How To Control Mosquito In Your Yard And Garden

Have you ever been outside on a warm summer night, only to be interrupted by swarming mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are a common nuisance for many people. Their sting causes painful, itchy bites, and they can prevent you from enjoying your lawn and garden.

Mosquitoes are more than an inconvenience - they are a health concern. A recent study by the CDC has estimated that illnesses from mosquito bites have tripled in 2018. Diseases spread by mosquitoes can be serious. They can spread the Zika virus, West Nile virus, and even malaria.

To prevent irksome bites and disease, take precautions to control mosquitoes in your lawn and garden.

Remove Breeding Sites

Control the number of mosquitoes in your yard by preventing them from breeding. This is the most important step to keeping mosquitoes out of your yard. The best method for mosquito control is prevention!

The first thing you should do is check your yard for any sources of standing water. Mosquitoes breed in still water. A female mosquito will lay her eggs in any water that she can access. A Mosquito can lay hundreds of eggs in just a few tablespoons of water.

The mosquito eggs will hatch and feed on organisms in the water. When they mature, they will leave the water and inhabit your yard.

Common places for standing water include:

Irrigate Your Lawn Carefully

If you are trying to limit standing water in your yard, carefully track your sprinkler system. Irrigation can cause small puddles of water to form in shallow spots on the lawn. Over-watering your lawn this way can create pools of standing water where mosquitoes will breed.

A good rule of thumb is to check your sprinkler system often. You should be watering your lawn once or twice a week, not every day.

If you notice any puddles forming on your lawn during irrigation, change the frequency and length of your timer.

It is a good idea to put systems in place for efficient watering. These include moisture meters and automatic timers for your sprinklers. these tools will help ensure you are giving your lawn proper care, while also preventing over-watering.

Keep Swimming Pools Clean

Mosquitoes will breed in swimming pools if the water is not properly treated. The primary need for mosquito breeding is slow moving water. Ensure that your pool water is circulating by running the filter on a regular basis.

A timer can be used on your filter. Set it to run the filter for 3-4 hours each day. Do not turn the pool filter off, even when the pool is not in use. This will prevent the water from becoming a breeding source for mosquitoes.

Chlorination will prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your pool. Chlorinate your pool on a regular basis and maintain the disinfection levels.

Use Natural Repellents

Sometimes you can still have mosquitoes in your yard after taking preventative steps. In this case, you can use natural repellents to control the mosquito population. There are several natural repellents that you can find at the garden supply store. These methods are effective ways to control mosquitoes in your yard and garden.

Start by planting citronella plants. The scent of these fragrant plants repels mosquitoes. Plant around pathways, sitting areas, and patios. The plants are perennial bushes and are suitable for landscaping.

Citronella candles and coils are another natural option for repelling mosquitoes. These products are made from the citronella plant and distilled into products that are easy to use. Burn the candles and coils on your porch or patio.

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Artificial Repellents and Other Tools

Sometimes natural repellents are not enough to control mosquito population in your yard. In this case, your best bet is to use artificial repellents. Traps, zappers, and foggers can be purchased at the garden supply store for mosquito control.

Mosquito traps are devices that use an attractant to draw mosquitoes into the trap and kill them. The attractant can be either heat, smell, or C02. Traps are safe and can be used on your lawn or patio to effectively eliminate mosquitoes in that area. You can also place traps inside the home, depending on the type of trap. Be sure to clean out the trap regularly.

Zappers attract insects with light, or in some cases, chemical baits. When the insects come in contact with the zapper, they are electrocuted. Zappers can be used in indoor and outdoor spaces. You should clean out the dead insects from your zapper on a regular basis. Always make sure the device is turned off and unplugged before cleaning.

Foggers are tools which release a cloud of chemicals designed to kill mosquitoes. They contain liquids such as pyrethrin, pyrethroids, or occasionally a natural insecticide. These products can be applied to the vegetation in your yard to kill mosquitoes and their larvae.

It is important to follow the package directions when using a fogger. The best time to apply them to your yard is late at night or in the morning.  Stay safe by carefully reading and following the suggested guidelines.

These solutions will kill mosquitoes in your yard, but they are a temporary solution. If you have standing water or puddles on your property, mosquitoes will continue to breed in your yard.

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Professional Mosquito Services

In extreme cases, these methods may not be effective. For a severe infestation, you can hire a pest control company to spray your yard to control mosquitoes.

A pest control company will usually have a three-step approach to controlling a mosquito infestation.

First, a representative will come to your home to conduct an inspection. They will identify any areas of concern in your yard, such as standing water or resting spots where mosquitoes will breed.

Next, they will spray these areas of your lawn with a commercial pesticide. They will often cover patios, pathways, and windows as well. This spray will kill any mosquitoes living in these areas.

The final step is to apply a granular larvicide to any area that may attract mosquitoes. These areas may include potted plants, sprinkler heads, and ditches. This will kill any mosquito eggs or larvae.

Enjoy your lawn and garden this summer by taking these steps to control mosquitoes. Take action before they become a problem by removing breeding sites, irrigating your lawn properly, and treating your pool. Use natural and artificial repellents to repel them from your yard. Hire a professional service for a severe infestation.

Talk to your neighbors about mosquito control, so that you can work together to prevent mosquitoes.