School’s out for summer, and it’s time to have fun in the sun and enjoy the backyard, but those pesky mosquitoes won’t go away! These irritating insects aren’t just a nuisance; they can carry dangerous diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika that can harm your children and pets. Don’t worry; use these five methods to keep mosquitoes at bay this summer!
Treat or Remove Stagnant Water
Mosquitoes love to make their homes around stagnant water, such as pools, ponds, and birdbaths. Keeping your pools chlorinated will keep mosquitoes at bay, as will treating ponds to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Try adding apple cider vinegar to your backyard pond through Mosquito Reviews’ methods. Mosquitoes are also drawn towards anything that can hold water, such as watering cans, birdbaths, and kiddy pools. Regularly change birdbath water and keep smaller items covered or inside to prevent mosquitoes from making it their next hangout.
Regularly Maintain Your Lawn
Mosquitoes are drawn to cool, dark, and damp places. Overgrown lawns with piles of leaves and decaying logs provide all three! Regular lawn care, such as mowing, trimming, and removing debris, keeps adult mosquitoes from nesting and allows standing water to dry more quickly from sun exposure.
Cleaning up after your pets is included in lawn maintenance. Mosquitoes love dog feces, as it’s a good food source and creates another breeding ground for them. Many will lay eggs in or near your dog’s droppings so their offspring don’t have to go far for food, so break out that pooper scooper and clean up the yard!
Plant Mosquito Repellent
Do you have a green thumb? Plant a few mosquito-repelling plants in your yard and garden to keep mosquitoes at bay. Most of these plants are herbs that repel mosquitoes thanks to their strong scents. Here are a few to add to your garden:
- Lemongrass
- Citronella
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Bee Balm
- Marigolds
- Catnip
- Eucalyptus
Try Natural Mosquito Repellents
At Enviro Guard, we encourage people to try natural methods before using harmful chemicals to eliminate pests. If you have a mosquito issue, try essential oil-based repellents such as citronella candles to keep around your patio and porch. Some believe lemon eucalyptus, cinnamon, thyme, and tea tree oils can help keep mosquitoes away. Healthline shared some studies on how effective these oils are and how to use them in your home: 10 Natural Mosquito Repellents.
Additional Methods
A few simple tricks can help keep mosquitoes away from your backyard oasis such as:
- Using a box fan when you’re outside
- Set up bug zappers
- Clean your gutters regularly
- Welcome natural predators like bats
- Wear light-colored clothing
- Install a mosquito net
Hire a Pest Control Company
Hire a local pest control company specializing in mosquito control to keep mosquitoes at bay for longer! In Las Vegas, Enviro Guard is a family-owned pest control company that uses 100% natural pest control methods that keep you, your children, and your pets safe from harmful chemicals and pesky pests. At Enviro Guard, we provide the best pest control services in Las Vegas! Call us today!
