One of the age-old traditions of summer — besides barbecues and baseball — is being relentlessly bitten by mosquitoes. These pests thrive in the Texas heat and humidity, so summer is when they really shine. This is a major problem when everyone spends more time outside because a simple backyard party can become a feast for hungry female mosquitoes before long. Let’s dive into the best ways to prevent mosquitoes from ruining your summer with their bloodthirsty diet!
Remove Excess Water
If you take anything away from this blog, it should be this suggestion. Mosquitoes just need a bit of fresh water for breeding, so they can use any amount of standing water in a yard. Check the objects in your yard for any collected water, especially after a summer rainstorm. The items that usually act as breeding grounds for mosquitoes are water-filled buckets, plant drainage trays, wheelbarrows, tarps, tools, and children’s toys. If there’s water in any of these, dump it out as soon as you can.
Clean Out The Gutters
Speaking of collected water, clogged gutters are also breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The extra moisture and organic debris are exactly what they need in a habitat. And if that’s not enough motivation, rats and mice also infest clogged gutters throughout the year. Since water collects in leaf litter, any blockage is ideal for adult mosquitoes looking for a place to breed. Using thick utility gloves (or hiring a professional), remove leaf litter and organic debris from the gutters when they’re clogged.
Trim The Plants
Mosquitoes need water to lay eggs, but they also need plants and grass to rest when they aren’t finding food and mates. The more overgrown the landscaping, the more places mosquitoes have to rest. Mow the lawn once a week to keep it trimmed down to a good length in the summer. Also, trim bushes and plants often to prevent them from growing out of control. As a rule of thumb, all plants and tree limbs should be at least a foot away from the house. This stops pests from using the greenery as a highway into your home!
Change Out The Water In Containers
Some items in our yards need to hold water at all times. Birdbaths, a pet’s water bowl, vases, and wading pools are made to hold water, but they can also act as a mosquito haven if the water isn’t changed often. Remember: when water is stagnant for days on end, it’s the ultimate breeding ground for mosquitoes. At least once a week, change out the water in the birdbath and scrub any algae away with a brush. A pet’s water dish, vases, and wading pools should have fresh water every day or every other day.
Clean The Pool
If you have a pool in your yard (lucky you!), then you’re probably well-aware of the importance of cleaning it. A pool full of stagnant, dirty water is a mosquito’s paradise. Whether you hire a professional or clean it yourself, make sure your pool is cleaned every week. Chlorine pools need to maintain the proper levels of chemicals to keep clean and pest-free. Use the net to sweep out any leaves and dead insects, and make sure the filters are clear to collect more organic debris.
Don’t Overwater The Plants
This may seem redundant at this point, but we cannot stress the importance of eliminating extra water enough. When plants and grass receive too much water, the soil is soaked and provides a hidden breeding ground for mosquitoes. Besides, overwatering eventually kills plants and makes it extremely difficult to bring them back. Make sure the sprinklers and drip systems work properly throughout the summer. If you water your plants by hand, don’t flood the soil or allow water to sit in the tray underneath the pot.
Use Fans
There’s nothing like sitting out on the back patio, enjoying the summer sun, and eating a freshly-grilled meal. Unfortunately, the fun of this practice vanishes at dusk once the mosquitoes come out to feed. An easy way to keep mosquitoes away from your backyard gathering is to set up a fan or two around the space where everyone is gathering. Tower and pedestal fans work the best for this because mosquitoes are weak fliers and can’t fight the current of a strong fan. The refreshing breeze is a great bonus!
Fix All Leaks
Okay, last method that has to do with water, we promise! We recommend checking your plumbing and pipes for any leaks throughout the summer. The faucets, hoses, drip system, and sprinklers can all develop leaks and therefore need to be monitored for any compromised parts. The excess water provides a new breeding ground for mosquitoes, especially if the leak is near grass or plants. If you find a leak, get it fixed (by yourself or by a professional) as soon as possible.
Introduce Repellent Plants
If you have a green thumb, you might be interested to learn that there are plants that actively repel mosquitoes! It’s not a foolproof method that will keep your yard mosquito-free forever, but it noticeably cuts down on the number of bloodsuckers flying around your outdoor space. The chemicals and oils within the plants are revolting to mosquitoes and keep them away (for the most part). You can create a border around your lawn, or sporadically place these plants throughout the yard. Some of the types known to repel mosquitoes are lemongrass, alliums, geraniums, catnip, lavender, and citronella.
Use Good Bug Spray
Finally, making yourself unappealing to mosquitoes is the simplest yet most effective way to prevent those itchy bites. Choosing a reliable bug spray is all about reading the labels. One label to look for is the “EPA approved” or “EPA-registered” label. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) checks the safety and efficacy of products, like bug sprays, and anything with their label is a good product to use. You also want to use bug sprays with DEET (25-30%) or picaridin (15+%) because these ingredients actually repel mosquitoes and are still safe for humans when used correctly.
No Need For Mosquito Fear When Romney Is Here!
Mosquitoes are a major problem pest throughout Texas, usually when our summer heat settles in for a few months. That’s why the licensed technicians of Romney Pest Control are dedicated to protecting local homes and businesses from disease-carrying mosquitoes. We treat all areas of mosquito activity, including the plants where they breed and rest. Our team is ready to solve your mosquito problems, no matter how big or small. You don’t have to endure itchy mosquito bites this season. Contact us today for more information on our dependable mosquito treatments!
Citations
Carter, M. & Donovan, B. (2022, May 12). 28 ways to prevent mosquito bites once and for all. Country Living. Available at https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/g3463/how-to-prevent-mosquitoes/ (Accessed on May 15, 2024).
How to get rid of mosquitoes. (n.d.). The Home Depot. Retrieved May 15, 2024, from https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/how-to-get-rid-of-mosquitoes/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90c4977a49
Mosquitoes — protect your home checklist. (n.d.). Better Health Channel. Retrieved May 15, 2024, from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/mosquitoes-protect-your-home-checklist
Stanborough, R.J. (2019, February 26). 21 tips for how to prevent mosquito bites. Healthline. Available at https://www.healthline.com/health/outdoor-health/how-to-prevent-mosquito-bites (Accessed on May 15, 2024).
Tips to prevent mosquito bites. (2023, July 6). United States Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved May 15, 2024, from https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/tips-prevent-mosquito-bites
Whitten, C. (2023, January 16). Plants that repel mosquitoes. WebMD. Available at https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/plants-that-repel-mosquitos (Accessed on May 15, 2024).
