Nothing can ruin outdoor fun quite mosquitoes. Mosquitoes leave bites that are itchy and painful, and in worse cases, they can even transmit infectious diseases like West Nile virus. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to repel these blood-sucking insects and prevent infestations.
1. Get rid of standing water around your property.
Once a female mosquito has a blood meal, she'll search for some stagnant water where she can lay her eggs. Mosquitoes don't need much room. In fact, a little water in a bottle cap is enough. This is why it's essential to get rid of anything around your home that could collect water. You should also make sure on a regular basis that your gutters, downspouts, and outdoor drains aren't clogged.
2. Trim back your yard.
In one respect, mosquitoes are like many people: they like cool, shady, outdoor places. If your lawn, shrubs, and bushes are overgrown, these areas will become the favorite hangouts for the local mosquito population between morning and evening. Be sure to keep your grass cut short and to keep your bushes and shrubs well-manicured to minimize the shade they create.
3. Plant mosquito-repelling landscaping.
Mosquitoes tend to avoid certain plant types. Consider adding a few of these plants to your yard’s landscaping:
Citronella (This is a common mosquito-repelling candle scent.)
Marigolds
Peppermint
Lavender
Basil
Catnip is also a natural mosquito repellent, although after planting this, you may end up with a feline infestation!
4. Use outdoor fans.
Mosquitoes are strongly attracted by the carbon dioxide that our bodies release. When a fan blows around your body, it disperses the carbon dioxide you emit, making you a less obvious target. When spending time on your porch or covered patio, turn on its ceiling fan or use an outdoor oscillating fan.
5. Check your window and door screens.
The last thing you want is mosquitoes inside your home. Double-check that the screens on your windows and doors have no holes and that there are no gaps on the sides. If you don’t have screens currently, that’s a home improvement project that you’ll want to complete as soon as possible.
6. Wear mosquito repellent.
If you plan on spending more than a few minutes outdoors, you'll want to wear some extra anti-mosquito protection. Nowadays, there are more repellent options than ever before, including classic standbys like OFF! as well as natural, plant-based varieties.
Are the mosquitoes out of control in your yard? At Sage Pest Control, we provide our clients with an integrated pest management approach, which not only gets rid of mosquitoes but also prevents them from breeding in your yard. Learn more by clicking here or giving us a call at (704) 413-3398.