Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying spring and summer pests here in Mississippi, and with the weather heating up, they’re coming out in full force. Unfortunately, mosquitoes aren’t just an itchy nuisance — they actually carry and transmit diseases like West Nile virus and encephalitis, among others. Protecting your home is a must.
Here are five mosquito prevention tips and tricks so that you can not only protect your home, but create a mosquito-free environment for all to enjoy.
This is the first — and most important — step of mosquito control. In order for their larvae to emerge, female mosquitoes need to lay their eggs in standing water. On average, a female is able to lay somewhere between 80–100 eggs per day if conditions allow, meaning they can add up to over 500 mosquitoes in and around your home per week!
The best way to prevent this is to eliminate standing water anywhere on or near your property. Overturn any debris (tarps, toys, playsets, etc.) where water is present, and empty birdbaths and buckets along with anything else where water can collect and lay stagnant.
Gutters and downspouts are two commonly missed areas where water remains stagnant that you will want to inspect early and often. If these areas get clogged, they create the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, so you’ll want to remove all leaves, sticks, twigs, and debris to keep the area clear and the water moving. Remember: mosquitoes only need less than 1 inch of water to lay eggs, so it doesn’t take much before you have an infestation on your hands.
Another commonly overlooked area is the lawn. If your lawn is not draining effectively, it creates an additional prime breeding ground for mosquitoes. Wait a few hours after the next rainfall, then take a walk through your lawn to see how well it’s draining. If it’s not draining effectively, you’ll want to take action (such as our dethatching and core aeration services).
Plants like lavender, basil, rosemary, and citronella are four examples of mosquito-repelling plants that are effective in keeping mosquitoes away from your property. These beautiful plants give off strong aromas that smell good to us, but which are repulsive to mosquitoes, ultimately driving them elsewhere. As an added bonus, these plants will add beauty to your garden, and some of them may even add food to your pantry.
While this prevention method only works temporarily, it is effective, especially for your cookouts and house parties. The oils in these candles and lanterns work similarly to the aromas emitted by the plants mentioned above, but they will be even stronger, working hard to repel any and all mosquitoes.
At TruGreen Midsouth, we know how much of a nuisance mosquitoes are, and we understand the threat they pose to your home and loved ones. That’s why we developed our mosquito control treatment program. It begins with our technicians coming out to identify mosquito ‘hotspots’ on and around your lawn, followed by a customized approach to eliminate the mosquitoes once and for all!