By Tammy Pitts
Does it feel like mosquitoes are out to get you? They are. In Washington alone, there are over 40 different species of the bloodsucker. Their bites are painful and the resulting red, swollen and itchy bumps can keep you up at night. Not only that, but they also carry diseases that can sicken people and animals.
In this article, we’ll give you tips to take back your yard so you can enjoy being outside without getting eaten alive.
Be Proactive
Knowing where mosquitoes live, their habitats and behavior are crucial. Mosquitos are most active at dawn and dusk, so make sure you’re equipped with mosquito repellent during these hours. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a teaspoon of water, so remove all standing water from your property. This includes water in birdbaths, flower pot saucers, and even drops of water pooled in outdoor furniture.
Check Hiding Spots
Mosquitoes often seek refuge in shaded areas in your yard during the day. Conduct a detailed inspection of potential hiding places such as shrubs, overgrown bushes, and tall grass. Regularly mow to maintain a well-manicured yard, thus reducing dark and moist spots where mosquitoes can rest and hide. Consider using cedar mulch in your landscaping as it can naturally deter these pests.
Conduct Regular Inspections
If you have a pool, sprinkler, pond, or any other water feature in your yard, these can be attractive breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Regularly inspect them for any signs of mosquito larvae. Mosquitoes don’t lay eggs in moving water, but if you have leaky hoses, broken sprinkler heads, or a dripping faucet, puddles of water will form –– and then come the mosquitoes.
Blow Them Away
Utilize weatherproof fans when you’re sitting outdoors. A gentle breeze can deter mosquitoes from landing and biting. They’re not strong fliers –– they can only go about 1 to 1.5 mph, so the breezier, the better! Moreover, a fan disperses the carbon dioxide that you exhale which otherwise attracts mosquitoes in the first place.
Recruit Natural Reinforcements
There are plenty of predators like songbirds, sparrows, and swallows which will devour mosquitoes. Hanging a few bird feeders can attract these birds to your yard. If you’re not afraid of bats in your area at night, installing a couple of bat houses can also be beneficial –– bats love to feast on mosquitoes when they come out at night.
Ward Off Mosquitoes
There also is a slew of gadgets and candles you can use to repel mosquitoes. Citronella is a tried-and-true favorite. You could also opt for yellow and LED lights, which are less appealing to mosquitoes compared to traditional white bulbs. Thermacell has an array of options to keep the pests at bay.
Coffee to the Rescue
If you’ve done all that you can and you still feel like you’re losing the battle with mosquitoes, try sprinkling coffee grounds on puddles in your driveway or property. The coffee grounds can suffocate and kill the larvae. If mosquitoes continue to be a persistent problem, consider hiring a professional pest control service.
Protect Yourself
You can only do so much to protect your yard from these disease carriers, but you can also protect yourself. Arm yourself with a mosquito spray with DEET or picaridin before heading out and spray yourself thoroughly. If you prefer essential oils as mosquito repellents over traditional repellents, citronella, lemongrass, and lavender oils have mosquito-repelling properties.
As with any repellent, follow the instructions on the product labels and avoid excessive application. Also, when you’re outdoors, opt for loose, light-colored, long-sleeved clothes –– mosquitoes are less attracted to such attire.
A swarm of mosquitoes can quickly put a damper on any backyard gathering or summer barbecue. However, by adopting these proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the number of these winged pests in your lawn, making your time outdoors much more enjoyable this summer.
About
Since 1990, family-owned and operated Carl’s Mower & Saw has provided the best in outdoor power equipment sales, service, and rental. We’re committed to delivering superior customer service to both homeowners and professionals. Find the latest products from renowned brands like Exmark, Gravely, Honda, Husqvarna, STIHL, and BCS America.
To learn more, visit our website at https://www.carlsmower.com or call 360-384-0799.
Tammy Pitts has an extensive background in journalism, media relations, social media strategy, marketing, and brand management. She resides in Michigan with her family which includes her two sons and their Goldendoodle, Max. In her free time, she loves to read, travel, and root for the Michigan State Spartans. Go Green!
