Mosquitoes can be a nuisance. They are noisy and cause itchy bites. Even worse, mosquitoes spread diseases, such as West Nile virus, and can make you sick. However, there are many ways to get rid of mosquitoes in your yard. Below are tips and techniques to help you create a mosquito-free environment so you can enjoy your outdoor space.
1. Remove Stagnant Water
Mosquitoes need water to breed and survive. If you have stagnant pools in your yard, mosquitoes will choose them as their breeding grounds. Thus, eliminate any stagnant water in your yard. You will need to hire a mosquito service to help you drain areas that hold excess water. This includes unused ponds or pools. The gutters should also be clear of debris so that rainwater flows smoothly through them. The mosquito service will come in handy to ensure the yard is free of excessive damp conditions.
2. Keep Your Yard Mowed and Trimmed, and Your Trees Pruned
Another step to a mosquito-free yard is keeping your grass mowed and shrubbery trimmed. Mosquitoes like to rest in tall grass that provides shade and protection from the wind. So keep your grass short to prevent mosquitos from harboring in your yard. You should also trim back any bushes or shrubs that hang over the yard or touch the ground since mosquitoes can hide in such places. If you have trees in your yard, you should keep them pruned so there isn't any deadwood where mosquitoes can hide. If you can't do the tree pruning and trimming yourself, hire a local service.
3. Incorporate Basil Into Your Landscape or Potted Plants
If you have a garden or some potted plants outside, consider the use of basil—it'll help keep mosquitoes away and brighten up your outdoor space. Basil contains citronella, which is effective against mosquitoes and other insects. Simply brush up against the plant to activate the mosquito-repelling oils it provides. It's also an easy plant to grow and take care of and can be put into many different types of pots or planters.
4. Light Up Their Hiding Spots
The best way to combat mosquitoes is by lighting up their hiding spots. Mosquitoes like to hide under the shade of your deck, around the perimeter of your home, and in other dark areas. If you want to trap the mosquitoes, use a green LED light, which attracts them more than incandescent lights. Then, you can then trap them as they leave the hideouts.
Conclusion
While you may not be able to eliminate every mosquito in your yard completely, there are steps you can take to reduce their numbers. The best thing to do is hire a mosquito service company, and they will take all measures to control mosquitoes in your home. Contact a local mosquito service for more information.
After thinking about how to keep some of the flowers in my yard alive, it occurred to me that we had some real problems on our hands. For starters, we had a bunch of overgrown trees that needed to be dealt with. The second thing we had to take care of was the fact that we were really behind on basic yard care. I started talking with friends and neighbors about what they did to make things better, and they recommended a local tree service company. After they came out and made some changes, my yard was gorgeous. Learn more about tree care on my blog.