I live in the same kind of mosquito nightmare as Pat. Long pants and a thin long sleeved shirt help. The lemon balm is good- you can also make a tea of it or chrysanthemum leaves for a mild short term repellent. It seems to keep them out of my mouth and nose when I'm working. As far as the bites, I've been bitten so many times that it pinches but doesn't make a bump.
I screen the coops to reduce the numbers at night when they're sleeping. My two favorite hens, who are a little on the fragile side,sleep in a dog crate in the house.
I screen the coops to reduce the numbers at night when they're sleeping. My two favorite hens, who are a little on the fragile side,sleep in a dog crate in the house.