There are so many things to love about summer but fleas and mosquitoes are not two of them. Nothing can ruin an otherwise perfect day like the bite from a mosquito and where there is one there are dozens or even hundreds more. The same with fleas, In addition to making your pets miserable and itchy fleas, can also transmit diseases and parasites, and every precaution should be taken to protect your home, yard, and animals from these annoying pests. We believe it’s much easier to let a lawn care company take care of your flea, tick, and mosquito issues but there are also some home remedies to help prevent them as follows…
Flea & Tick Prevention
Flea and Tick Control Services
We understand that fertilization and weed control are only part of a healthy turf program. We will also assess your lawn for a variety of dangerous pests like fleas and ticks that will potentially damage your turf and harm your family.
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Lemon Infusion
Treatment using this natural remedy to get rid of fleas consists of making a citrus spray to use on infected areas. To make this flea spray, slice a lemon thinly and add to a pint of water and bring to the boil for 30 minutes. Let the citrus solution sit overnight In the morning strain the liquid into a spray bottle and add a splash of vinegar. Shake well and apply a fine mist to pet bedding, furniture, and carpets.
Salt
Salt helps by pulling the water from the organic layer, and if you add enough salt, too much water will be removed from the flea for it to stay alive. The second reason why salt is so effective for flea control is the fact that it is has a crystalline structure, and this makes it very abrasive. Finely ground table or sea salt can be used on carpets to effectively dry out and kill fleas and eggs, However, this solution should not be used in high humidity due to salt clumping and adhering. Allow it to sit in the carpet overnight while limiting traffic to the area and vacuum after 24 hours.
Nematodes (Eelworms)
Nematodes are microscopic worms that are harmless to humans, pets, plants and the environment. They can be purchased at many home improvement stores or your local nursery. Nematodes feed on the larvae of fleas and other harmful pests such as grubs or termites. Mix with water according to the package directions and spray in a shady area to help control fleas.
Diatomite (Diatomaceous Earth)
Diatomite is of value as an insecticide, because of its abrasive and physico-sorptive properties. The fine powder absorbs lipids from the waxy outer layer of the exoskeletons of many species of insects; this layer acts as a barrier that resists the loss of water vapor from the insect’s body. Damaging the layer increases the evaporation of water from their bodies, so that they dehydrate, fatally. Since moisture renders this material ineffective be sure to apply to dry areas only where there is high flea activity.
Cedar
Fleas are naturally repelled by the smell of cedar, making it an effective homemade flea killer for yard application. Spread cedar chips around the perimeter of your yard and in areas where you have detected fleas for the best results.
Plants
Place fleas and other insect-repelling plants, flowers or herbs around your patio, entryways, windows and areas where your pets tend to lay or wander you can help to keep fleas, mosquitoes and other pests away from your home and garden. A few suggestions are chrysanthemums, eucalyptus, lavender, marigolds, mint, rosemary, and sage.
Mosquito Prevention
Mosquito Control Services
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.
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Remove Standing Water
Prevention of mosquitoes on your property should start with a tour of your property to find any sources of standing or stagnate water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water. You can prevent them from breading and multiplying by dumping water found in buckets, garbage cans, and other areas where water can collect.
Clean Your Pool
Chlorine alone will not kill mosquito larvae but will help in maintaining the pool’s health and, along with the other steps, hinder the growth of mosquito larvae. Use a skimmer to remove any surface debris. The swimming pool should be cleaned regularly including vacuuming and scrubbing the walls. Wading pools for pets or children should be emptied on a regular basis, and the area surrounding the pool should be kept well-trimmed and free of dips or holes where water can collect.
Landscaping
What’s not so well known is that there is another way to keep your local mosquito population in check: With Landscaping. By paying attention to certain aspects of your lawn and landscaping, you’ll have more in your arsenal in the battle against mosquitoes. Eliminate wet spots add a layer of stone, cover that with topsoil and then reseed if needed. Add mosquito repellent plants listed above. Entice bats into your yard with bat boxes.
Clear Gutters
Leaves and other materials can collect in your gutter over time which may prevent the system from draining. Ensure your downspouts are strategically located and maintained so that the flow of water is directed away from the area and adequately dispersed.
Rain Drainage
Cover all water-filled containers with tightly fitting lids. Use collected water first and empty barrels completely between rains. Screen all openings (overflows, openings in the lid), including downspouts from the roof gutters. Insert 1/16 inch fine mesh to keep mosquitoes out.
Add a Pond
A pond ecosystem. Ecologically stable ponds normally do not produce problem mosquito populations because the natural factors of fish predation and surface wave action tend to kill mosquito larvae. Ponds stocked with fish, such as Large Mouth Bass and Blue Gill, even a small pond with goldfish, guppies or killifish if your climate is inducive will greatly reduce or eliminate mosquito larvae.
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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.