When the sun heats up, and we stay outside longer, we run the risk of encountering several summer pests. Most are just annoying, but the mosquito can cause harm to our health as well. An extensive list of diseases that can occur when you encounter mosquitoes causes fear in a lot of people and may make you wonder if there is anything you can do to help mosquito-proof your yard? Or at least reduce the number of mosquitoes.
The good news is that there are steps you, or your pest control company, can take to help you enjoy your outdoor spaces a bit more.
Eliminate Sources of Standing Water
If you’re wondering how to get rid of mosquitoes, you need to eliminate sources of water in your yard. This is because mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Thousands of mosquitoes can emerge after growing in even a small puddle or patch of standing water. Take a look around your property and assess where you might have issues.
Bird baths: these garden or yard additions that let you enjoy birds visiting your backyard might also be the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. To prevent mosquito breeding, clean your bird bath frequently or empty it when not in use.
Cans, bottles, and other containers: Standing water-collecting cans and containers, whether rusted or clean, new or old, will undoubtedly draw mosquitoes. This includes barrels, upended lids, buckets, and more.
Tree stumps: This might sound odd, but if you have stumps or even rocks that are hollow, or allow for water to sit inside them, consider getting rid of them. Mosquitoes thrive where standing water collects.
Other Areas: You should also empty toddler pools or water tables when not in use. Pet bowls can also pose a problem if they are not emptied and refreshed frequently.
Overwatered grass: Even a soggy yard may serve as a mosquito breeding ground. If you have a tendency to overwater your lawn or have poor drainage in your yard, you might have an issue and not even realize it.
What about your standard pool? Mosquitoes will not congregate in a clean pool. Run your filter 3 – 4 hours a day. Monitor your chlorine levels and make sure to disinfect when necessary. If you have a cover, utilize it at night to ensure you won’t have issues. You can also incorporate mosquito traps if you’re concerned.
Preventative Measures
Once you’ve addressed standing water in your yard, there are other measures you can take to continue warding off these pesky pests. You can recirculate the air on your porch or deck with the use of a fan. You can also light citronella torches or candles.
Make sure to clear out debris in your gutters or along the exterior of your home as well. Wet leaves may be another breeding ground for mosquitoes. If you have ponds or water features such as the birdhouse, you can utilize a disk known as a mosquito dunk or create your own DIY spray. Be mindful of what you use as you do not want to harm animals that may drink there.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many steps you can take to eliminate mosquitoes in your yard. If the process seems too overwhelming to start, contact the professionals to set you on the right path.
