Mosquito Management in Woodland Gardens: Habitat Modification Over Planting

No plants repel mosquitoes effectively. Management focuses on eliminating breeding sites and daytime resting habitat.

What Doesn't Work

• Citronella, marigolds, lavender—minimal effect
• "Mosquito plants" (Pelargonium)—marketing, not science

Effective Strategies

Eliminate Breeding Sites

• Remove ALL standing water (saucers, tarps, gutters, depressions)
• Treat water features with Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis)
• Ensure flowing water in streams/ponds

Reduce Daytime Resting Habitat

• Avoid dense groundcovers and thick shrubbery near gathering areas
• Maintain open, airy landscape near patio/sitting area
• Prune lower branches to increase air flow

Personal Protection

• CDC-recommended repellents (DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus)
• Clothing coverage at dawn/dusk
• Fans on patios (mosquitoes are weak fliers)

Woodland Reality

Riverside woods will always have mosquitoes. Focus protection on your use areas; accept the ecosystem elsewhere.