Having Backyard Party, Need Advice for Mosquito Control.

hi lisa-
i have heard that the fabric softner sheets really work too! but i usually get my kids bug bands every year and really like them. and just recently when i was on the website, i noticed they sell something that you put on your lawn, or play area where you would have the party. it looks like little pellets. it's called spreadable geraniol. we are having a graduation party later on in the summer and i think we're going to try it out. otherwise i would suggest those coils that burn slow and put out some citronella smoke. :)
here's the link for the bugband store:
http://www.bugband.net/bugband-store-spreadable.php

Call your village or city and see if they can spray the empty lot next to you. I noticed the other morning (4:45 AM!) and again the other evening that there was a village truck with a fogger thing going by spraying the trees. My husband said it was for mosquito control and actually does a good job. He said they'll come out regularly and more often if people call to complain.

Another product you can use that we've had success with is called Mosquito Yard Shield by ECHO (the outdoor power equip company.) They recommend using it with their blower kit but we used the solution in a pump sprayer we got for like $40 since we don't have a blower. It takes longer to squirt the stuff around the yard, but it works. The "bug juice" is not harmful to pets or people but is to fish so if you have a pond or water treatment with swimming friends, stay clear. I would check their Website to see where you can find it.

boil up some cloves of garlic and shallots and attach a sprayer to your hose and it works like a charm. Do it the night before, and there are no chemicals. I love it!

depending on where you live in aurora, i would definitely call city hall and report the weeds and standing water. this is a violation of the city code. i have heard the fabric softner sheets work, but have never tried. our neighborhood out here in sugar grove contracts with clarke mosquito abatement and have our yards sprayed. that is something else you can check with with your neighbors or homeowners association.