Living Mosquito Free: 7 Tips
It’s the perfect season to enjoy your yard. The sun is shining, the weather is warm, and it’s ideal for those patio parties, plenty of swimming, and backyard BBQs. Unfortunately, it’s also prime time for mosquitoes. If you don’t take the proper steps to prep your yard, your family and guests may do everything they can to stay inside.
Mosquito infestation is not only annoying; it could be deadly. These nuisance pests can carry several dangerous diseases, such as Zika and West Nile, and when it comes to the safety of your loved ones, you can never be too careful. If you are having trouble with mosquitoes, here are seven steps to help you live mosquito-free.
1. Get Rid Of Standing Water.
If you want to keep your yard mosquito-free, don’t let it become a breeding ground. Mosquitoes lay eggs in warm, stagnant pools and they can hatch at any time. They can even last over the winter. What’s more is that these pests can use any still water: platers, buckets, puddles, birdbaths, and gutters. Well-kept swimming pools and areas with running water are normally okay, but any areas with standing water should be dealt with immediately. If there’s no place to lay their eggs, they will find somewhere else.
2. Keep our Yard Trim.
In addition to pools of water, mosquitoes are drawn to overgrown areas. Taking care of your yard means less heavy, warm places for these pests to cozy up. Take care of your plants, flowers, and bushes. Don’t let piles of leaves or yard trimmings sit; these can gather rainwater and create potential breeding grounds. Also, keep your grass trim. Any overgrown areas can be enticing for mosquitoes. If you want to keep these pests out of your yard, perform regular maintenance and deter them from coming in the first place.
3. Wear the Right Clothes.
A simple way to battle mosquitoes in your yard or anywhere is by choosing the right clothes. Make sure to select the proper clothes to repel them. Mosquitoes are drawn to darker clothes, so lighter colors are the better choice. Also, these pests can bite through thin or tight clothes; try to wear thicker or loser clothing. Though not ideal, longer sleeves and pants would keep these bloodsuckers from a feast.
4. Use the Proper Repellent.
Using the right repellent can really make a difference in the backyard battle against mosquitoes. There are many different repellents available, use one that is EPA-registered. Select one with DEET, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. These items are not essential oils, and they can be effective. While DEET repellents can be used on younger children, it’s not recommended to use these treatments on infants or babies. Be thorough and research your options before applying repellents to your children. When used properly, this method can be effective.
5. Try a Few Outdoor Repellents.
If you don’t want to wear heavy clothing or spray yourself with different repellents, try using some outdoor repellents. If you want to try a more natural approach, try planting lemongrass and citronella. If you want more immediate relief, you can use citronella candles or oiled tiki torches. These tools are helpful, but they aren’t a complete safeguard. Additionally, you can use store-bought repellents and spray them around the perimeter of your home. Just be sure you perform your research to avoid harming your pets, children, or other wildlife.
6. Do Some Yard/Home Prep.
An easy way to avoid mosquitoes is by keeping them away from you in the first place. You can accomplish this by adding screens to your doors and patios. By simply adding a mesh screen, you can keep these bloodsucking pests out of your home. This strategy can also work for porches and decks.
A simple tent with screens will do wonders to keep all manner of bugs away. Also, add a fan or two to your porch or patio. Mosquitoes aren’t great flyers, so adding wind will make it difficult for them to get close. If you want to keep these pests away at nighttime, try using fluorescent light bulbs. Incandescent bulbs attract mosquitoes; swapping them out can be a simple solution.
7. Get Professional Treatment.
If you have followed all the previous steps and still have an issue with mosquitos, it may be time to consult a professional. Get them to inspect, draw up a plan, and spray your property and keep mosquitos out on a wider scale. If you find yourself overwhelmed with a mosquito problem, don’t hesitate to contact a pest control expert. Treatments could last for a little over a month, but with the proper steps, you could be living mosquito-free.
You don’t have to be trapped inside. With these simple steps, you can step out into your yard with confidence and without fear of any dangerous mosquitoes. Take back your lawn and start enjoying the outdoors again.
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