Spring showers may bring lovely flowers, but they also encourage the proliferation of some unwanted summer guests—mosquitoes. These irksome insects plague our barbecues, picnics, hikes, and other outings, and even invade homes to feed on inhabitants. What’s worse, in addition to producing aggravating, itchy welts, mosquito bites can infect people with serious diseases, such as West Nile virus. What can you do to keep these tiny bloodsuckers at bay?
Eradicate breeding areas
The first three stages of a mosquito’s life—egg, larva, and pupa—take place in stagnant or slow-moving water. By eliminating any sources of standing water on your property, you can help to make a dent in the mosquito population in and around your home. Ridding your property of potential breeding sites takes a keen eye and a bit of detective work because virtually anything that traps water—even something as seemingly insignificant as the saucer under a flower pot or a pet’s outdoor water dish—can support mosquitoes.
Common breeding sites include:
Pools and ponds
If kept clean and properly chlorinated, swimming pools will not promote mosquito breeding. However, if the homeowner is away for a prolonged period, such as on a long summer vacation, and the chlorine is allowed to dissipate, the pool will then be able to support mosquitoes. Be sure to chlorinate your pool before leaving home for an extended period or arrange to have someone else tackle this chore while you’re gone. And, don’t forget that water accumulating on a pool cover can support mosquitoes as well. Children’s wading pools should be drained after each use.
To keep garden ponds mosquito- free, either stock them with fish, which will happily feast on the larvae, or aerate the water to keep it moving.
Rain gutters
Clogged or improperly pitched rain gutters can readily trap enough water for mosquitoes to breed in. Be sure to clean leaves and other debris from your gutters regularly to keep them flowing properly.
Birdbaths and lawn ornaments
These should be emptied and refreshed at least once a week. Also, be aware that outdoor pottery, other decorative lawn ornaments, and the aforementioned flower pot saucers can trap water that attracts breeding mosquitoes. Empty these routinely.
Pet water dishes
As mentioned above, pet water dishes left standing will become a mosquito hatchery in no time. Refresh them routinely, as well. It’s the right thing to do for your pet’s health anyway!
Garbage and recycling bins
Your garbage and recycling bins can contribute to mosquito breeding if rain water is allowed to pool on the lids or infiltrate the bins and collect in the bottom. Recycling bins also hold all manner of plastic, glass, aluminum, and steel containers that can trap rain water. Make sure your bin lids fit tightly and keep them closed at all times. If the lids don’t have a snug fit, you can prevent water from accumulating inside the bins by drilling drainage holes in the bottom.
Beat the bite of adult mosquitoes
In spite of the best prevention efforts, it’s inevitable that at least some adult mosquitoes will be present around your home—especially if you live near a wooded or marshy area. Nonetheless, there are steps you can take to “beat the bite” of adult mosquitoes.
One is to keep your lawn mowed and cut back any brush that encroaches on your property to minimize the presence of tall weeds and grasses. These measures will help eliminate daytime resting places for the adult mosquitoes. There are also EPA-approved insecticides that can be applied around your home’s foundation and on surrounding shrubs and grasses to prevent adults from resting there. When spending time outdoors, a DEET-based insect repellent can be effective at preventing mosquitoes from feasting on you. Treating your clothing with a permethrin-based product will help deter mosquitoes, as well. When using any insecticide or repellent, be sure to apply it in strict accordance with product labeling.
On a windless day, citronella oil, burned in candles or tiki torches, and mosquito coils can offer a layer of protection against mosquitoes in outdoor areas. These products work by producing an odor that makes it difficult for the mosquitoes and other pests to locate a host.
Finally, to prevent mosquitoes from gaining access to your home, make sure all window and door screens are in good repair with no gaps around their edges. ✲
