The world is losing nature at a remarkable pace, and New Hampshire is no exception. The crisis spares no creature — mammals, fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and even the tiniest invertebrates are disappearing.
Contributing to the loss of species is widespread pesticide use. Yet companies promising to rid your yard of mosquitos are popping up everywhere.
Seen a yard sign like The One Below?
Text the address to us at 781-281-8174.
We will mail a polite postcard from NH Animal Rights League explaining the dangers of mosquito spraying and offering the homeowner nature-friendly alternatives. Your name will not be mentioned!
What’s wrong with mosquito spraying?
Homeowners may be told that the mosquito treatment is “organic” or “natural,” but substances found in nature can still be toxic to bees, fireflies, dragonflies, butterflies, and many other insects. Often the active ingredient in “organic” mosquito treatments is pyrethins, a byproduct of the Chrysanthemum flower. This may sound harmless, but in high concentrations pyrethin is toxic and will kills insects on contact.
Bees are particularly sensitive to pyrethrin, with lethal doses as low as 0.02 micrograms. Because of this sensitivity and the decline in pollinators, applicators are advised to apply pyrethrins at night when bees are not active.
(Note: Some mosquito control companies do offer a truly safe option, typically a garlic-based repellent; however, this approach is generally mentioned down the list and therefore probably less popular.)
Nature-friendly alternatives to spraying
Here are some simple, inexpensive options for dealing with mosquitos:- Remove standing water in your yard.
- Turn on a fan.
- Apply insect repellent or cover exposed skin.
- Create mosquito-free spaces with mosquito curtains or an umbrella mosquito net.
- Landscape to invite mosquito predators, such as bats, frogs, and dragonflies.
- Make a DIY bucket mosquito trap (video below)