Alan Greenspam wrote in
news:FPtpe.12530$MX2.5@trndny03:

I am looking for organic / plant solutions (no DEET or citronella
candles because of kids) to the bug problem for a small apartment
backyard (surrounded by yards all around. There are many, many bugs.

If anyone has experience (positive or negative) with Thai lemon grass
(Cymbopogon citratus), catnip or marigolds
whether it grows outside in NYC (Brooklyn), potted or planted
he yard is small 10 x 16
how many plants to be effective
shade or sun
can I plant in the ground now?

or maybe any other plants like insectovores (i've seen some very small
ones for sale at Lowe's)


I would suggest denying the mosquitoes as many breeding areas as you can,
and then denying them typical dwelling areas when they are adults. This
means removing all standing or stagnant water areas (rooftops? old tires,
abandoned swimming pools, even kiddie pools left unattended), then removing
as much low growing vegetation as possible-- typically mosquitoes 'lay up'
during the heat of the day under the leaves of ankle to knee-high plants
(in an urban environment, this can be a nearby abandoned lot filled with
weeds, or weeds which have encroached on your own lot or a neighbor's).

Of course your other area to explore is natural predation, which means
encouraging bats to dwell in your immediate vicinity.

--
David J. Bockman, Fairfax, VA (USDA Hardiness Zone 7)
email:
http://beyondgardening.com/Albums