As the days get warmer, it’s only a matter of time before we get our first mosquito bites of the year. Mosquitoes are an annoying part of summer, but there are some steps you can take to control these pests and drive the population down so you can enjoy your yard in peace.
Light Candles
Mosquitoes are attracted to many things, including:
dark clothing, carbon dioxide in our breath, and our sweat. It’s extremely hard to avoid these pests, but there is something you can do about it. One of the most common mosquito control methods to keep these insects away from your deck or patio area is to light mosquito repellant candles.
These candles contain citronella, spearmint, lemongrass, lavender, or eucalyptus. Mosquitoes can’t stand these scents so you’ll be able to enjoy your patio in peace. The only downside is that these candles only work for a short time and in an extremely limited area.
Eliminate Standing Water
The easiest and most effective way to get rid of mosquitoes is to eliminate them before they become a problem. Mosquitoes breed in standing water which can accumulate in rain barrels, children’s toys, buckets, flower pots, kiddie pools, ponds, birdbaths, old tires, gutters, and anything that can hold water. To drive the mosquito population down in your yard, just go out and regularly check for standing water. Dump any water out that you see and make sure to clean up anything that can collect it in the future. It only takes 8-10 days for a mosquito to go from an egg to a bloodthirsty adult. Doing this simple task will see a dramatic drop in the mosquito population in your yard.
Coffee Grounds
If you can’t eliminate standing water then try sprinkling in some coffee grounds. The pungent coffee grounds will deprive the mosquito eggs of precious oxygen and therefore will not hatch.
Put Up a Bat House
One of the mosquito’s natural enemies is the bat. Bats feed at night and their favorite treat is mosquitoes. Put up a few bat houses around your property and wait for your new guests to move in. Not only are bats skillful at catching mosquitoes, but they also put on an entertaining show for you and your guests to enjoy.
Use a Mosquito Repellant Spray
Commercial mosquito sprays that contain DEET are great at repelling mosquitoes, but only for a short time. However, if you can’t stand the smell of them, they can be quite uncomfortable. Luckily, you can make your own mosquito spray with everyday household items. Just fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar then add in fresh sage, thyme, mint, or lavender.
Hire a Professional Mosquito Control Company
All the above methods work great at controlling mosquitoes, but, to get the very best results that last all summer, you should call the pros at Cramer Pest Control. With our monthly mosquito control service, we can eliminate mosquitoes and their larvae from your yard, allowing you to get the most out of your lawn throughout the year. We can also install the Mist Away Automatic Mosquito Spray System.
Just call us at one of our two locations, North Carolina (704) 763-0204 – South Carolina (803) 802-7540, or you can request more information on our site.