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Grab Two Handy Baking Ingredients
To Keep
Your Yard Mosquito-Free
By MICHELE WANKE
Combining sugar and yeast is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to get rid of mosquitoes. The pests are drawn to carbon dioxide, which is produced when yeast feeds on sugar.
First, pick a vessel to serve as the mosquito prison, such as a mason jar or a 2-liter plastic bottle. Then, punch a few holes in the lid large enough for the mosquitoes to fly in.
Next, add 4 tablespoons of sugar, 1 cup of warm water, and ⅓ teaspoon of yeast to the bottom of your chosen trap and thoroughly mix together.
The mosquitoes will be enticed by the carbon dioxide and drown in the water. For greater success, cover the trap in black duct tape, as the insects are attracted to dark colors.
Placement is key if you want to capture as many mosquitoes as possible. Aim for a shady, wind-protected spot in the yard, or near flower pots that collect a lot of moisture.
It's a good idea to monitor the weather so you can track when to refill the traps with fresh sugar and yeast. Heavy downpours necessitate more frequent changes.