10 Backyard Mosquito Control Tips

10 Backyard Mosquito Control Tips

Apr 12, 2024 | DIY Mosquito Control, Mosquito

In the balmy summers of Georgia, spending time outdoors is practically a way of life. From backyard barbecues to lazy afternoons by the pool, outdoor living is cherished. However, there’s one persistent buzzkill that can put a damper on these activities: mosquitoes. These pesky insects not only cause itchy bites but also pose significant health hazards to humans and pets alike. Fortunately, with the right mosquito control strategies, you can reclaim your outdoor space and enjoy mosquito-free moments all season long.

Understanding Mosquito Behavior in Georgia

Mosquitoes are most active during the warmer months, typically from April to October, aligning with Georgia’s long mosquito season. These blood-sucking pests thrive in the state’s humid subtropical climate, making it a haven for mosquito populations. Understanding their behavior is crucial for effective backyard mosquito control.

Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk when temperatures are cooler, but they can also be active throughout the day, especially in shaded areas. Female mosquitoes require blood meals to develop eggs, so they are constantly seeking hosts to feed on. Unfortunately, humans and pets often become their preferred targets.

Hazards Posed by Mosquitoes

Beyond the nuisance of itchy bites, mosquitoes pose significant health risks to humans and pets. In Georgia, they can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and Zika virus. Additionally, heartworm, a potentially fatal disease, can affect dogs and cats when they are bitten by infected mosquitoes.

Mosquito Control Tips

To safeguard your family and pets, it’s essential to implement effective mosquito control measures in your backyard. Here are ten tips to help you take charge of mosquito prevention and enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest:

1. Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, making it crucial to eliminate any sources of standing water in your backyard. Regularly check for and empty containers such as flower pots, bird baths, clogged gutters, and discarded tires where water can accumulate.

2. Maintain Your Landscape: Keep your lawn well-trimmed and bushes and shrubs neatly pruned. Mosquitoes often rest in dense vegetation, so maintaining a tidy yard can reduce their harborage areas.

3. Install Mosquito Nets: Utilize mosquito nets or screens on windows, doors, and outdoor seating areas to create a barrier between you and these pests. This simple addition can significantly reduce mosquito entry into your living spaces.

4. Use Mosquito Dunks: For areas of standing water that cannot be eliminated, such as ponds or birdbaths, use mosquito dunks containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI). These biological larvicides kill mosquito larvae without harming other wildlife.

5. Opt for Natural Repellents: Incorporate natural mosquito repellents such as citronella candles, essential oils (e.g., lemon eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree), and plants like marigolds, lavender, and basil into your outdoor decor. These can help deter mosquitoes while adding a pleasant aroma to your surroundings.

6. Utilize Fans: Mosquitoes are weak fliers and are easily deterred by strong air currents. Positioning fans in outdoor seating areas can create a breeze that makes it difficult for mosquitoes to fly, reducing their presence.

7. Introduce Mosquito-Eating Fish: Consider adding mosquito-eating fish, such as gambusia (mosquito fish) or goldfish, to ornamental ponds or water features. These fish feed on mosquito larvae, naturally controlling their population.

8. Maintain Swimming Pools: If you have a swimming pool, ensure it is properly chlorinated and filtered to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the water. Additionally, cover the pool when not in use to minimize access for egg-laying mosquitoes.

9. Wear Protective Clothing: When spending time outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity times, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks to minimize exposed skin. Additionally, consider treating clothing with permethrin, an insect repellent that can deter mosquitoes.

10. Invest in Professional Mosquito Control: For comprehensive and long-lasting mosquito control, consider hiring a reputable mosquito control company. These professionals can assess your property, identify breeding sites, and implement targeted treatments to reduce mosquito populations effectively.

By implementing these backyard mosquito control tips, you can reclaim your outdoor space and enjoy a mosquito-free environment all season long. Remember that consistency is key, so make mosquito prevention a regular part of your yard maintenance routine. With a proactive approach, you can protect your family, pets, and guests from the hazards posed by mosquitoes and fully embrace the joys of outdoor living in Georgia.

Don’t let mosquitoes dictate your outdoor activities. Take charge of mosquito control today and make your backyard a haven of comfort and relaxation. For professional assistance with mosquito control in Georgia, contact a mosquito control company near you for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan.

3 Mosquito Prevention Tips for Naples Manor Homes

3 Mosquito Prevention Tips for Naples Manor Homes

Mar 19, 2024 | Florida Mosquito Control

Florida’s tropical weather creates a thriving mosquito environment, often dealing with these nuisance pests year-round. Once mosquitoes invade your yard, they can ruin all your outdoor fun and even transmit diseases, including the West Nile and Zika viruses. One of the best ways you can avoid mosquitoes is creating a less-attractive environment. We breakdown our top 3 mosquito prevention tips you can use throughout your property so you can enjoy your yard again!

