Tired of those pesky mosquitoes taking over your yard? Mosquitoes are iconic summer pests, but they can cause more problems than just itchy bites, such as transmitting dangerous illnesses and viruses. You can only do so much to stop them from biting. Mosquitoes can multiply quickly and can be hard to get rid of once they have taken over your backyard. The best way to manage a mosquito problem is to tackle it at its source, which is their breeding. The following tips will show you how to keep mosquitoes from breeding…
Remove Standing Water
Empty, drain, or cover all things that can and may hold standing water. Mosquitos can breed in as little as 1–2 fl oz (30–59 ml) of water, clear out any areas of your backyard or porch where rainwater can pool. So begin by touring your property to find any sources of standing or stagnant water. This is where mosquitoes lay their eggs, you can prevent this by diverting water found in buckets, garbage cans, tarps, and other areas where water may collect. The combination of still water and plant life attracts mosquitoes. A backyard pond is an interesting landscape feature. Install a fountain and some fish that are known to eat mosquito larvae, such as goldfish, guppies, or killifish if your climate allows.
Promote Drainage
Wherever your landscape regularly accumulates water after rainfall or watering the lawn. Fill those areas with soil or grade them if possible. A&A can help with drainage.
Clean Gutters
If they are filled with debris, they will trap water during the next rainfall instead of letting it drain. Mosquitoes will then breed in this standing water. Ensure your downspouts are strategically located and maintained so that the flow of water is directed away from the area and adequately dispersed. Learn about our Gutter Cleaning Services.
Mow Your Lawn Weekly
Mosquitoes aren’t likely to lay eggs in tall grass, but they tend to sit in the tall grass for rest and hiding. Keep your grass as short as possible and mow as frequently as possible. Also, ensure bushes and shrubs are well-trimmed. Learn about our Mowing Services.
Mosquito Control Treatments
A barrier spray treatment that will kill adult mosquitoes and larvicides to kill mosquito larvae. Mosquito control treatments are applied several times a year and before big events. The barrier spray contains pyrethrin, which is a pesticide derived from dried chrysanthemum or pyrethroids which is a synthetically produced insecticide. Pyrethrin breaks down quickly when exposed to sunlight and moisture. The barrier spray chemicals are approved by the EPA because in their words they “do not pose risk concerns for children or adults.” Larvicides are used in retention ponds, ditches, lakes and backyard ponds and the most common larvicide is BTI. Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) is a naturally occurring bacterium and is nontoxic to mammals, fish and birds, according to the EPA. Learn more about our Mosquito Control Services.
Repel Mosquitoes With Plants
Plant some mosquito-repelling flowers and herbs especially near areas that are prone to collect water. You can place them directly into your garden, or you can place them in flower pots. Mosquitoes don’t like the smell of these plants and will stay away from them. Here are some plants you should consider planting in your garden…
- Herbs, such as rosemary and lavender
- Other plants, such as catnip, citronella, lemon balm, and mint
- You can also make your own mosquito repellent out of natural ingredients like citronella, geraniol, or lemon eucalyptus oils
Change Lighting
The best (and least appealing to insects) was a warm colored LED light – those are the LEDs that produce a yellow/orange hue, rather than cool blue light. Impressively, the yellow-hued LEDs turned out to be even better than ‘bug lights’.
Maintain Swimming Pools
If you have a small plastic pool meant to be used temporarily, make sure you drain all of the water and store it indoors when it’s not in use. If you have a backyard swimming pool, monitor the chlorine levels regularly, and keep the pool clean. Adequate water filtration and circulation help to keep the water clean and moving and your pool cover can present chemicals from evaporation and keep insects out when not in use.
Clean Birdbaths Weekly
If you have a birdbath outside your house, the stagnant water is a perfect place for mosquitoes to lay eggs. Minimize mosquitoes breeding thereby changing the water and scrubbing down the bath at least once a week, preferably more frequently.
A&A Lawn Care and Landscaping can help you with everything outside your house.
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About A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping
A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping can beautify your lawn and landscaping using our vast experience in turf grass management. Our complete lawn service is designed for both residential and commercial lawns and we keep your lawn healthy without harming your family, staff, or pets.