We’re in the time of year that for most of the day it’s too hot for anything outside. It’s just the way the Sunshine State is. Even bugs aren’t really out much during the heat of the day. But that doesn’t mean that when the sun dips low in the sky the swarms don’t come out. Because you see, when it’s nice for us, it’s nice for them. So before you think of going out and gardening at dawn or dusk, let’s discuss a few Mosquito control methods. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Mosquito Control Methods: Overview
Down here in the swampy center of Florida, mosquitos are a big problem. There are few places in the South that don’t have a similar issue, but we likely have it worse. And thanks to our lovely tropical climate and frequent rains, it’s an issue that never really goes away. Sure, the peaks of summer and winter give us some relief, but never fully do the swarming pests die out. That’s why you have to keep mosquito control methods in your mind year-round.
Like with any pest, the first step to fighting infestations is knowing as much about the insect in question as possible. For example, knowing the mosquito breeding habitats is essential. Getting rid of those makes their propagation much less likely. You can keep your local mosquito population under control by limiting their habitat on your property, and avoid their annoying bites by using the right barriers and repellents.
Mosquitoes require water to breed. Adult mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water, or on moist soil or leaf litter in areas likely to collect water. By eliminating these water sources, you can keep new generations of mosquitoes from taking up residence in your yard.
Controlling Mosquito Habitat
Like I said above, the best mosquito control methods involve getting rid of their habitats. So let’s going into specifics. To start with, drill holes in the bottom, not the sides, of any garbage or recycling containers stored outdoors. Holes on the sides still allow enough water to accumulate in the bottom for mosquitoes to breed. Keep gutters clean and unclogged. Be sure your downspouts drain properly, without leaving puddles in the drainage area. You may need to reroute your downspouts or add extensions to carry water away. Walk your property after a rain, and look for areas in the landscape that are not draining well. If you find puddles that remain for four or more days, regrade the area.
Ornamental ponds should be aerated to keep water moving and discourage mosquitoes from laying eggs. Alternately, stock the pond with mosquito-eating fish.
Dump anything that holds water twice per week if it has rained. Birdbaths, non-chlorinated wading pools, footbaths, garbage can lids, and pottery will all attract breeding mosquitoes. Remember to empty the saucers under your flower pots, and don’t leave water in pet bowls for more than two days.
Keep your property clean of items that can hold water, including discarded aluminum cans and tires.
Mosquito Control Methods: Scams
For some reason, many ineffective methods of control have become popular. So we’ll talk about some of the bogus scams and why they don’t actually work. To start with, bug zappers. Bug zappers may make a nice pop and sizzle, but nine out of ten times the insect your killing isn’t going to be a parasite or predator. According to Wayne J. Crans, Associate Research Professor in Entomology at Rguers, less than one percent of the bugs killed by these are mosquitoes.
Then we have Citrosa Plants. Citronella oil may have been proven to be a mosquito-repellent, but the plants sold for the same purpose are not. In tests done by researchers, people standing near these plants are bitten just as often as people who aren’t. The mosquitoes used in the study were even seen landing on the plant’s leaves during the experiment.
And then we have the people who say you can rely on animals. While both bats and the colonial purple martins will consume mosquitoes, the offending insects make up a small percentage of their natural diet. Assertions about these insectivores being effective mosquito controls grew out of misrepresented and misinterpreted data from unrelated studies. While providing habitat for bats and purple martins have its value, don’t do it if only to reduce your mosquito populations.
What To Do After Infestation?
Even when following all the precautions above to eliminate mosquito habitats, some mosquitoes will still be around to spoil your fun. You can limit exposure to the mosquitoes that remain by using effective repellents and barriers. But, these won’t always be a hundred percent effective.
Mosquito control methods are done by the everyday person are great. But once a serious infestation sets in, sometimes mosquito screens and holes in your garbage aren’t going to quite cut it and you need to contact a pro. Luckily, we offer the service that may just be perfect for you and your home to be protected from these buzzing, parasitic pests.
Mosquito Smack
Mosquito Control Methods: Call Today!