3 Common Mosquito Control Tips for Florida Residents

Remove Standing Water

To survive and breed more larva mosquitoes, these pests need the smallest amount of standing water. It’s crucial to remove all standing water from your property, especially after a thunderstorm. Consider the following tips to reduce moisture on your property:

  • Remove items that can hold water, including buckets, empty flowerpots, and pet bowls.
  • If you have a bird bath, regularly dump old water, clean out debris, and replace the old water with new.
  • Clean out clogged gutters of debris and leaves so they doesn’t create a mosquito breeding ground.

Keep a Tidy Yard

Your yard line is the first defense in avoiding mosquitoes so it’s crucial to maintain it on a regular basis; consider these tips on keeping a tidy yard:

  • Continue to mow your grass and trim shrubbery as mosquitoes tend to hide in these areas.
  • Trim any overgrown trees back to avoid mosquitoes from populating your yard.
  • If you store wood on your property, consider placing it in plastic containers with lids and at least 20 feet away from the house.

Call the Pros

Do-it-yourself mosquito prevention will always help efforts in avoiding a mosquito infestation but sometimes it’s best to call a professional mosquito control company for help. These experts will be able to provide you with a mosquito control plan, which typically include:

  • Mosquito breeding site identification
  • Treatment to eliminate both adult and larva mosquitoes
  • Recommendations on preventing mosquitoes in the future
  • Additional mosquito control solutions, including the In2Care System

If you have a problem with mosquitoes or would like to start mosquito prevention now, call your Florida pest control company today!

DIY Mosquito Control Tips for Redland Homes

DIY Mosquito Control Tips for Redland Homes

Feb 29, 2024 | Florida Mosquito Control

It’s safe to say that all Florida homeowners dread the arrival of mosquito season! It’s inevitable to run into these insects but that doesn’t mean they have to take over your yard. We breakdown common DIY mosquito control tips you can utilize in your yard!

DIY Mosquito Prevention Tips for Florida Homeowners

Eliminate Standing Water

To survive and breed, mosquitoes only need a small amount of water and will look to your yard for it. One of the best ways to repel mosquitoes from your property is to reduce standing water throughout it. Remove any items that could hold water for more than a week and become a mosquito breeding ground, including empty flowerpots, buckets, tires, toys, and pet bowls. For items that tend to stay outside, like birdbaths and gutters, make sure you are regularly cleaning them, clearing out old water and debris.

Consider a Fan or Two

Your back porch or patio can quickly be taken over by mosquitoes and ruin your outdoor fun. Mosquitoes are weak fliers and are easily manipulated by wind. Consider utilizing fans to help deter them from getting close to you in certain outdoor areas. Fans can also work to disperse carbon dioxide and other mosquito attractant odors our warm-blooded bodies let off.

Plant Natural Repellents

Certain plants and oils can deter mosquitoes naturally from your Florida home. You can mix essential oils such as lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, or tea tree with water and vinegar to repel mosquitoes. Likewise, there are several plants you can plant in your yard to deter mosquitoes, including citronella, lavender, marigold, rosemary, thyme, and basil.

Keep a Tidy Yard

Adult mosquitoes tend to rest in shaded, cool areas so it’s important to create an environment without these factors to keep them away. Continue maintaining your yard by keeping your grass mowed frequently and keeping shrubbery trimmed. If your yard has wood or lawn debris, it’s best to clean up as soon as possible or relocate it at least 20 feet away from the property.

Call Your Florida Pest Provider

While the above DIY tips can provide mosquito-relief sometimes it’s best to call a professional for an ongoing solution to mosquito activity. A pest control provider near you will provide you with a thorough inspection and recommend the best mosquito control options for your home based on your mosquito situation. These mosquito professionals will also provide you with further tips and tricks on avoiding mosquito infestations in the future.

When Does Mosquito Season End in South Florida?

When Does Mosquito Season End in South Florida?

Oct 20, 2023 | Florida Mosquito Control

In Florida, it can seem like mosquito activity will never end. With our tropical, humid weather, mosquitoes thrive and invade our yards looking for standing water to breed. Besides being a nuisance, these pests can also pose health hazards to both humans and animals, transmitting diseases like the West Nile virus and the Zika virus. So, when does mosquito season end in South Florida?

