Getting rid of insects

[kirstyvw]

Hi

I moved to a flat on the Thames a couple of winters ago and last summer the flat was full of mosquitos and big flying daddly longlegs type things...eek. I notice they are starting to re-appear. Can anyone suggest anything I can do to keep them away which actually works before i raid the supermarket for insect repellants etc?

thanks for any help

[WendyS]

The way best is to stop them coming in through open windows and air vents but you can hardly live in a place with no windows open. Net curtains may act as a certain barrier when windows are open but not everybody likes them and when there's a breeze the insects will be able to escape into the room through the blowing gaps. Burning citronella candles are supposed to deter mosquitos but living near water is always a problem with insects as we found when when we had a small river at the bottom of our garden. I wonder if the Heath & Safety/Pest Control dept of your local council might have some advice they can give you if it's becoming a real problem. They might be able to recommend on some specific deterrants.

[mr.bungle]

my mum told me that if you have herby plants indoors like mint and basil etc, insects hate it. i had an ant problem last year in my kitchen and put a couple of basil plants in ( they take alot of watering ) and i have not seen 1 ant since. coincidence?

[mr.bungle]

oh and they are great scrunched up in thai curries. basil, not ants.

[kirstyvw]

thanks everyone, I'll give those suggestions a go