Mosquitoes are pesky insects that seem to be everywhere on a summer evening. Mosquitoes start to breed when temperatures are regularly higher than 50 degrees. They are not only bothersome, but they can also carry diseases. If you are wondering how to keep mosquitoes off your property, try one or all of the following recommendations.
1. To Keep Mosquitoes Away, Remove Sources of Water
Mosquitoes need standing water to reproduce. They won’t be attracted to water in a swimming pool because it has chemicals and an active filtration system. They also won’t be able to breed in a pond that contains certain types of larva-eating fish.
Mosquitoes look for shallow, standing water like in a puddle or planter. Other common sources of stagnant water are:
• Birdbaths
• Outdoor pet food bowls
• Tires
• Wheelbarrows
• Flower pots with saucers
• Barbecue grill covers
• Buckets
• Tarps that are not tied tightly
• Slow or blocked gutters
Remove standing water from your backyard and mosquitoes will look elsewhere to breed.
2. Mosquitoes Need Places to Hide
Mosquitoes are light and can be blown off course by the slightest breeze. This is why they seek shelter anywhere they can find it. The most common places mosquitos hide are:
• Grass clippings and piles of leaves
• Stacks of firewood
• High grass or weeds
• Compost heaps
• Untrimmed shrubs
Reduce the number of dark and moist hiding places by keeping your yard trimmed and your lawn mowed. Remove the debris from your property and you will take away the places that mosquitoes can shelter.
3. Use Plants to Keep Mosquitoes Off Your Property
Along with your favorite seasonal plants and shrubs, add plants that repel mosquitoes to your garden. There is quite a selection, so you’re sure to find some that fit well with your landscaping. Some of the plants that repel mosquitoes are:
• Lemongrass
• Lavender
• Catnip
• Plants in the mint family
• Lantana
• Marigolds
• Geraniums
Place one or more of these plants on a table when you are grilling outdoors to repel mosquitoes.
4. Tackle the Mosquito Problem with Your Neighbors
If you live in a neighborhood where backyards are close to each other, ask your neighbors to check for standing water or dark, moist places where mosquitoes could breed and hide. Share these tips with the people next door to help reduce annoying mosquitoes in the neighborhood.
5. Change Your Outdoor Lighting
Many insects are attracted to incandescent lighting. If you change your bulbs to LED, fluorescent, or yellow bug lights, mosquitoes and other insects will fly right by. Install this lighting near doors or other entryways, to help keep the bugs out of the house. Use citronella candles to create ambiance and keep the mosquitoes off your property.
Cole’s Inspection Services provides home inspection services to Statesville, NC, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to request an appointment.