What is the best, most effective way to control bugs [mostly mosquitoes]?

I live by a lake. Please Help!What is the best, most effective way to control bugs [mostly mosquitoes]?
There is no set answer.





I lived right on a lake in Michigan, and we had mosquitos too. We built a screen house to sit in at night. And our patio faced the lake which was also screened in. I realize this is not optimum, but on the difficult nights it keeps you outside.








I'm not big on DEET. It has been proven to be a CNS depressant, and causes other problems.





There is a natrual method that is safe, using Catnip oil, that is at least as effective as DEET. Research studies at Iowa State University, in which Catnip oil was found to be 10 times more effective than DEET.








Here is one branded product, but you can make your own.


http://altnature.com/gallery/catnip_mosq鈥?/a>


Nature's Herbal Natural Mosquito %26amp; Insect Shield contains 100% pure Catnip oil (nepetalactone), 100% pure Pennyroyal oil (known to repel biting insects), 100% pure Rosemary oil and Pure Vegetable Glycerin, used to keep the product on the skin for up to 8 hours





Also citronella candles are another option along with using zappers.





I have heard anectodal stories about using Fabric softener sheets. But I have no proof they reall work.


You are NOT going to win the battle against Mosquitos, so you have to live with them , or coexist. These ideas will help you do that.What is the best, most effective way to control bugs [mostly mosquitoes]?
bats-Put up bats houses around If you read up on bats you will see that bats eat a tremendous amount of bugs in a nite they are free and natural there are also some plants that help with repelling mosquito's--talk to your local nursery--
Gobble them up and say SEE! I too like blood. That will scare the bugs away.
Spraying with pesticide with a pump sprayer is the best method. Chemicals like malathion and cyrethrin work very good. You can find special formulations at feed stores and retailers like Lowe's and Walmart. Be sure to read the label for instructions but they chemicals are relatively safe, especially cytrethrin(Bayer makes it, yes the bayer that makes aspirin). Also be sure no to leave standing water for them to breed.
get the little tablet to put in and around your home
skeeter coils
I bought a hand spray system that uses a propane burner and sprays the misquitto spray in a fog. But I have also used the canned kind at the store. The secret is to spray them in the morning when they are still in the bushes and in the grass. Then, again in the afternoon, although I admit that I am not sure that the afternoon spray is necessary.





The morning spray seems to keep them away for at least two weeks, sometimes much longer. My neighbors have had no success with the automatic systems. I hope this helps!!!
Bounce sheets - rub one on exposed skin. It's healthier than DEET containing repellent. You can also use citronella oil (can get from pharmacy), and mix it with baby oil, or Avon skin-so-soft. Mossies hate that stuff.





Burn citronella candles or mosquito coils.





(The bounce sheet thing works the best).
Jake living next to the lake should get himself a 24 hr Mosquito Mat/coil or Liquid. Also get some mosquito nets.





Keep your doors and windows closed when sleeping.
Avon makes a skin lotion, I think it's called skin so soft. Ask a near by Avon dealer and she'll be able to get you the right stuff, It helps keep bugs away.