We have had issues with swarming mosquitos from time to time. We called the City about the problem, and the city crews sprayed the neighborhood. If you do this, be sure to get a date for the spraying, so you can shut off your pumps and cover the pond.

Other than getting your town or city involved or even spraying yourself, I know of no alternative measures that are truly effective. I hate spraying, but since mosquitos can carry west nile virus and encephalitis, sometimes you have to weigh to pros and cons and do what you think is best.

David,

I don't know that the garlic spray would work on the mosquitos since the ones after your blood are the females and they aren't repelled by garlic.

Something you might consider are "mosquito plants". These are a part of the geranium family and, supposedly, repel all mosquitos. I have never tried them, so I can't vouch for them, but two friends swear by them. They are available in most of the spring gardening catalogs like Spring Hill and Four Seasons. I believe you have to place them every 3 - 4 feet apart around the area you want kept clear of mosquitos to really work well, but someone else may have more info on them.

Anne

Have you considered a mosquito trap? I've seen them, but never tried them. I think they use a pheromone to atract the mosquitos, which them become trapped in the bottle.