If you look closely at a mosquito, it doesn’t seem intimidating. Equipped with long legs, a large proboscis, and feathery antennae, the mosquito looks somewhat silly, but this pest is a force to be reckoned with. One mosquito alone is enough to spread serious diseases. If you don’t want to risk contracting a severe disease, you need to take steps to keep mosquitoes far away from your property.
Should You Use DIY Techniques To Keep Mosquitoes Away?
For some homeowners, mosquito prevention means using a DIY method they find on the internet. Unfortunately, this isn’t usually the answer. There are plenty of old wives’ tales about mosquitoes and keeping them away. Some of the methods have no merit, while others are only slightly effective.
For instance, lighting citronella candles or torches doesn’t do much to deter mosquitoes. There’s little evidence that citronella keeps these Dallas pests away. Furthermore, they don’t cover enough distance to make a difference. On a windy day, you need to be on top of the candle to experience any relief from mosquitoes.
Planting citronella plants has a similar effect; while mosquitoes might avoid these plants, they can still go around them. You would need to be surrounded by a forest of citronella plants for this to work as a deterrent.
Mosquito Sprays
You could buy mosquito sprays from the store, but not all sprays are created equal: certain sprays have no evidence behind their ingredients! Other sprays have harmful chemicals that you may not want to use daily. People with sensitive skin don’t always react well to mosquito sprays, especially if they have regular exposure to them.
Bug Zappers
If you don’t want beetles or moths in your backyard, bug zappers are effective. Investing in a bug zapper to keep mosquitoes away, however, won’t give you the results you want. Usually, it ends up being a waste of money.
Dryer Sheets
In some studies, dryer sheets have been effective at keeping gnats away but aren’t very useful against mosquitoes.
What You Can Do About Mosquitoes
There are some steps you can take on your own to prevent mosquitoes from ruining your yard. Because mosquitoes breed in standing water, removing all stagnant water could limit their population. If you notice any empty pots, junk, or shallow areas of your yard that collect water, do your best to remove them. You may also need to repair drainage issues.
Trimming hedges is also an effective way to reduce mosquito populations. When there is abundant vegetation, there is also abundant humidity. By keeping your vegetation sparse, you can deter mosquitoes. If you want a lush garden, try to position it far from your patio or gathering area.
Finally, installing screens in your windows and using a screen door can keep mosquitoes outside. If you have a screened-in patio, check the screen for holes or small tears. Mosquitoes can use a small opening as an entrance to your living areas.
Working With The Experts
All of the methods above might limit mosquitoes, but they won’t eliminate them from your property. The only effective form of mosquito control is working with a pest control professional. Here at Romney Pest Control, we use tried and tested methods of keeping mosquitoes away, taking a customized approach that deters mosquitoes and keeps them away for good.
On your own, there’s not much you can do about pesky and dangerous mosquitoes. But with our help, you can protect your property. Contact us today to get started.
