Everyone loves the summer. The days are long, the plants are green, and the weather is usually wonderful. Unfortunately, it's not just people who thrive in those conditions. Mosquitoes also love the warm temperatures, humidity, and increase in outdoor activities. After all, those conditions mean there are more people around to bite.
There's no reason for homeowners and their families to be stuck inside hiding from mosquitoes during the most beautiful time of the year. Instead, follow some simple tips for backyard mosquito control to make the most of the summer.
1. Develop Reasonable Expectations
The first step is to develop reasonable expectations. There's no way to get rid of every single biting insect in the neighborhood, especially using DIY methods. Calling Rosenbloom Pest Control in Baltimore is the best way to reduce populations of mosquitoes substantially enough to make a difference. Otherwise, all of the home pest control tips in the world won't help.
2. Maintain the Yard
Staying on top of yard maintenance when everyone else is heading to the beach can be tough, but it's a must. Tidy yards aren't just less likely to be overrun by mosquitoes, either. They also create less hospitable habitats for destructive garden insects. Homeowners can do their part to combat both of these issues by keeping the grass mowed, the hedges trimmed, and the whole area free of yard waste.
3. Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes breed in standing water. They don't need a whole pond, either. These insects can lay eggs even in tiny puddles. After it rains, be sure to dump any water that has accumulated from buckets, flower pots, and other common breeding grounds. Don't forget to check the gutters. Blocked gutters filled with standing water create the perfect environment for mosquitoes.
4. Maintain Swimming Pools
If they're not properly maintained, backyard swimming pools can also become havens for mosquitoes. Many homeowners assume that the small amount of chlorine present in the water will kill any larvae, but unfortunately, that's not true. The real keys to keeping mosquitoes out of pools are to cover the pool when it isn't in use and to keep the water circulating. Mosquitoes won't breed in moving water.
5. Set Out Some Carefully Placed Fans
Are you planning a backyard barbecue and want to make sure the guests don't become lunch? There are effective ways to keep mosquitoes at bay for short periods, and the best of them is also quite simple and affordable: put out an oscillating fan. Mosquitoes and other biting insects have a hard time flying in the wind, so they'll keep their distance.
6. Avoid Bug Zappers
It's fine to experiment with other safe methods for reducing mosquito populations. Those strategies include placing citronella candles or using natural mosquito repellents. Just be sure to avoid the traditional mosquito zappers. They lure in and kill not just mosquitoes but a full range of insects, which means they often do more harm than good.
7. Keep Insect Pests Outside
There are few things worse than dealing with insects like mosquitoes inside the home. It's supposed to be a refuge from those kinds of problems. People who are finding that they're still swatting away at bugs even indoors should take the time to check door and window screens for gaps or tears, cover vents with hardware cloth, and make sure the door stays closed.
Get Out and Enjoy the Summer
There's no way to eliminate every mosquito, so outdoor enthusiasts are going to have to live with either wearing bug spray or getting a few bites when they head into the woods. However, there's no reason to live with constant mosquito troubles at home. If these biting bugs are driving everyone crazy, follow the home mosquito control tips above, and don't hesitate to call an exterminator.
