Not only are mosquitoes annoying, but mosquito-borne illnesses (Zika, West Nile, malaria, and chikungunya) have become major health concerns in recent years. Cleaning up your yard during the off season by eliminating standing water sources and excess vegetation will go a long way toward keeping mosquitoes off your property throughout the year.
Eliminate Standing Water Sources
Your #1 line of defense in protecting your yard from mosquitos is to eliminate any potential areas of standing water. A single mosquito only needs a bottle cap-size pool of water to lay up to 300 eggs! Dump water from plant pots, old tires, buckets, air conditioning drip pans, children’s sandboxes, wagons or plastic toys. After dumping water, be sure to scrub the area directly above the water line to completely rid the item of eggs which can remain stuck to the sides and survive for years. Change the water regularly in bird baths and animal drinking containers. Inspect your home and buildings on your property for clogged gutters, pooled water on a flat roof, obstructed down spouts, and leaking hoses. Add proper covers to rain barrels and garbage cans and be sure tarps over firewood, boats, sports equipment, or outdoor pools are taut and not holding water.
Treat water in ponds, pools, and fountains
If you do not wish to empty your ponds, pools, and fountains, be sure to treat them in some way. Mosquitoes prefer standing, non-flowing water, so use an aeration pump, water bubbler, or pond aerator to keep the water circulating. You can also use a biorational larvicide which is harmless to waterfowl, fish, pets, and humans. You may also consider stocking fish such as guppies, the annual killifish, and the Western Mosquitofish to feed on mosquito eggs and larvae.
Trim foliage and vegetation
Mosquitoes feed on plant nectar when they aren’t sucking human blood like little vampires. They like areas of heavy vegetation where it’s damp and cool, so rid your lawn of tall weeds and overgrowth in dense vegetation areas such as trees, shrubs, and weeds. Keep your lawn mowed and clean up any yard debris such as grass clippings and piles of leaves.
Try professional mosquito control
If these steps still don’t produce adequate results, utilize a mosquito elimination barrier treatment around your home and yard. These time-released mosquito barrier treatments eliminate up to 90% of the mosquitoes on your property and reduce your need to use DEET-containing bug spray on your body. Plus, at Mosquito Squad, our traditional spray has a side effect that also control ticks, spiders, and cockroaches.
As America’s most trusted mosquito control company, Mosquito Squad is passionate about protecting you and your home from the dangers of mosquitoes. Call us to discuss additional mosquito protection measures or to schedule a mosquito elimination barrier treatment for your home today!