
Everything seems to be bigger in Texas, and the mosquito population is no exception. The humid climate, warm temperatures, and frequent rain in the state mean that conditions are ripe for mosquito infestations. On top of that, the state is so big, making it easy for these pesky creatures to wreak havoc on the millions of residents trying to enjoy the outdoors.
Indeed, those looking to have fun with a barbecue or pool party on a summer evening may face mosquitoes looking to put a damper on their good time. Mosquitoes can quickly take over the outdoors, making you want to stay inside. Plus, they carry diseases such as the West Nile and Zika viruses, which can be deadly for some. In fact, mosquitoes account for 1 million deaths every year.
While dealing with these blood-sucking pests can be annoying, the good news is that there are ways in which you can take back your home with the right mosquito control. Read on to find out what to do if you see mosquitoes in your yard and how you can prevent infestations in the first place.
Preventing Infestations
Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water. That’s where females like to lay their eggs. Just one mosquito can lay 100 eggs in 2-3 days, so these pests can multiply quickly. And once the eggs are covered in water, they can hatch right away.
Therefore, the best way to mitigate your mosquito problem is to get rid of any water that’s lying around your property. Here are some ways to go about it:
- Empty out small pools and bird baths weekly.
- Remove water from any outdoor toys.
- Turn over any small boats or canoes so that they do not collect water.
- Get rid of any buckets or cans lying around.
- Throw out old tires or pots that can fill up with water.
- Fix any leaks from outdoor faucets.
- Remove debris from roof gutters.
- Cover up woodpiles.
- Make sure containers that hold liquids are tightly covered.
What if you have a pool or a pond? You can’t just flip them over and remove the water. What you can do, though, is use a liquid pesticide or larvicide to treat it. Run the filter in your pool and try to keep it covered when not in use.
Repelling Mosquitoes
What can you do when you want to enjoy an evening outside with friends and family? What are some quick ways to repel mosquitoes and prevent bites? Here are some forms of temporary relief:
- Use a repellent. There are chemicals you can spray outdoors to repel mosquitoes from certain areas. Some of these products last up to eight weeks. There are also sprays you can apply to your body to keep these pests at bay. If you prefer a DIY all-natural approach, consider lemon eucalyptus oil, cinnamon oil, tea tree oil, and lavender.
- Set a trap. There are traps you can buy to lure mosquitoes away from you. There are several types to choose from. Some use sticky tape, while others vacuum or electrocute mosquitoes. Find one that will work best for you.
- Burn candles. Citronella candles smell good and keep mosquitoes away. Buy several of them and place them around your yard.
- Install bugproof barriers. Screens were one of the original forms of pest control, and for good reason. They keep the bugs out. Install mesh screens in all open windows and doors. This allows you to take advantage of cross-breezes without getting mosquitoes in your house. You may want to screen in your porch as well.
- Do some landscaping. Mosquitoes prefer tall weeds and high bushes. They also like cool spots in the shade. Keep your lawn and shrubs well-manicured. Find ways to let in more sun and the bugs will be more likely to stay away.
- Choose the right plants. You can plant your own mosquito deterrents. Brighten up your yard and keep bugs at bay with lavender, marigolds, lemongrass, basil, garlic, catnip, rosemary, sage, and peppermint.
- Attract birds. Birds are natural predators of mosquitoes, so try to attract them to your yard. Set up a bird feeder, Swallows and songbirds will come for the bird food and stay for the mosquitoes.
- Get a fan. You may find it weird to have a fan going on your front or back porch, but it’s been proven effective at keeping mosquitoes away. In fact, tests showed that fans reduced mosquito landings by as much as 65%. So you could say mosquitoes aren’t fans of fans.
Invest in a Long-Term Solution
Citronella candles can only last so long. Landscaping can only do so much to keep mosquitoes away. That’s why you’ll eventually need to invest in a long-term solution. That’s why you need to seek advice from an Austin pest control company. A professional can identify your problem areas and apply a powerful pesticide spray. It can be hard to get rid of an entire mosquito problem, though, since they breed so quickly and easily. Because of this, sometimes multiple visits are necessary to completely eradicate the problem. Homeowners also have to be diligent in keeping their yards well-maintained. Otherwise, the mosquitoes will eventually return.
Contact Our Mosquito Prevention Experts Today
Mosquitoes are annoying, blood-sucking creatures that can easily ruin a fun evening outdoors. They can cause unsightly bites and itching. In extreme cases, they can also cause serious diseases and even death.
Have an infestation? Contact the Austin mosquito prevention experts at Stride Pest Control. When temporary relief doesn’t keep out the mosquitoes for good, turn to us for expert advice. We can assess your outdoor space and help you come up with a long-term solution. Contact us today to see how we can help you reclaim your yard so you can enjoy the outdoors again. Call Stride Pest Control at (512) 777-1339 or fill out the online form.