During the summer months, you think you know the drill for keeping mosquitoes away. You set up a few bug zappers around the house and light some citronella candles outdoors. Yet, these insects continue to come in droves; biting you and leaving itchy red marks, despite your protective measures. If you have a mosquito problem, contact Eliminate ‘Em for same-day service to provide the mosquito control you need!
Mosquitoes are more than an annoyance. In fact, depending on where you live, their bites can expose you to Zika, West Nile, the Chikungunya virus, malaria and dengue fever. To avoid these long-term health consequences, look for the following mosquito breeding grounds around your home and opportunities for mosquito yard treatment.
1. Water and Moisture
Stagnant water in ponds, puddles and birdbaths are popular places for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Once those eggs hatch, the new mosquitoes find their food supply from that same water, lay a new batch of eggs in that same place, and the cycle continues.
Damp wood or leaves could also be attracting mosquitoes. What else could be behind an infestation?
- Rotting wood
- Over-watered plants, with pools forming around the beds
- Automatic sprinkler systems
- Potted plants and the saucers below
- Wading pools
- Trash cans, recycling bins and dumpsters, which can hold moisture from your garbage or collect water after a rainstorm
While most sources tend to be outside, moisture inside the home could be a source of mosquito nests:
- Unused floor drains commonly found in the laundry room or basement
- Shower drains
- Sump pumps
- Drip pans near dehumidifiers, air conditioners and refrigerator
- Buckets of dirty water that sit out, possibly from a leak
- Pet dishes
- Indoor potted plants
2. Greater Mosquito Population
On a larger scale, mosquito populations ebb and flow. Activity picks up during the warmer months and crests through late summer, into early fall. Along with the season, weather conditions play a factor particularly rains and floods. If your area sees regular, heavy rains or recently experienced a flood, expect to see more mosquitoes. Subsequently, take greater precautions to reduce stagnant water and moisture around your property as a proactive step for mosquito control for your yard.
3. Untrimmed Vegetation
During the day, mosquitoes look for tall grasses to hide and dry out that’s where your home’s lawn and shrubbery come in. When these aren’t trimmed, mowed or kept under a certain length, mosquitoes can congregate here until they sense another person or animal. As a preventative measure, make sure your grass is no more than 3 inches high and that any bushes or plants are neatly pruned as a proactive mosquito yard treatment step.
4. Cracks
As is the case with many pests, minuscule cracks create a gateway for mosquitoes to enter your home, fly around and bite. Unfortunately, there’s more than one path inside:
- Screens: We all want cool air flowing through our homes during the summer months, but screens that haven’t been repaired or use larger mesh easily let these pests inside. To guard against infestations, patch up and secure any broken screens or replace them with a bug-blocking option: 18 x 18 strands per inch.
- Doors and Windows: Small cracks and places where the door or window doesn’t quite meet the frame give mosquitoes a straight path into your home. Along with your screens, check your windows and doors to make sure they create a clear seal and have no cracks around the edges.
- Garage: On days when you have the garage door open, mosquitoes may enter to seek shelter and end up staying there. So an outside infestation doesn’t turn into an indoor issue, keep the garage door closed unless absolutely necessary.
If you’ve addressed these issues but the mosquitoes won’t stop, it’s time to get a professional mosquito exterminator involved. To learn about our mosquito control services or make an appointment, give Eliminate ‘Em a call today at 1-866-802-7378.
