Mosquitoes seem to appear as soon as the warmer weather arrives. These pesky, tiny biting insects can be a nuisance and prevent you from enjoying time outside in your yard. There are some preventative measures you can take to reduce mosquitoes from using your garden as a nesting ground. With some quick checks around the home and some maintenance, you can minimize these unwanted insects.
We spoke to three experts about how to reduce mosquitoes in your yard before it becomes a breeding ground.
Remove Stagnant Water Sources
Standing water is ideal for female mosquitoes to lay their eggs since they breed in water. “Homeowners should regularly do an inspection of their property and dump standing water,” says Shelby Pattinson, Vice President of Business Operations at Peachtree Pest Control in Georgia and Certified Entomologist. “Standing water is the single most important factor in mosquito activity because it’s where mosquitoes lay their eggs and begin their life cycle,” says John Bell, Board Certified Entomologist- Southeast Market Technical Director for Terminix.
It’s not only big areas of water that you need to be concerned about, such as birdbaths, kids’ pools, or garden ponds. The smallest amount of water can turn into a breeding ground. “Children’s toys, dog bowls, flowerpots and saucers, and tires are prime examples of areas where mosquitoes can lay eggs, which turn into larvae in just 24-48 hours,” says Pattinson. Also check tarps, grill, or furniture covers that may sag and collect water, says Bell.
Mosquitos reproduce quickly and abundantly so any stagnant water can create too many of these unwanted pesky insects. For example, says Bell, “Even very small amounts of water, something as little as a bottle cap, can support hundreds of developing mosquitoes in just a matter of days.” Checking your yard regularly is important because when you remove water sources, you’re cutting off mosquito populations before they can grow, he adds.
Check Gutters For Leaves And Debris
Gutters should be checked and cleaned so water is able to flow when there is a lot of rain and to minimize water from collecting. Gutters can be unsuspecting areas where water builds up and creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. “When gutters become clogged with leaves and debris, they trap water and create a protected, shaded environment that’s ideal for mosquito larvae to develop,” says Bell. “Homeowners should clean gutters regularly, especially after storms, ensure downspouts are directing water away from the home and look for sagging or clogged sections where water can pool.”
Mow The Grass And Maintain Shrubs
Keeping the lawn mowed may be an extra weekend chore you’d like to forego, but aside from long grass looking unkempt, it can become a humid area for mosquitoes to breed. Overgrown shrubs provide shady areas for mosquitoes to take refuge during the day. “Mosquitoes are attracted to tall grass and overgrown shrubs that provide shelter during the hottest time of the day,” says Jen McDonald, co-founder of Garden Girls in Texas.
Maintaining your lawn and shrubs reduces cool and humid environments for mosquitoes. “Keeping grass cut short and shrubs trimmed, you can reduce those shaded, damp environments, increase sunlight and airflow and make the space less hospitable for adult mosquitoes,’ says Bell. “The closer mosquitoes can rest to where they breed, the more quickly populations can grow and persist in your yard.”
Turn On An Outdoor Fan
If mosquitoes are already buzzing around your garden or patio area, turn on a fan to keep them at bay. Mosquitoes have a hard time flying when there is air movement. “A household fan is an excellent way to create a wind wall, which may help to prevent bites, ” says McDonald. Or use an oscillating fan, she adds.
Use A Mosquito Dunk
Too many mosquitoes buzzing around already? Use a mosquito dunk, an easy and alternative way to chemical sprays that works quickly. They are shaped like a saucer or a donut and are put in standing water. The dunk is a biological control using BTI, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, a natural soil bacterium that is ingested by mosquito larvae, says McDonald. The bacteria affect their digestion and kill the mosquito larvae within 24 hours, she adds. “A major benefit of using a mosquito dunk is that it’s completely harmless to people, pets and pollinators,” she says. So you can feel better about only eliminating mosquitoes from your garden instead of beneficial insects and potentially causing harm to yourself or pets with harmful insecticides.
