preventing mosquitoes Archives | Northwest Exterminating

10 Backyard Mosquito Control Tips

Apr 12, 2024 | 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.

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.

The 411 on Mosquito Bites

May 30, 2023 | Mosquito

Summer is here, and so are mosquitoes. These pesky insects are known for their itchy, irritating bites, but have you ever wondered why mosquitoes bite in the first place? Let’s explore the reasons behind mosquito bites and share some tips for preventing and treating them.

Why do mosquitoes bite?

Female mosquitoes are the ones that bite, and they do it to obtain the protein they need to develop their eggs. Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide and other chemicals that humans and animals emit when they breathe and produce heat and moisture. When a mosquito lands on your skin, it uses its proboscis (a long, needle-like mouthpart) to pierce your skin and suck your blood. As it feeds, it injects saliva into your skin, which can cause an allergic reaction and result in itchiness and swelling.

How to treat a mosquito bite:

Wash the affected area with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the bite to reduce swelling and relieve itching. Over-the-counter anti-itch creams and lotions containing ingredients like hydrocortisone, calamine, or menthol can also be helpful but always check with your doctor before utilizing one.
Avoid scratching the bite, as this can increase the risk of infection and prolong healing time.

Mosquito bite prevention tips:

Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to avoid the discomfort they can cause. Here are some tips for keeping mosquitoes at bay:

Use insect repellent: Apply an EPA-approved insect repellent to your skin and clothing before going outdoors. Look for products containing DEET.
Wear protective clothing: Cover as much skin as possible by wearing long sleeves and pants.
Avoid peak mosquito hours: Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so try to limit outdoor activities during these times.
Remove standing water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so remove any sources of standing water from your property, such as bird baths, clogged gutters, or flowerpots.
Use screens: Install screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

If you have concerns about mosquitoes in your area, be sure to consult with your local mosquito control company for a customized mosquito prevention plan!

Mosquito Prevention: What South Florida Homeowners Can Do

May 11, 2023 | Florida Mosquito Control

The humid, tropical weather of South Florida is the perfect climate for mosquitoes to thrive. These pesky pests are known to be a nuisance while we enjoy outdoors and to be a health risk. As summer approaches and the weather continues to get warm, it’s important for every homeowner to understand mosquito activity, the health risks they bring, and prevention tips to keep your family safe.

Why Are Mosquitoes Invading My South Florida Property?

Mosquitoes are searching for standing water and a blood meal for survival. Standing water provides them a place to lay their eggs to allow larvae to develop, and they only need a small amount of water to do so. Likewise, these pests do feed on blood, but only female mosquitoes. Females bite and feed on humans so they can lay fertile eggs. While most mosquito species breed continuously, a female mosquito will typically search for a blood meal every two days to lay another batch of eggs.

What Are the Health Risks Mosquitoes Bring?

Besides the itchy welt, there are many people who have been bitten by mosquitoes and experienced no side effects. However, these pests are known to be the cause of diseases. They will feed off a diseased host, leading to the spread of pathogens that can infect other hosts. In the United States, they are known to spread the West Nile Virus, dengue fever, and Eastern equine encephalitis.

How Can I Prevent Mosquitoes in My Yard?

There are several ways homeowners can deter these nuisance pests away from their yards. Check out our top do-it-yourself preventative measures to place in your yard to prevent mosquitoes from invading:

Eliminate items that can hold water, including toys, buckets, pet bowls, tarps, old tires, and hollowed logs or stumps.
Keep your yard well landscaped by mowing your grass often and cutting back your shrubs.
If you have wood piles in your yard, keep it at least 20 feet away from your home.
Utilize screens on all windows and doors if you keep them open.
Clean your gutters of leaves and debris to prevent pooling and standing water.
Keep your pools, ponds, and bird baths clean every few days.

Implementing these preventative measures will always help to keep mosquitoes away, but sometimes it’s best to call a professional for extra support. These professionals will provide you with a thorough inspection, source reduction techniques, prevention methods, and treatment methods to eliminate both larvae and adult mosquitoes. Contact your local pest control company for a mosquito control quote.

How to Deal with Mosquitoes in Macon, GA

Mar 15, 2023 | Mosquito

Macon Mosquito Control: Preventing Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are small and annoying, easily taking over our yards during peak mosquito season. The hot, humid weather of Macon, Georgia is the perfect environment for mosquitoes to breed, making them a nuisance when we’re trying to enjoy our backyard. While it can sometimes feel impossible to avoid them, there are methods to help deter them away, so you can enjoy being outside again. Check out these tips to prevent mosquitoes this year.

Protect Yourself

Mosquito repellents containing DEET are a great way to avoid these pests when outside. Repellents with DEET block mosquitoes’ CO2 receptors, making them highly effective. They are also great to use when you know you’ll be outside for long periods. When applying the repellent, spray it onto your hands and run it on your skin instead of spraying it directly onto the skin.

Mosquitoes are attracted to clothes that are dark or have floral prints; consider avoiding these clothes if you’ll be outside during peak activity times for mosquitoes, between dusk and dawn. Likewise, consider wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and avoid wearing any sweet-smelling colognes or perfumes.

Protect Your Home

The last thing you want to deal with is mosquitoes inside your home, as it can be difficult to get rid of them if they’ve invaded. Regularly, inspect your windows and doors for holes or gaps that can let pests inside. Likewise, ensure that your doors and windows have screens and are in good repair, replacing any torn screens. During peak mosquito season, keep doors and windows closed as much as possible.

Protect Your Yard

Your lawn is the first line of defense against mosquitoes! Maintaining and placing preventative measures throughout your yard is essential to avoiding these pests during the spring and summer months. Mosquitoes are looking for standing water to breed, only needing a small amount to do so. Get rid of any potential breeding sites throughout your yard, including piles of leaves and debris, items that can hold water, clogged gutters, and poor drainage sites. Additionally, adult mosquitoes are known to rest in shady areas of your yard that are protected from the wind. Make sure to trim back trees and shrubs that are overgrown and continue to mow your lawn regularly.

If you have a mosquito problem or want to get ahead of prevention, consider calling your local pest control company which can provide a thorough evaluation and a comprehensive mosquito control plan.

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