Posted on April 29, 2022 by Lawn Doctor
Mosquito infestations can affect your yard in many ways. Not only do these critters ruin outdoor gatherings and barbecues, but they can also lay their eggs in surrounding standing water sources and attract additional insects. In some cases, certain mosquito species may also carry and transmit diseases, increasing the risk of illness in humans and pets.
Eliminating mosquito breeding sources, chemical and natural treatments, and regular lawn maintenance are some helpful solutions for keeping these nuisance insects away for good. Here’s a breakdown of how to safely and effectively remove mosquitoes from your yard.
Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water sources, and they thrive in shaded areas. Bird baths, children’s swimming pools, dirty gutters and outdoor flower pots are all common areas for standing water. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, so these sources are highly attractive.
Mosquitoes also prefer cool, shaded areas over sunny hot spots. If your yard has an abundance of shady trees or you have a covered outdoor patio, you may find swarms of mosquitoes in these areas.
Mosquito infestations can cause a wide range of problems. Painful, itchy bites and stings can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, and some mosquito species may even carry diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika virus and yellow fever. A heavy mosquito presence in your yard may attract other insects, and mosquito bites can also be harmful to your pets.
Mosquitoes can often be controlled with chemical treatments and/or natural remedies. The following solutions may aid in keeping mosquito infestations at bay.
Chemical solutions often contain synthetic insecticides, such as prallethrin, permethrin and cyfluthrin, that both repel and kill mosquitoes. Some common chemical solutions include:
Mosquito foggers are chemical treatments designed to repel mosquitoes for extended periods of time. While results can vary depending on the specific product, most commercial fogging sprays can cover up to 900 square feet of outdoor space and repel mosquitoes and other insects for up to 6 hours or longer.
Mosquito barrier treatments work in the same fashion as chemical foggers, but these chemical solutions are generally designed to last much longer. Specific results can vary depending on the product brand, but many over-the-counter barrier products can repel mosquitoes for as long as 4 weeks.
From eliminating sources of standing water to using essential oils, many nontoxic, natural solutions are available to help keep mosquitoes out of your yard and outdoor space. Some popular options include:
Natural repellents, such as garlic, lavender and citronella, may be effective at repelling mosquitoes that swarm in your yard. You can purchase commercial barrier sprays that contain garlic oil, or you can make your own spray by mixing water and garlic.
Planting lavender in your yard is another way to potentially deter mosquitoes, as research has shown they’re naturally repelled by the scent. It’s also a good idea to keep some outdoor citronella candles on hand and light them when you have company or whenever you want to enjoy your outdoor space. Citronella oil works by covering up human scents that attract insects.
Removing all sources of standing water is an easy solution to reducing the mosquito population in your yard. Make sure to check every potential spot where water may be hiding, including gutters, pet food dishes, recycling bins and low spots in your yard.
Dragonflies are natural mosquito predators, and you can encourage them to visit your yard by planting nectar-rich plants and pollinator plants.
Some examples of nectar-rich plants include:
Some common pollen-rich plants include:
Regular lawn maintenance may also aid in preventing mosquitoes from breeding and swarming on your property. Here are some simple lawn maintenance solutions to consider:
Tall grass is a common mosquito hiding place, as they prefer shaded areas. Mowing your lawn regularly and cleaning up brush and fallen leaves may help prevent mosquitoes from multiplying.
If bushes are part of your landscape, you may notice mosquitoes swarming in and out of the bushy, shaded areas close to the ground. Keeping your bushes neatly trimmed is an easy way to reduce the number of mosquito hiding spots.
Cedar mulch and chips work well to absorb excess moisture, and mosquitoes are repelled by the scent. Laying down mulch and chips near plants and bushes and around the outside of your home is a great way to create a mosquito-free zone.
In some cases, mosquito infestations may be too large to eliminate with over-the-counter repellents or natural remedies. If DIY mosquito control methods aren’t working or mosquito-borne illnesses are on the rise in your area, it may be a good time to call in a pest control specialist.
It’s also important to consult with a professional if you’re hearing high-pitched buzzing noises on your property, as this can often indicate large swarms of mosquitoes. When you schedule mosquito control services, an exterminator will travel to your location and perform a detailed inspection of your property. They may check for areas of standing water and examine your grass and plants for evidence of mosquito eggs.
Professional treatment options include trapping the insects with carbon dioxide, treating breeding areas with pesticide granules and using chemical repellents. If you have swampy areas or ponds on your property, your exterminator may recommend draining these spots to permanently eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
From painful bites and stings to potential health risks, mosquitoes have definitely earned their reputation as nuisance pests. If you need help managing a mosquito infestation, contact our Lawn Doctor team today for expert mosquito control solutions.
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Mosquitoes can be found just about anywhere in the US....
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