Mosquitoes can be a considerable annoyance. They dive-bomb you as you try to enjoy a quiet evening on the patio or leave itchy welts all over your body when you finally give in and go inside. But mosquito bites are more than a nuisance – they can also spread dangerous diseases like yellow fever, dengue fever, West Nile virus, and malaria.
This explains, why you would be keen to get rid of these critters from your yard ASAP. But how? Fortunately, there are a few mosquito barrier control methods you can employ to get rid of these pests for good. Here’s a non-exhaustive approach to dealing with these troublesome pests.
One of the simplest mosquito control methods is to trap them. You can purchase mosquito traps from your local home improvement store or online. These devices work by emitting a carbon dioxide plume that attracts mosquitoes and then sucks them into a net or container where they dehydrate and die.
While this method won’t eliminate your mosquito problem, it can reduce their numbers. You’ll need to empty the traps regularly, but that’s a small price for mosquito-free evenings in your backyard, no?
Mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs, so eliminating standing water from your property is a great way to reduce their numbers. Check flowerpots, gutters, birdbaths, and any other potential breeding ground around your home and empty them regularly.
You should also ensure your gutters don’t have dirt or debris, as this can allow rainwater to pool and mosquito eggs to hatch. In short, regular gutter maintenance is essential for mosquito control.
Also, use collapsible feeding bowls for your pets to avoid mosquitoes breeding in your yard. And if you have wading pools or other containers that might hold water, consider emptying them and flipping them over when you’re not using them to prevent mosquito larvae from developing.
Get rid of mosquito-friendly items like old tires, rusty drums, buckets, and containers that might hold water in your yard, as they create the perfect habitat for these critters. If you don’t need an item that can provide a hiding spot or sheltered breeding ground, toss it.
To set you on track in this endeavour, check your yard immediately following a downpour. You’ll most likely notice water collection points you were probably unaware of.
If you don’t like the idea of using chemicals to keep mosquitoes away, try natural mosquito repellents instead. Citronella candles are popular, as their strong scent helps keep these pests at bay.
Similarly, mosquito-repellent plants like catnip, basil, garlic, and lemongrass can also be effective. Plant them around the perimeter of your patio or deck or wherever you tend to spend time outside. These plants do double duty: keeping the pesky pests away while making your outdoor space look and smell great! What’s more, you can use them in your cooking.
If natural mosquito repellents aren’t doing the trick, you may need to resort to chemical methods. But with so many mosquito control products on the market, you may have a hard time figuring out the best option.
Generally, the best mosquito control products contain substances like methoprene, pyrethrin, or DEET. These ingredients effectively kill and repel mosquitoes, but they can also harm humans and animals if not used properly.
So, read the label carefully before purchasing such products, and follow the instructions to the letter. While at it, apply them sparingly, and avoid contact with your eyes, nose, and mouth.
If your problem persists after trying all of the above control measures, it may be time to call the professionals. Usually, pest control companies have access to products and treatments that aren’t available to the general public. So, they can effectively target these pests and eliminate them from your property.
Hiring a mosquito control company is usually a last resort. Still, it may be necessary if you live in an area with a high mosquito population or if you’re planning an event like a wedding or party where you need to keep these pests off your yard.
With these control methods, you can finally enjoy your backyard mosquito-free. All it takes is a bit of forethought and effort to rid your property of these pests. So, what’s holding you back? Get right to it before the critters turn your home into their ultimate breeding ground.
