How to Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Home

– 11 Tips

So, you are wondering how to get rid of mosquitoes? You may you have tried to kill mosquitoes on your own but felt like your efforts were fruitless. Maybe you have been using a mosquito trap or even mosquito repellent. Or, perhaps you are also using a mosquito spray. Yet, these pesky bugs are still flying around trying to feed on you and your family. No matter what you are applying for mosquito extermination, your treatment is only as good as the removal of their actual nesting areas. Below you will find out how to keep mosquitoes away from your home. These tips are handy in reducing nests and in turn, lowering the number of mosquitoes nesting in your yard. Now, some mosquitoes will fly from a much further distance to feed. But the key here is to make your yard as inhabitable as possible. Thus, reducing mosquitoes around your home and the reduction of mosquito control products

Trash Pails without Lids

This is a perfect nesting site for mosquitoes. The good news, it’s an easy remedy. Make sure the pail has a tightly fitting lid, or store the trash pails indoors, so rainwater does not accumulate inside causing a mosquito nesting place.

Bird Baths, Fountains, Ponds

While our local bird population loves having these pools of water, sadly so do mosquitoes. According to the CDC, – it takes a mosquito approximately 8-10 days to go from an egg to an adult. About 2-3 of those days the mosquito spends in their pupae. The key here is not to let the water remain stagnant for more than 3-5 days. Either replace the water or make sure the water is flowing without any parts remaining stagnant. For fountains and ponds, there are mosquito eating that can be stocked. Gambusia is one of the fish that will eat mosquito larvae. They are known as the Mosquito Eater.

Knot Holes in trees

Here is an often-overlooked area of many yards, knot holes in trees. Water will most definitely get into these areas and create a mosquito nesting haven. The good news, there is something you can do about it.  One thing you can do is call an arborist. These highly trained people will give the best advice on the proper way to seal the hole if any exists. The second methodology is to use something called Mosquito Dunks. This bacteria, which is only toxic to mosquitoes last for about a month and will kill mosquito larvae nesting in free-standing water. Here is the link for the manufacturer of Mosquito Dunks https://www.summitchemical.com/mosquito/mosquito-dunks/

Gutters

Most of us neglect our gutters more often than we should. By doing so, we are allowing mosquito larvae to nest near where we live. Clean out the gutters routinely to allow water to flow through without accumulating. Mosquitoes are not the only bugs that nest in the gutters. By cleaning them out you will eliminate nesting areas for ants, cockroaches, spiders, and other insects.

Air Conditioning Drip Lines and Leaky Spigots

More often than not, our air conditioning drip line is not correctly flowing water away from our homes. This water accumulation is just what the mosquitoes are looking for to lay their eggs. Make sure the water is directed away from the house, and the water is not puddling. Doing this also reduces an attractant for termites. Let’s not forget our house spigots. If they are leaking, they can cause a nesting site. Fix those as well

Firewood

Those of us with firewood generally has a stash sitting around in our yard. Sadly, the convivence for us to keep the wood handy also becomes a nesting site for mosquitoes if the wood is holding water.  Having a tarp on top of the firewood also allows water to pool, creating another nesting opportunity. The fix is simple. One, try not to cover the wood. Better yet, try not to store any firewood during mosquito nesting and breeding times. Whenever possible, only save what you will use for the winter. By eliminating the firewood, you will also be reducing potential nesting areas for scorpions, cockroaches, spiders, snakes, and other bugs.

Tires and Tire Swings

Many people overlook the tire swing. The design of the tire makes a perfect place for water to collect. Hence, this water will create a breeding area for mosquitoes. If the tire swing is a must have for you, drill holes at the bottom large enough to allow water to flow out without being retained. If old tires are lying around in your yard, make sure to dispose of them properly. You will be glad once they are gone and you have removed a breeding area.

Flower Pots

So many gardens look wonderful with flower pots lining the yard or walkway. But these beautiful ornaments can be a haven for mosquitoes as well. If you have flower pots, make sure you eliminate the saucer at the bottom. This saucer allows the water to collect and creates a nesting area.

Toys and Kids Pools

Toys, whether they are for kids or pets, create a mosquito breeding area due to water retention. Make sure to remove all toys when not in use. This is also true for any kids pools you may have. Turn them upside down when not in use to reduce the chance of water pooling and breeding mosquitoes.

Low areas

Dips in the yard or grading that allows water to pool is often a problem that will house mosquitoes. If you have low areas that can be filled with soil, do so. If a grading issue exists, it is best to speak to a contractor to seek a permanent and safe solution. Mosquito Dunks also work well in situations such as this. Just be sure to read and follow all label directions to ensure you are using the product correctly and are getting the best results.

Tools

Storing yard tool in the yard will inevitably store water as well. Either, move these inside or at the very least turn them upside down so water will not collect.