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Do citronella candles work to ward off backyard mosquitos?

Ever heard of BTI dunks as a mosquito treatment?

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As we prepare for the rainy season this summer, there are a few things you should know about warding off mosquitos. 

First, if you plan to rely on citronella candles to enjoy some time in your yard, you may want to think again. A 2017 study found not only do they not work, but they may actually attract the pesky insects.

When it comes to more heavy duty mosquito treatments, like pesticides, experts say those aren’t always foolproof either. They say the spray only kills mosquitos that are in your yard at the time you spray. Keep in mind, mosquitos can typically fly 1- 3 miles, so they can quickly repopulate your yard.

RELATED: Mosquitos driving you crazy? The city of Jacksonville will spray for free | Mosquitos are attracted to these 2 colors most (sorry, Georgia Bulldogs fans) | What works: Here’s the top-rated repellents to keep bugs from biting

Mosquitos lay their eggs in water, which usually hatch within 7-10 days of a rainstorm. Experts say you can use BTI dunks to treat water that can’t be drained. You drop the large pellet made to kill mosquito larvae in areas that hold water. Most hardware stores sell them.

Do mosquito bracelets work? You may have seen the plastic, stretch wrist bands sold in local stores that market themselves as mosquito repellants for kids, but beware. Experts say while they work, they only repel mosquitoes where the band is located. If you wear it around your wrist, the protection is typically limited to that area of the body only.


About the Author
Jennifer Waugh headshot

Jennifer, who anchors The Morning Shows and is part of the I-TEAM, loves working in her hometown of Jacksonville.

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