Mosquitos are annoying as well as dangerous because they carry several serious diseases. Unfortunately, they are nearly impossible to avoid, especially during the ensuing wet, humid summer months. This is why knowing some good mosquito control methods are important. If you are constantly facing a problem due to mosquitoes and you don’t want these uninvited guests at your home, then these mosquito control tips will help you to live mosquito-free life.
Mosquito Control Methods
Watch out for Water Around the Home
Mosquitoes cannot resist in standing water. So if there is water logging around the yard then you can expect plenty of mosquitoes as well.
Here’s how to avoid standing water:-
Make sure that the outside faucets are not dripping or leaking. Leaky faucets can congregate near your establishment and invite mosquitoes looking to lay eggs. Remove all items from your yard that do not serve any main purpose other than collecting water. For example, a bucket, plastic cans, an upturned trash can, etc.
If you have some canoes and kids’ toys in your home, you need to turn them on or cover them with a tarp properly to ensure the water does not collect. Finally, keep your gutters and basements clean so that water does not collect.
If you have water that cannot be removed, such as a pet water dish, be sure to keep fresh water in it and keep it covered. Also, if there are parts of your lawn that are shorter than others, you may want to use wood chips, mulch, rocks, or other natural things to prevent water from entering those areas after the rain.
Natural Repellents to Control Mosquitoes
Natural Repellents are one of the best ways to control mosquitoes around you and your home.
This may include lighting citronella candles or torches in parts of your patio where you will be hanging. Although it is not an ideal repellent, yellow outdoor lighting can help keep mosquitoes away because it does not attract them.
Finally, keep in mind that mosquitoes are very light and not very powerful flyers. You can use a portable fan when you are sitting at the gallery, which will prevent them from getting too close and will also provide comfort during hot Florida summers.
Invest in a Mosquito Magnet or Mosquito Trap
Investing in mosquito trap devices is a good option. These machines are capable of killing mosquito and controlling their population across the entire area.
This machine uses propane and when propane is burned it sends out a steady stream of carbon dioxide. Mosquitoes smell CO2 from far distances which attracts them. When mosquitoes come near to the machine, they get trapped and later get killed with an electric shock.
Plant Mosquito Repelling Plants in Your Yard
There are a number of flowers, herbs, and plants that mosquitoes are naturally repelled by.
Some of these beneficial plants are:
Ageratum is also known as floss flowers, ageratum gives an aroma that mosquitoes find very aggressive. Ageratum plants secrete Coumarin, a component widely used commercially in mosquito repellents.
Marigolds commonly used as an ornamental border plant, marigolds also give a distinctive odor that mosquitoes find particularly offensive. Marigolds contain phytochemicals, carotenoids, pyrethrum, the compound used in insect repellent products.
Horsemint is a fast-growing plant and it is you to make medicines. It is also a drought-resistant plant, it’s height and width are two to three feet. Horsemint is well adapted to dry, sandy soil and tolerates salty conditions. For that reason, it is ideal for seaside and beach areas such as North Florida.
Catnip plant makes cats go crazy and it is an effective mosquito repellent too. This plant is more effective in control mosquitoes and it is more effective as compared to DEET are used in small areas of homes. If you are a cat owner, beware catnip plants will respond to your cat the way they do dry catnip – you may want to choose another plant near cats.
You can plant these natural repellents in your yard or plant them in flower pots that can easily be carried around.
Keep Grass Short at Your Lawn
Keep your grass as small as your grass species can withstand. By keeping as little grass as possible, you can limit resting places for mosquito breeding.
In addition to clipping your lawn grass, pay attention to garden areas and ornamental grasses, these grasses can also irritate mosquitoes. This is where professional pesticide treatments are most appropriate. A specialized lawn and pest control management team can help you handle your mosquito control needs in your lawn and yard and will help to keep your house safe and sanitized.