How To Prevent Mosquito Infestations

Mosquitoes are a giant nuisance. They buzz around all night and then bite us causing uncomfortable swelling and itchiness. They can also cause various diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. In this article, we’re going to cover the methods that you can use to lower the odds of a mosquito infestation.

Eliminate standing water

Some female mosquitoes will use standing water as breeding grounds. It will usually take a mosquito to go from the egg stage to adulthood about a week, so a body of standing water can quickly turn into a large infestation on your property, and by removing this water, you will be able to reduce the mosquito population that is near your home. Make sure that you check thoroughly for water that is pooling up in various items that are found in the garden such as wheelbarrows, trash can lids and buckets. You also want to make sure that your gutters are not clogged and that they are regularly cleaned in order to prevent water collection.

Clear out debris

Other species lay their eggs in damp soil or debris, such as leaf piles and decaying logs, which is why it’s important to make sure that your property has as little debris as possible. This includes the debris that can gather in the gutters as well. If mosquitoes continue to be an issue after this, the problem might stem from the fact that there is too much shade on the property, and the trees will have to be trimmed so that the light levels can increase and that damp soil dries up more quickly.

Have mosquito-repelling plants in your yard

If you have consistent issues with mosquitoes on your property, you might consider growing some mosquito-repellent plants, such as citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, sage, basil, peppermint or catnip, among others. This is a long term, natural strategy that will add a little beauty to your backyard and keep you protected from a variety of pests.

Use coffee grounds

Coffee grounds have mosquito repellent properties and they prevent larvae from growing. They offer a quick, easy and cheap way to prevent mosquito populations in areas with a lot of standing water. The coffee grounds will have to be sprinkled in the water itself for maximum effectiveness.

If you have any questions about how to best prevent mosquito infestations, or if you already have an infestation on your property that has to be controlled, contact us today.