As people around the world get vaccinated against COVID-19, and social distancing restrictions begin to lift, the summer of 2021 should prove to be an emotional time of in-person gatherings with family and friends. Outside meetings will continue to be safer than indoor parties, and it will be more important than ever to control annoying and disease-spreading mosquitos that can ruin the best of times.
The following tips can help reduce the mosquito population on your property and allow you to gather again with loved ones without fear of being bitten or pestered by mosquitos.
1. Stick with Unscented Health and Beauty Products
Some scents do repel mosquitos, but many lotions and perfumes are attractive to the pests and draw them to you. Avoid using scented body washes, colognes, lotions, and perfumes when you plan on enjoying the great outdoors during peak mosquito time, typically from dusk to dawn from the spring to autumn.
2. Keep It Light
Mosquitos are attracted to darker clothing. The warmer weather will naturally bring out your lighter-colored clothing, which will help control the mosquito population around you. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants will also reduce mosquito access to your skin.
3. Reduce Shade
Throw some shade on mosquitos by reducing the shady spots in your yard. Like most other beings, mosquitos will look for shaded areas to cool off on a hot summer day. Pruning your hedges and mowing your lawn regularly will reduce the shady spots mosquitos can find for cover. Get the whole neighborhood on board, and you can drive the mosquitos to the next community over.
4. Eliminate Standing Water
Because mosquitos lay their eggs in standing water, it is essential to eliminate any standing water on your property. Survey your outdoor areas after it rains and empty any collected water that is attractive to mosquitos looking to expand their families. Standing water in gutters and birdbaths are popular locations for mosquitos to lay their eggs.
5. Chlorinate Your Swimming Pool
Your swimming pool is a large amount of standing water that draws mosquitos. Chlorinating your pool water and keeping the pool covered when it is not being used will reduce the mosquito population. Change the water in birdbaths and fountains regularly to clear out larvae from items you do not wish to chlorinate.
6. Run Fans at Ground Level
Natural body odor and the carbon dioxide you exhale make you and your guests attractive to mosquitos. Strategically placed fans at ground level will help deter the natural scents that draw the blood-sucking pests to humans. Even the slightest breeze created by a fan will make it harder for mosquitos to fly, and they will seek safer terrain.
7. Plants and Herbs
There are a variety of oils and other natural remedies to control mosquitos on your property. The following are natural mosquito repellants:
- Lemon Eucalyptus: Lemon eucalyptus is recommended as an effective insect repellent by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The natural oil has sharp-scented compounds that temporarily drive mosquitoes away,
- Lavender Oil: You can use lavender oil as an ingredient in a homemade pest repellant or by itself. While it may not be quite as effective as other oils, it gives off a pleasant odor and should reduce the number of mosquitoes in your yard.
- Neem Oil: Adding neem oil to a witch hazel spray can help repel mosquitos. Neem oil is most effective when used with other, more fragrant oils.
- Clove Oil: Whole cloves or clove oil is a potent repellant that can deter mosquitoes from your yard. Avoid applying clove oil to your hands and wash any exposed skin off as soon as possible.
- Peppermint/Castor Oil: Peppermint and castor oil can also be used as mosquito repellents. Peppermint will add a fresh smell, but it is powerful, so go easy at first to find your comfort level.
8. Professional Mosquito Control Treatment
The best way to keep the mosquito population under control on your property is to have a professional treatment performed by experienced pest control technicians. A specialized exterminator has the experience and knowledge to target those areas that are most likely to draw mosquitos.
9. Busing Mosquito Control Myths
Mosquitos are so frustrating, annoying, and potentially harmful that people want to believe any remedy they hear, no matter how far-fetched or ineffective. The following are some commonly-held myths regarding mosquito control, which will not do the job as advertised.
- Bug Zappers
- Citronella Candles
- Deterrent Structures
- Foggers, Misting Systems
- Garlic
- Propane Gas Traps
- Ultrasonic Devices
Contact All Green Today
All Green Pest Control & Lawn Care features an impressive team of professional, certified pest control technicians. We use state-of-the-art equipment and the latest processes to safely eliminate your mosquito problems and tackle any other pest control issues. For complete information and schedule your next mosquito control service, contact All Green Pest Control & Lawn Care and get started today.