Summer Grilling Series

Summer is finally here and many of us are spending more time outdoors. It is the perfect time to enjoy the beautiful weather with family and friends. Most nights are spent by a fire pit or next to a grill cooking up some delicious recipes. The one thing to have in the back of your mind is where the mosquitos might be. We have talked a lot about plants to keep mosquitos away, but what about the flowers known to attract mosquitos? The kind of plants you might want to avoid this summer are in today’s blog.

You may have seen Mosquito Sheriff’s blog in the past on the best plants to keep in your garden or on your patio for mosquito prevention. While those may be the ones you want to add to your garden or home, there are others you want to avoid completely this season. There are flowers that attract mosquitos. The two types of plants that you want to avoid are nectar producing plants and water holding plants.

Nectar-Producing Plants

Nectar-producing plants are important for many species of insects. Both male and female mosquitos feed on the nectar from these plants for survival. Bee’s and butterflies also love these plants and flowers. Lavender and sunflowers are two examples of nectar producing plants that are common in most gardens.  While it may not be possible to avoid these all together supplementing a few that repel mosquitos in between could be a good idea.

Water- Holding Plants

A very big issue in mosquito control is standing water. It takes very little time for a mosquito to mate, lay eggs in standing water, and for those eggs to hatch and become biting adults. The cycle is an impressive one to say the least. That is why it is so important to stay on top of any standing water on your property especially after rain fall. Any plant that holds water after rainfall is a great place for mosquitos to lay eggs. There are a few plants that are known for their water holding capabilities that you may want to avoid in your yard. Water lilies and water lettuce are two great examples. Those with a pond on their property should pay special attention to these areas.

When keeping your yard safe from mosquitos you are keeping your family and friends safe too. You want to be able to enjoy your outdoor time and not worry about mosquitos lurking and what disease might be around the corner. If you follow these simple steps along with proper outdoor yard care with your local Mosquito Sheriff, you will be able to enjoy your nightly grilling.

Grilled Bruschetta

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1-1/2 cups chopped and seeded plum tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
• 2 teaspoons plus 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 16 slices French bread baguette (1/2 inch thick)
• Sea salt and grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, bring vinegar to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced to 3 tablespoons, 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat. Meanwhile, combine tomatoes, shallot, basil, 2 teaspoons olive oil and garlic. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
2. Brush remaining oil over both sides of baguette slices. Grill, uncovered, over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
3. Top toasts with tomato mixture. Drizzle with balsamic syrup; sprinkle with sea salt and Parmesan. Serve immediately.