strained and decanted into spray bottles.  Then each 8 oz bottle was finished with essential oils of ROSE GERANIUM (50 drops per bottle), LAVENDER(25 drops) AND LEMONGRASS(25 drops).  Research shows repellent qualities are equal or better than deet products.  They are available as students go outside.  The students created a marketing plan, a logo and labels.  The pride was visible on all the students involved.  It works effectively for about 2 hours before reapplication is needed.  

Janet Lawson

------------------------------
Janet Lawson
Ruskin Elementary School, Dayton Public School System
------------------------------

We solved our mosquito larva problems by growing mosquito fern over the water they typically inhabit. It greatly inhibits the adult mosquitoes ability to lay eggs. We also, having deeper/contained water than what you may have, added mosquito fish. Mosquito fish have added an aquaponics learning opportunity.

------------------------------
Pamela LaCourse
Dublin CA
------------------------------