Warm weather is finally on its way; it’s the perfect time of year to go out and enjoy the spring and summer.
Unfortunately, the return of fair weather also means its comeback time for all manner of insects, including some dangerous pests. Prime tick and mosquito season are on its way, and it could easily make your backyard unlivable.
Have no fear! You can take back your yard and protect it from these nasty pests using knowledge, sprays, and proper prevention techniques.
Don’t let ticks and mosquitoes rob you of your own property. Here’s why protection is essential and how to do it.
Dangers of Ticks and Mosquitoes
Ticks and mosquitoes are more than a tiny nuisance; they can be dangerous and possibly deadly. Both need the blood of a host to survive, become a problem in warmer weather, and can impart some severe diseases. Let’s look at each pest.
Ticks are not only tiny parasites, but they come in a variety of species. Depending on where you live, you can run into different types from deer ticks to dog ticks. There about 90 different species in the U.S, and though they can’t fly, they find ways to attach themselves to a host, both human and animal. What makes ticks so dangerous are the diseases they potentially carry, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and even ehrlichiosis in pets.
Mosquitos, on the other hand, are flying pests that are found just about everywhere in warm weather. Like the tick, they feed off the blood of their host, and there are over 174 species found in North America. They are also the deadliest insects. Mosquitoes can carry lethal diseases like West Nile, Zika, Malaria, and so many more. The females need a blood meal to lay fertile eggs, and those bites transfer diseases to their host.
Where Can you Find Ticks and Mosquitoes in your Yard?
Ticks are small and can be challenging to spot. They are often found in overgrown areas, typically with high grass or bushes. Primarily, they can tend to be found in wooded areas, fields, and they can easily latch on to animals and people who pass. When they find a host by holding on to leaves and tall grass and wait for something to pass by. Once they grab their target, they find a warm spot to feed until they are engorged.
Mosquitoes are found mostly in warm areas, typically near stagnant water. These flying pests need still pools to lay their eggs; so, anything on your property that can gather water from bird baths to a wheelbarrow left in the rain. They don’t need much to produce a personal swarm for your back yard.
How do Sprays and Repellents Work?
Now that you know the enemy, it’s time to act and protect yourself. Sprays and repellents can be an effective way to stop ticks and mosquitoes. Market sprays and repellents work by spraying lawns and landscaping to ward off insects. Some sprays work on ticks or mosquitos, others work on both and more.
It’s important to note that using sprays may take care of other insects, like gnats and other pests. So, it may be helping more than you think. However, sprays can also kill off good bugs as well; plus, they can be harmful to children and pets depending on what you use. These sprays can cover various yard sizes, and usually need to be re-applied anywhere between 3 to 12 weeks, specified by the brand you decide on. These sprays will kill a high percentage of the problem, but sometimes they won’t cover everything. In addition, you can also refer to a professional pest control expert to maintain your yard regularly.
Are Sprays and Repellents Enough?
Sprays and repellents can be very effective, but they need to be applied various times according to the directions. Again, somewhere between 3 to 12 weeks depending on the type you purchase. You can also take steps to protect yourself with bug sprays and citronella. If you have pets, you should also apply flea and tick medicine on them regularly. While sprays work well, they don’t always stop all intruders.
What should I avoid Spraying?
As mentioned earlier, spraying your yard will take care of more than just mosquitoes and ticks. It could also kill beneficial insects, too, notably bees. Bees are responsible for pollinating flowers, fruits, and many other essential plants. Unfortunately, many sprays and repellents end up killing them as well. If you do plan to spray your yard, keep it to the grassy areas and not the garden. Never spray your flowers or other garden areas bees may populate.
Sprays can also affect humans, causing toxic damage to the skin. Take care to follow the instructions properly and read through the warnings, as some sprays can be harmful to animals and children as well.
What Other Steps Can I Take?
One of the best ways to combat ticks and mosquitoes is a healthy helping of prevention. Taking the steps to protect your home before the season could save you from possible pest problems down the road. Here are a few simple things you can do to keep your yard tidy.
- Don’t let your yard get overgrown. Perform regular maintenance, including trimming bushes, raking up leaves, and disposing of dead plants.
- Cut the grass regularly. Ticks love long blades of grass and overgrown areas as do other pests.
- Tend the garden, and don’t overwater your plants. The smallest pool is a good breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Take care of stagnant water. Check overturned lawn equipment, toys, chairs, and clogged gutters. Mosquitoes don’t need much still water to lay their eggs.
Taking these extra precautions can make it easier to spray specific areas and keep ticks and mosquitoes away for good.
Concluding Thoughts
You don’t have to be afraid of your own backyard this season. Take the steps and keep your property safe from ticks and mosquitoes and really enjoy the outdoors when warm weather hits. If you think you may have a serious tick or mosquito problem, it’s always a good idea to seek out a pest control expert for advice. Take back summer and protect your home from infestation.
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