Every year, as soon as the temperature hits 70, the same cycle begins: People run to big box stores, grab citronella candles, essential oil sprays, or yard foggers — and then wonder why they’re still getting eaten alive by mosquitoes.
If you’ve ever relied on a DIY solution only to find yourself scratching like crazy by mid-July, you’re not alone. The truth is, most over-the-counter mosquito treatments aren’t built to last. And they certainly aren’t built for Michigan summer conditions.
Let’s break down why they don’t work — and what actually does.
1. Essential Oils Can Only Go So Far
Yes, lemon eucalyptus and lavender might smell nice. But that doesn’t mean they provide any long-term mosquito protection. In fact:
- Most DIY sprays wear off within 30–60 minutes.
- Humidity and sweat cancel their effects even faster.
- They don’t kill mosquitoes — they just try to repel them (with mixed results).
In short, essential oil bug sprays are a temporary band-aid, not a real solution.
2. Yard Foggers? More Like Bug Relocators.
Store-bought yard foggers might give you a few hours of peace, but they’re notorious for:
- Scattering mosquitoes to neighboring shrubs
- Killing beneficial insects
- Doing nothing to prevent rebreeding
By the next day, the mosquito population is back — and often worse.
3. The Breeding Grounds Are the Real Problem
Here’s what most DIYers miss:
If you don’t treat the source, the bugs will always come back.
That means:
- Bird baths
- Flower pot trays
- Clogged gutters
- Shaded areas near fences or trees
Professional mosquito control doesn’t just mask the issue. It eliminates the breeding cycle with:
✅ Long-lasting larvicide
✅ Barrier sprays with real staying power
✅ Targeted inspections that DIY can’t match
4. July Is Peak Season — and DIY Can’t Keep Up
Mosquitoes thrive in heat and humidity. By July:
- Eggs hatch faster
- Populations explode
- Basic sprays get overwhelmed
What worked in May or early June suddenly becomes useless.
That’s why we recommend getting professional treatment before mid-June — so you’re covered when the surge hits.
5. Safe Doesn’t Mean Weak
At Ditch the Itch, we use mosquito control products that are:
- Kid- and pet-safe once dry
- Non-toxic to gardens and lawns
- Applied by trained technicians who know where to spray and where to avoid
You don’t have to choose between safety and effectiveness — we give you both.
Don’t Waste Your Summer on Half Measures
If you’ve tried the sprays, the candles, and the YouTube hacks and you’re still getting bit it’s not your fault. You just need a better plan. That’s where we come in. Book your first service today and let us do what DIY can’t. Ditch the Itch MI — So You Can Enjoy Your Backyard Again.