Prepare Your Yard to Guard Against Mosquitoes

It’s mosquito season. With over 3,500 species of mosquitoes out there laying 100-300 eggs at a time, they can’t wait to start bugging us. They are everywhere, but there are actions you can take to get your yard and home ready so mosquitoes don’t eat you alive this summer.

 

Here are a few things you can do for your own mosquito pest control:

 

Eliminate Standing Water

Get rid of standing water, and eliminate opportunities for it to accumulate. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes; they lay eggs on the surface of standing water, and only need a quarter of an inch to do so.

• Remove items from your yard that might catch rainwater, such as unused plant pots, wheelbarrows, and children’s toys.
• For containers that constantly have water, such as birdbaths, clean and refresh the water at least once a week.
• Drill holes in tire swings, trashcans and recycle bins to allow water to drain out easily.
• Repair leaky outdoor faucets to avoid water pooling underneath them.
• Tackle ponds by installing an aeration pump, fountain or water bubbler to keep the water circulating continuously and prevent the chance for mosquito larvae to mature.
• Clear out your gutters so that water can move freely down the spout instead of pooling there.
• Get rid of blockages in the ditches near your home so that storm water moves out of them quickly.
• Fill low spots in your yard with soil, or improve drainage so that water doesn’t remain after a storm.
• Remove old leaves, which can trap moisture and invite mosquitoes and other pests.

 

Keep Vegetation Short

Keep your grass and shrubs cut short. Mosquitoes are shrub hoppers and gather to rest in shady, cool areas, which is why it’s best to keep your yard weed free and avoid any overgrown vegetation.

 

Hang Mosquito Netting

Hang some mosquito netting around decks and patios to block off the areas where you know you’ll be hanging out. Be sure to place the netting around the perimeter, as well as over the top. Buy netting with small holes that is specifically designed to keep mosquitoes out.

 

Switch to Yellow Bug Lights

When preparing your outdoor space for the summer, choose opaque, yellow bug lights to lessen the number of mosquito swarms. Yellow bug lights transmit different wavelengths that are less visible to insects. Therefore, fewer mosquitoes and bugs are attracted to your space.

 

Scout Out Entry Points

Cracks, gaps, screens and other vulnerable areas of your home are opportunities for pests to enter. Make sure that any entry points are properly secured around the house to prevent unwanted insect guests.

 

Call a Pest Control Company

Following these tips can significantly decrease the mosquito population around your home. If you are still having issues with mosquitoes, give Amco Ranger a call to get a free quote for professional, ongoing defense in your yard. Treatments are tailored to your property and are applied by certified, trained technicians.

Learn more about lawn care from the professionals with these tips.