How to Get Rid of Pesky Lawn Mosquitoes
Summer is here, and after a long hard day at the office, you are ready to sip on some ice-cold lemonade in the backyard. You settle into your hammock, unaware of the lurking danger that is about to strike when you feel it, an itching sensation on your legs.
You swat at the air, but there are too many, and you realize your summer is now ruined by the horrors of those pesky mosquitoes, the deadliest creature in the world!
Mosquitoes are the cause of over 1 million deaths each year so continue reading, and we’ll show you how to get rid of mosquitoes in the yard to make it a safe haven once more.
Cut Off Their Water Supply
If you think you might have a mosquito infestation, the first thing you should do is look for standing water in your yard. Mosquitos lay about 100-200 eggs and need stagnant water for the larvae to hatch.
Clean out gutters, to ensure water is not trapped and is flowing properly. Check for puddles or anywhere a pool of water might be hiding, such as under a debris pile, or inside kids’ outdoor play sets. Treat ponds so that larvae do not survive.
Mosquitos need very little water to lay their eggs in, but by doing a weekly check of your yard, you can cut back on the mosquito population by up to 70 percent. If at any time you are uncertain of where mosquitos might be lurking, then calling a pest control service, such as Holmes Lawn & Pest, can help you determine the source of their breeding grounds.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in the Yard Without Chemicals
If you are looking for ways to treat your yard without using harsh chemicals, essential oils are the way to go. Some of the oils that are known to repel mosquitos are:
- Lavender
- Eucalyptus
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Lemongrass
You may already know that citronella candles are effective at keeping mosquitos away, but did you know they can also help reduce stress? Studies show that citronella oil can significantly reduce blood pressure and lower heart rate, and after a long day at work, who doesn’t want that?
Do Bug Zappers Work?
We are all familiar with the infamous zapping sound that is made when a bug is being electrocuted, but how effective are they when it comes to mosquito control?
The answer may surprise you. According to the Colorado State University Extension, there is no research to show that bug zapping devices reduce the outdoor biting ratio. Research shows that they actually do more harm than good, since they tend to attract the wrong bugs.
Moths are more than happy to fly into anything that glows but moths play an important role at night just as bees do during the day. A study done by the U.S. Forest Service shows that moths help to pollinate a large variety of plants and crops. Moths can carry the pollen over greater distances, so stay clear of the zappers and stick with repellents and yard cleanup to help get rid of mosquitos in the yard.
Call a Professional
When all else fails and you are still unsure of how to get rid of mosquitoes in the yard, seek outside help. Professionals are well equipped and will be able to better assist you in finding the right methods for mosquito control, so fight back, and don’t let your backyard become a horror movie this summer!
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