Mosquito problem – Bat houses

Q: Our condominium complex has a terrible mosquito problem. What do you think of installing purple martin or bat houses.

A: Neither bats nor martins control mosquitoes. In the case of martins, the mosquitoes don’t offer enough protein to make it worth the bird’s while to catch and eat them. In the case of bats, mosquitoes don’t fly up high where bats like to swoop chasing moths and beetles. The BEST way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate standing water. Also consider installing pedestal fans near outdoor gathering areas to blow mosquitoes off course.