As summer approaches, you are probably too preoccupied with defending your garden from pests and controlling weeds to realize that mosquitoes are using your yard as a nursery. That means hundreds, even thousands, of new mosquitos to torment you and your guests this summer. Luckily, controlling mosquitoes is not as time consuming as it seems and it’s definitely worth it. Proper summer mosquito control is much more effective than masking the problem with mosquito sprays and citronella candles.
Check Your Gutters
Gutters can be ideal breeding zones for mosquitos if you haven’t cleaned them out as part of your early spring cleanup. A clogged gutter means standing water, the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. It doesn’t take much leaves or debris to clog a gutter so take the time to get up on your roof and make sure the water is draining properly. Remember: it takes less than 2 weeks for a new generation of mosquitoes to mature so time is of the essence.
Eliminate All Standing Water
Cleaning out your gutters is part of a larger strategy to eliminate mosquitos. This strategy involves eliminating all standing water in your yard. Mosquitoes need standing water to deposit their eggs and there are plenty of places she can do this if you aren’t vigilant. All you need to do is walk around your yard and look for anything that can retain water. You’ll soon see that a lot of things can hold enough water for mosquitoes to breed, including: buckets, flower pots, tires, toys, bird baths, wheelbarrows, and many others. By eliminating standing water, you are getting rid of potential breeding zones for mosquitoes.
Make A Mosquito Trap
This fun family project is cheap and very effective at controlling mosquitoes. The only items you need are a two-liter bottle, some tape, a cutting tool, yeast, sugar, and water.
Start by using the cutting tool to cut the top off the two-liter and place it upside down inside the bottom half of the bottle. Use the tape to secure the two halves together. This will be how the mosquitoes enter the trap.
Next, mix one cup of sugar, one teaspoon of yeast, and one cup of hot water. Pour the mixture through the top of the trap so it fills up the bottom half of the two-liter.
That’s it! Set them outside during your next cookout and watch how the mosquitos will be more attracted to the bait in the trap than to you. They will be able to enter the trap but not be able to escape. It’s perfect for that camping trip in the woods.
Maintain Your Swimming Pool
Most swimming pools contain enough chlorine to kill any eggs that mosquitos lay, but if you are not on top of your pool maintenance your pool can turn into a breeding ground, a very big one. Be sure to keep your pool covered if you are not using it and make sure to add chemicals regularly to keep it clean. Keeping your pool clean is an essential part of your summer mosquito control routine.
Use Bug Lights
Enjoy your back porch or deck this summer without being bothered by annoying mosquitoes and other insects by installing a few bug lights. These aren’t the mosquito zappers that kill mosquitoes; these special lights give off a yellow light that is not attractive to mosquitoes or other insects. These lights may not repel mosquitoes but it doesn’t attract them to you like traditional bulbs do.
Hire The Professionals
Of course, nothing works better than professional mosquito control from Custom Personalized Lawn Care. We have several different programs to help defend your yard and make sure your special events go off without a mosquito invasion.
Our packages include:
- Party Plan: A one-time treatment for outdoor parties such as weddings or graduations.
- Protector Plan: 5 treatments throughout the summer for maximum protection.
- Peak Plan: 3 treatments during peak mosquito season.
