FAQ
Do mosquito-repelling plants completely eliminate yard pests on their own?
No standalone plant forms an impenetrable chemical barrier around your yard. While aromatic herbs contain repellent oils, you must combine them with water management and pruning for complete control.
How does Bti work, and is it safe for household pets?
Bti produces biological protein crystals that become toxic only inside the alkaline gut of specific fly larvae. It is entirely non-toxic to mammals, birds, fish, and beneficial garden pollinators.
Why is transporting water hyacinth across state lines a federal crime?
Under federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 46, transporting water hyacinth is illegal because it rapidly chokes waterways. The National Invasive Species Information Center documents how it damages native aquatic ecosystems.
How much standing water is required for mosquitoes to breed?
Mosquitoes can successfully lay a full brood of eggs in as little as one tablespoon of water. A discarded bottle cap or cupped leaf provides sufficient moisture for larval development.
Can I keep broadleaf hostas without breeding mosquitoes?
Yes, you can keep hostas safely by switching to drip irrigation lines rather than overhead sprinklers. Regularly clear dead leaves from beneath the foliage to maintain dry, well-aerated topsoil.
