Mosquitoes are winged pests no one wants to have around, except for bats and other animals that eat them for dinner. The World Mosquito Program says mosquitoes can spread a number of nasty diseases, including malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. Pet owners likely are aware that mosquito bites can transmit diseases like heartworm.
Vector Disease Control International says mosquitoes are some of the most adaptable and successful insects on Earth. Although male mosquitoes only live for six or seven days as adults, females with an adequate food supply can live up to five months or longer. Adult female mosquitoes lay an average of 50 to 200 eggs at one time, ensuring the population continues to thrive. Unless people take adequate precautions, mosquitoes can be anything from a nuisance to a real danger. Controlling mosquitoes around the home helps improve health and comfort. These strategies can help.
Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes require stagnant water sources in order to reproduce. Regularly emptying, scrubbing and turning over items that can hold water can help control populations. This includes flower pots, tires, bird baths, and any other vessels that can hold water. For those with ponds or water features on their properties, circulating the water with a fountain or pump can prevent mosquito breeding. Introducing fish that eat mosquito larvae also can help.
Sow the right plants: Mass Audubon says certain scented plants help to repel mosquitoes. Incorporating them around outdoor living areas can keep mosquitoes at bay. Such plants include lemon balm, eucalyptus, marigold, garlic, sage, lemon verbena, scented geranium, catmint nepeta, lemongrass, and others.
Tidy the yard: Mosquitoes love to hide in tall grass and debris. Mowing the lawn and addressing weeds or other natural litter can help deter mosquitoes from hanging around.
Replace outdoor lights: Opt for yellow-colored lights outdoors, which are less likely to attract mosquitoes and other flying insects.
Turn on a fan: When entertaining outdoors, use a box fan to blow toward people, which will make it harder for mosquitoes to fly and land on people since they tend to be weak flyers.
Professional mosquito control services: Sometimes it may be necessary to call in the professionals to treat yards to control mosquitoes, particularly at homes that abut streams or other natural areas where a large number of mosquitoes can be found. Treatment solutions often include products that are both safe for people and their pets. Season-long applications will help tame the number of mosquitoes throughout the duration of the warm weather.
