One thing we love to do in the spring and summer is enjoying a warm evening in our backyard. However, hot and humid Arkansas weather creates an environment in which mosquitoes can thrive. Those backyard hangouts quickly turn into itchy nightmares, leaving us with red bumps and nowhere to go except back inside where it’s free from those pests.
Not only can mosquitoes cause you to scratch like crazy, but they also can carry and transmit viruses that can be dangerous to your health. From Zika, malaria, West Nile, and more, we should all keep in mind that mosquitoes are more than just a pesky bug, they put ourselves and our families at risk! Fortunately, there are many steps we can all take to keep our yards as free of mosquitoes as possible. By taking these preventative measures, you can stay safe while you’re outside in your own yard enjoying yourself.
Remove Stagnant Water Sources
Standing, stagnant water, flooded, improperly drained areas - all of these things will attract mosquitoes and provide them with an environment that allows them to breed with ease. Why? Female mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. In less than two weeks, the life cycle from egg to larvae to adult is complete and hundreds of adult mosquitoes are flying around.
When you’re in your yard getting rid of stagnant water, keep in mind that any standing water, big and small areas, can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Children’s toys, trampolines, pool covers, buckets, planters, birdbaths - even the smallest sources of water can cause problems.
If you have an area of water in your yard that is purposeful, like a birdbath or dog’s water bowl, make sure to frequently change it out with fresh water.
Install Fans in Outdoor Living Areas
Mosquitoes are pesky and they do fly, but they’re not very good at it. The blowing wind from a fan can create enough force to deter mosquitoes, simply by making it too difficult for them to reach you. If you don’t have an area where you can install a ceiling or wall fan, simply get one to put on a table, the ground, or a seat near where ever you will be sitting.
Light the (Citronella) Candles
Citronella candles shouldn’t be relied on as the only form of mosquito preventative measures, but they can help to some degree. If you have a back patio or seating area, lighting a citronella candle and placing it on a sturdy, safe surface, can provide some relief from swarms of mosquitoes.
Other measures can be taken while going outside for lengthy periods of time, such as liberally applying DEET repellent spray or wearing clothing that will deter mosquitoes from biting your skin.
Professionally and Routinely Spray for Mosquitoes
The most effective way to get rid of mosquitoes in large quantities is to have a professional come and spray your yard. A trained exterminator not only sprays for mosquitoes but can make sure to inspect areas where mosquitoes may be thriving or where water can collect, such as your gutters. Professional pest solutions will get rid of adult mosquitoes as well as larvae and eggs, so that you can enjoy the outdoors no matter what time of day. Routine preventative measures will reduce mosquito populations in your yard, along with other pests that come out during the warmer months, such as ticks.
While you can and should take certain measures to make your yard less appealing to mosquitoes, it’s likely that you’ll still find some flying around as it gets warm, especially during dusk and dawn. The most effective way to prevent mosquitoes from living comfortably in your yard is to include exterminator services in your preventative measures. At McCauley Services, we want to keep you comfortable and safe from pests. If you’re interested in pest control solutions, give us a call! We will help you find a pest management plan that is right for you.