When you think of the word “pest,” mosquitoes are probably not the first insects to come to mind.
Compared to other pests like mice, cockroaches, and bed bugs, mosquitoes seem rather harmless. However, mosquitoes are known to carry a variety of dangerous diseases, including malaria and West Nile virus, and getting bitten can put you at a serious risk of contracting one of these illnesses.
This summer, be proactive and keep yourself and your loved ones safe by learning how to get rid of mosquitoes.
What Attracts Mosquitoes to Your Yard
The first step in getting rid of mosquitoes is prevention, and it begins with learning what’s attracting mosquitoes to your yard.
Following are some of the most common mosquito attractants:
- Standing water
- Clogged gutters
- Overgrown vegetation
- Open garbage cans
- Yard debris
- Nectar
In addition, mosquitoes also like to feast on blood and are attracted to sweat, so you may be attracting mosquitoes to your yard without even knowing it.
5 DIY Methods to Get Rid of Mosquitoes
So, what’s the solution to getting rid of mosquitoes? You can’t stop the rain, and you won’t avoid your yard just to get rid of mosquitoes.
Fortunately, there are several DIY solutions to getting rid of mosquitoes that have proven to be effective:
1. Clean Up Any Standing Water
Birdbaths, gutters, and streams are all mosquito bait because they possess standing water for mosquitoes to breed and store their larvae.
Having standing water near your property can be especially dangerous for pregnant women, as getting bitten by a mosquito can put you at risk of contracting a dangerous disease, like malaria or Zika virus.
To keep you and your loved ones safe this summer, take note of any standing water in your yard and make sure to remove it before spending time outdoors. Tip over bird baths after rain storms, ensure there are proper drainage systems for your yard, and clear out your gutters after each fall.
2. Use an Outdoor Mosquito Repellent
Using an outdoor mosquito repellent is one of the most commonly used methods for getting rid of these pests. There are several different options on the market, from essential oils to sprays containing DEET. When it comes to choosing an outdoor mosquito repellent, it is imperative that you do your research and carefully read the instructions on the product you choose to ensure you are using it the way it was intended.
3. Use an Outdoor Fan
As strange as it may sound, using an outdoor fan can actually deter mosquitoes from your property. Although mosquitoes are pretty good at flying, their wings aren’t strong enough to withstand the airspeed of a fan. Using an outdoor fan on a patio space can keep mosquitoes away and keep you cool simultaneously–a win-win.
4. Use a Natural Predator
Birds are some of the most prominent natural predators of mosquitoes, and inviting more of them into your yard can help keep these pests away this summer. Try hanging up bird feeders to invite more to your yard. Even mowing your yard regularly will attract birds as it will disturb bugs that live in the grass, providing another tasty snack for these predators.
5. Install Mosquito Nets and Barriers
If you can’t eliminate mosquitoes, you can at least keep yourself safe from them. Mosquito nets can cover a small area of your yard and block out mosquitoes. They can be purchased relatively cheaply and installed without professional help. While temporary, any solution is better than none.
The Benefits of Hiring Professional Mosquito Control
Since your yard is not a controlled space, getting rid of mosquitoes alone is virtually impossible. A mosquito yard spray is the only solution that will ensure that mosquitoes do not invade your property.
Mosquito sprays are perfectly safe and offer mosquito relief for up to a month. Your pest control company will apply these monthly to provide seasonal protection during the warmer months.
While store-bought sprays are available, we highly recommend investing in professional mosquito control. It is not safe to handle insecticides without proper equipment. Likewise, if haphazardly applied, these sprays can disturb other insects, including honeybees.
FAQs
How do mosquitoes find their hosts?
While no one is immune to mosquito bites, some people may be more prone to getting bitten than others. It is said that mosquitoes prefer to bite people with a higher metabolic rate, such as pregnant women and those who work out regularly. It is also believed that mosquitoes may prefer the taste of blood type O compared to other blood types, meaning people with this blood type may notice that they get bitten more often.
What are the most effective mosquito repellents?
While many different products and methods are said to repel mosquitoes, mosquito yard sprays are typically the most effective at keeping these pests away. Mosquito yard sprays act as a barrier and are applied where mosquitoes hang out, such as in shady areas under trees. Once applied, this spray will last for up to a month, so you won’t have to worry about getting bitten every time you step outside.
Can mosquitoes breed indoors?
While mosquitoes aren’t commonly seen indoors, these pests can enter your house and lay their eggs if given access. To prevent mosquitoes from entering your home, be sure not to leave any doors or windows open during the summer, and check to see if any of your screens need repairing or if there are any gaps or cracks they can squeeze through.
Do ultrasonic mosquito repellents work?
Many ultrasonic devices on the market claim to repel mosquitoes by emitting a high-frequency sound. However, these devices are not effective and will not significantly reduce the number of mosquitoes. Other methods, such as using an outdoor yard spray or installing mosquito nets, are known to be much more effective.