If you're got a mosquito issue on your hands, there are a few ways to deal with it on your own. In this article, we will offer up a few helpful tips to help you elevate your population issues DIY style.
Mosquito control is no easy task. In all,
it takes a great deal of patience, persistence and determination. Mosquitoes are annoying, disease carrying pests which only serve to distract and irritate the people around them. While it’s near impossible to effectively rid your area of these pests completely, there are a few things you can do to control them. In this article, we will outline a few mosquito control tips.
Step 1 – Remove any and all standing water. Empty all outside water containers, including trash cans and pools that have collected from rain. Be sure to recycle your old cans and old tires. If you have a bird bath and a bad pest issue, make sure to drain the bath until the population is under control. If you keep your pet’s food and water outside, be sure to wash out your pet bowls on a daily basis.
Step 2 – Check around your property, looking for places that might hide water. Rake up any leave piles around the yard, inspect holes in your trees, remove water from gutters and cut down any high weeds. Clean out your flower pots and place tarps over grilles that might possibly hold water. Thoroughly inspect any furniture that sits outdoors. The drier you can make your property, the less instances of mosquitoes there will be.
Step 3 – Try to attract bats with bat houses. Bats feed low to the ground and can help you in effectively controlling your population issues.
Step 4 – Plant mint in and around the flower beds in the yard or around the fences lining the property. The flowers that grow from the mint will work to attract dragonflies which feed on mosquitoes.
Step 5 – Take the time to trim your bushes back so that the area under them is able to dry properly. Inspect your property for any signs of moisture. These creatures are experts at finding water, and it will take little more than a teaspoon for them to lay their larvae. This will serve to make your property an unacceptable breeding environment and force the pests to move elsewhere.
Step 6 – If you have a swimming pool, make sure to clean a treat it regularly. Make sure to keep the water circulating and fresh. Stagnate water will only attract more pests, adding to the issue and making your pool virtually unusable.
Step 7 - If you have a small pond in the backyard, make sure to stock it with fish that feed off of the larvae. This will keep your pond clean, lively and bug free.
Step 8 – Head to your local home improvement store and purchase some larvicide spray. Use this spray as directed, underneath sheds and in problem areas. This should only be used as a last resort, and in areas which cannot be easily drained. Larvicide works to kill the insects before they even hatch.
If you’re still experiencing issues with your mosquito population, the best option is to seek the help of a trained mosquito control professional who is skilled in extermination.
