Who doesn’t love sitting on their porch with a refreshing drink or entertaining with a barbecue on a warm summer evening? But these events can be very unpleasant and even have you heading indoors when all you seem to be doing is swatting at mosquitoes. It’s time to take defensive action so they don’t invade your yard in the first place.
Here are some steps you can take to reduce your yard’s mosquito population so you can have more enjoyable parties and dinners outside. Mosquitoes are certainly annoying, but they can also carry dangerous diseases, so heed these tips for getting rid of those pesky bugs so they don’t ruin your summer fun.
Trim Your Lawn
Be sure to regularly mow your lawn and trim hedges and bushes. This will minimize shade, which provides cover for mosquitoes. Tall grass and weedy areas are their favorite breeding grounds.
Remove Stagnant Water
Mosquitoes breed in water, but they don’t need a lot to do it! They can breed in an area of water as small as an upturned bottle cap. Remove all water sources by cleaning gutters, upending toys, and draining swampy areas.
Use Mosquito Repellent Plants
Certain herbs and flowers can repel mosquitoes. Include plants like marigolds, catnip, lavender, and citronella to keep them at bay. Mosquitoes don’t like those smells and may just steer clear of the area.
Use Beer
Mosquitoes also don’t like the smell or taste of alcohol. Leave open beer cans out or create a small drink station with various bottles and amounts of beer and other alcoholic drinks. Of course, be careful with what you leave out if you have little ones running around!
Minimize Breeding Grounds
The key is to prevent the larvae of mosquitoes from breeding. Eliminate sources of standing water such as within rain gutters, pet bowls, and bird baths.
- Clean out birdbaths weekly.
- Clean rain spouts twice a year.
- Remove trenches and puddles of stagnant water.
- Cover or remove old tires, toys, etc. that hold water.
Light Candles
The essential oils contained in candles can create an unpleasant aroma for mosquitos. These are examples of essential oils proven to be very anti-mosquito:
- Rosemary
- Eucalyptus
- Cedarwood
- Lavender
- Lemongrass
- Peppermint
Remove Debris and Clutter
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so be sure to keep your yard dry. If your home is located in a heavily-shaded area, you may want to thin out your trees and bushes. Place potted plants around your yard too, which will deter insects.
With mosquito season upon us, you have to do all you can to protect yourself from mosquito bites. We can help!
Contact Frontino Pest Control Phoenix, AZ
We offer effective mosquito treatments for AZ yards of all sizes. Don’t remain indoors all summer! Call our Glendale exterminators for a free quote on mosquito treatment -- just contact us at 602-338-9223. Schedule Appointment