Mosquito Season in Florida

The official mosquito season typically runs from around March through September or October. Though, since Florida is in a tropical area, mosquito season tends to be year-round, often starting as early as February and ending as late as November. While it’s not ideal to deal with mosquitoes year-round, there are certain things you can do around your home to prevent these pests from taking over your yard. Check out our do-it-yourself mosquito control steps you can take to help minimize mosquitoes around your property:

  • Eliminate Standing Water: Inspect your property and look for items that can hold water and remove them, including buckets, flowerpots, bird feeders, old tires, wheelbarrows, and more.
  • Clean Gutters: Clogged gutters will create a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, who only need a small amount of water to do so. Make sure your gutters are free of debris and leaves, especially after a rainstorm.
  • Fill in Hollow Areas: Low lying areas like ditches can collect water, make sure you fill them in with dirt if you spot them. Likewise, make sure to check for logs and stumps holding water and remove them as they can provide a place for mosquitoes to habitat during the cold weather.
  • Seal Gaps: Inspect your foundation for any openings and holes, repairing them as soon as you can with caulk or wool steel depending on the size. Likewise, inspect your door and window screens for openings throughout your home and replace them if needed.
  • Tidy Your Yard: Mosquitoes like tall grass, shrubbery, and damp woodpiles, making it important to keep your grass mowed and cut your shrubs back regularly. Likewise, store your wood piles at least 20 feet from your home and elevate it off the ground.
  • Plant Mosquito-Repelling Plants: Citronella, lavender, marigolds, rosemary, thyme, and basil are all plants and flowers that can help repel mosquitoes because of the oils they contain, consider planting these in your yard.
  • Consider a Pro: Fighting mosquitoes can feel like a never-ending battle when you live in South Florida; consider calling a professional pest control company who can provide a mosquito elimination service and control options to prevent them in the future. These mosquito professionals will inspect your yard, provide source reduction, recommend elimination techniques, and target adult and larvae mosquitoes.
Insect Repellent: DEET vs Picaridin

Insect Repellent: DEET vs Picaridin

Jul 6, 2023 | Pest Control

Insect repellent is not only used to prevent bites from insects; it also plays a vital role in public health. Proper repellent protects large populations of people from the diseases spread by mosquitoes and other biting insects. With that in mind, the next question is, what is the best repellent to use? There are several options available worldwide but two of the most common are those containing DEET and picaridin. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each.

DEET

DEET has been used since its development in the 1940s. It was originally developed to protect US soldiers from mosquito-borne diseases while they were serving overseas. It is considered the most popular repellent product on the market and, in fact, is endorsed by the World Health Organization. Because it has been available for such a long period of time, there is a large volume of data on its use, safety, and efficacy.

DEET is a synthetic compound that is effective at repelling mosquitoes and ticks for anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on how high of a concentration is applied. It also has a low rate of adverse effects.

Adverse effects are usually only reported when a high concentration of product is applied. For this reason, it is recommended to use a lower concentration with more frequent applications. The most common adverse reaction is a rash and skin irritation. Some people report an aversion to the smell. Others dislike the greasy residue DEET leaves on the skin.

DEET is known to dissolve some plastics and can cause damage to sunglasses if not cleaned off immediately. It can also damage some synthetic materials like spandex, rayon, and vinyl, which commonly make up clothing worn during the time of year when mosquitoes are active.

Picaridin

Picaridin was developed in the 1980s and was made available in Australia and Europe on 1998 and the US in 2005. The delay in availability was due to the need for ongoing testing regarding safety and efficacy. It is now the best selling repellent in both Europe and Australia. Picaridin is reportedly as effective as DEET.

Picaridin is a synthetic chemical produced to mimic the naturally occurring piperidine. It is also known as icaridin. The EPA has deemed picaridin safe for use on human skin. Proponents of picaridin prefer it over DEET because it is not as greasy, is odorless, and doesn’t damage plastics or synthetic clothing. Some US companies are already producing products containing picaridin, such as Cutter Advanced, Sawyer Premium, and Repel Smart Spray.

Picaridin doesn’t appear to have any negative effects on the environment. It is mildly toxic to some fish in large doses but is nontoxic to birds and land mammals. It may bind to soil but it is broken down by bacteria in the soil before it can leach into groundwater.

DEET vs Picaridin

Both DEET and picaridin are considered safe for human use. Both are proven to be effective at repelling mosquitoes and other biting insects for about the same length of time. The CDC does not recommend the use of either product in infants under 2 months of age. They do recommend the use of either for children older than 2 months of age and for adults. the EPA also considers both products safe for use during pregnancy.

It is important to note that picaridin is shown to be AS effective as DEET but not MORE effective than DEET. When deciding between the two, the decision is based less on efficacy and safety and more on personal preference.

As always, if mosquitoes or other biting insects are causing problems for you in or around your home, contact your local pest control company for a free evaluation.

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