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Orchard Supply Hardware nursery expert Tyler Davis says lavender plants, available at OSH stores in Oregon or by special order, are mosquito repellents.

(Orchard Supply Hardware)

Mosquitoes are back in the biting business. A wet spring this year means more of those pesky insects around to poke their proboscis through our skin to sup on our blood. To avoid the irritation -- and potential illness from West Nile virus -- start control methods now.

Your best bet is to kill larvae with

and prevent the problem before it starts. The doughnut-shaped dunks are made of natural beneficial bacteria,

Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis

or Bti. Use one per 100 square feet of surface water in ponds, fountains and water pots. A granular form can be sprinkled on the surface of water or in boggy areas.

Dunks keep for a long time and stay effective even if they get wet and dry out again. A six-pack of dunks sells for an average of $12. The product is widely available at garden centers, hardware stores and big-box stores.

Bti occurs naturally in the soil; it is not toxic to other insects, birds, fish, frogs, pets, plants or people.

Here are some other tips for beating back mosquitoes:

Seek out standing water

Put some mosquitofish

Fill depressions

If your compost bin collects water

Keep gutters clean.

Get rid of old tires

Keep grass mowed.

Properly clean and chlorinate

swimming pools and spas. Empty children's wading pools after use.

Replace water

Attract birds and bats,

Light citronella candles

Put screens

Use repellents

The expensive, electric "mosquito magnets"

Grow a Garden to Repel Mosquitoes



Orchard Supply Hardware nursery expert Tyler Davis says scented geranium and hardy catmint, available at OSH stores in Oregon or by special order, are natural mosquito repellents.

So are lemongrass, rosemary, basil and lavender.

Here are a few more tips from Davis:

Lemongrass

Rosemary, basil and lavender

In addition to keeping mosquitoes out of your yard, you can rub leaves from rosemary, basil or lavender on your wrist to keep mosquitoes at bay when you leave the house.

Grow in containers

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