Mosquitoes are great summer pests, but they can cause a lot more problems than just itchy bites.They can only be stopped from biting.Keeping mosquitoes from breeding is the best way to manage a mosquito problem.This article will show you how to do it.
Step 1: It's a good idea to empty, drain, or cover anything that can hold standing water.
If you have a backyard or porch with a pool of water, you should clear it out.Trash cans and barrels collect a lot of rain.Old tires, empty bottles, buckets, and other small containers can be used to condense water into small pools.To prevent more water from gathering, empty and drain all the pools of water.
Step 2: Water collection pans can be changed weekly.
Excess water will run through the soil and into a pan when you water your plants.The collection pans are a good location for mosquitoes to breed.The pans should be emptied and cleaned at least once a week.
Step 3: Bird baths are cleaned weekly.
If you have a bird bath outside, the stagnant water is a good place for mosquitoes to lay their eggs.Changing the water and scrubbing down the bath at least once a week will help reduce the number of mosquitoes.
Step 4: It is possible to repair or prevent leaks.
Minor leaks can be caused by exposure to the weather.condensation can pool on the ground.The faucets pool on the ground.To minimize water collection, repair these problems.
Step 5: Swimming pools should be maintained with proper care.
If you have a small plastic pool meant to be used temporarily, make sure you drain all of the water and store it indoors when not in use.Monitor the chlorine levels and keep the pool clean if you have a backyard swimming pool.
Step 6: Keep the rain gutter and drain clean.
They will trap water if they fill them with debris.The mosquitoes will breed in this water.
Step 7: Don't allow other sources of standing water.
The number one breeding spot for mosquitoes is standing water.It can be hard to find all the bodies of standing water.There are precautions you can take to prevent water from building up.Get rid of any unused pots or bins and turn them upside down so they don't collect water.Keep the trash and recycling bins clean.If you can't, try drilling drain holes.Keep a screen over the rain barrels.Look at your plants.Is there any water between the leaves and the stems?To allow for proper drainage, you should poke a tiny hole with a pin into those areas.
Step 8: There are nooks, crannies and holes.
Mosquitoes and their eggs can be found in small crevices and openings on the patio or porch.There are holes in the trunks of trees where mosquitoes can live and breed.If you can't eliminate the holes, fill them with sand.
Step 9: You should mow your lawn weekly.
Mosquitoes don't lay eggs in tall grass, but they sit in the grass for rest and hiding.As frequently as possible, keep your grass short.
Step 10: Tall weeds and bushes need to be trimmed back.
These are homes for mosquitoes.The number of adult mosquitoes will be reduced if you limit these.
Step 11: Near areas that are prone to collect water, plant some mosquito-repelling flowers and herbs.
You can either put them in the garden or in flower pots.Mosquitoes don't like the smell of plants and will stay away from them.Some plants you should consider planting in your garden are herbs, such as: rosemary and lavender, citronella, lemon balm, and mint.
Step 12: Get some fish for your garden.
If you already have a water garden, consider adding minnows or mosquito fish.They are easy to care for, and love to eat mosquito larva.If you have a larger pond, you can stock it with fish.You can use larvicides in water gardens.Make sure that the one you use is safe for fish and other animals.Favor deeper water gardens over shallow ones.Something that is 24 inches (60.96 centimeters) or deeper is what you want.The depth will deter mosquitoes, and it will be better for your fish.The mosquitoes prefer shallow waters.
Step 13: You can add a waterfall, fountain, or aerator to your water garden.
It will disrupt the surface of the water and be good for the health of your pond.Mosquitoes like standing water.If you have a fountain, you can add it to the birdbath.
Step 14: Use larvicides to kill mosquitos.
They need to be applied monthly.They don't usually kill off dragon flies.Mosquito Dunks, Mosquito Bits, and Microbe-Lift are mosquito poisons.The mosquitoes die after eating it.The insect growth regulator is called methoprene.It prevents mosquitoes from growing.They take a few days to kill, but they will kill other insects as well.When sprayed on top of water, mineral oil based larvicides kill mosquitos.
Step 15: Encourage other mosquitoes to come to your yard.
Birds and bats feast on mosquitoes.Installation of bird houses or bat houses is all you need to do this.Adding a frog or two to your water garden is a good idea.