If there is one thing in life that’s guaranteed, as soon as springtime comes around, so do the mosquitoes. Your beautiful backyard will be transformed into a breeding ground for blood-sucking insects in a flash. They will remain all summer, ruining any chance you have at enjoying the warm weather and sunshine in peace. If this scenario sounds all too familiar to you, then perhaps this year, you should consider mosquito yard control.
Problems Caused by Mosquitoes
- They’re bothersome. We have all experienced it… you’re relaxing outside, spending time with family and friends, and suddenly being bombarded by mosquitoes. The next thing you know, you’re moving the party indoors to escape the wrath of their incessant biting. This scenario is bound to repeat itself repeatedly until proactive measures are taken.
- They bite. It is bad enough to have a swarm of flying insects nagging you, but it’s downright terrible when they are biting insects. Mosquito bites leave red bumps on your skin, and they itch for days. If you have sensitive skin, then the area around the bite may become inflamed, swollen, and painful when touched. In some cases, mosquito bites require treatment with a topical ointment, such as calamine lotion.
- They spread disease. When a mosquito bites you, it tries to feed on your blood. As it feeds, saliva from the mosquito enters your bloodstream, along with any bacteria or viruses it has picked up. It is estimated that roughly 500 million people contract malaria yearly through mosquito bites. Of those 500 million people, nearly 1 million of them end up dying.
- They multiply rapidly. The life cycle of a mosquito ranges from 8 to 10 days, with the insect reaching adulthood by day 3. Once they’re adults, female mosquitoes become virtual egg-laying machines. They can produce upwards of 500 eggs per spawn, and within a few days, the newborn females are already laying eggs of their own. This exponential pattern means that a single female can be responsible for the birth of one billion mosquitos within 30 days.
Different Types of Mosquito Treatments
Several different treatment applications can be implemented to control mosquitoes. Each method has its pros and cons, but they are all very effective in keeping the flying pests out of your yard.
- Barrier sprays. The most widely used method for controlling mosquitoes is barrier protection treatment or barrier sprays. As the name suggests, barrier treatment is an application meant to create an invisible barrier between mosquitoes and your yard. A technician will assess the parameters of the yard and then spray the chemicals necessary to create the barrier. During the application, the exterminator also targets the areas where mosquitoes are likely to feed and reproduce.
The barrier spray instantly kills over 90 percent of the mosquitoes and repels most would-be newcomers. The virtual barrier will then remain effective in deterring mosquitoes for nearly a month. After which, a fresh application of barrier spray is required for continued protection.
- Natural treatment. Chemical treatments are undoubtedly effective against mosquitoes. However, they do have some inherent health risks. On the other hand, natural treatments are slightly less effective than chemicals, but they use non-toxic essential oils. Applying the natural treatment spray only takes about 30 minutes, and it dries within minutes. Once it dries, your family and pets can immediately take it to the yard.
- Automatic misting systems. Over the past several years, automatic misting systems have grown in popularity. These hands-free units are designed to inconspicuously mist your yard with repellent up to 4 times per day. The misting system can be controlled remotely using a smartphone or tablet for added convenience. Typically, a pest control technician will come to your home and refill the unit when the basin runs low on pesticides.
- One-time treatments. If you plan an outdoor event, such as a graduation party or a wedding, you’ll want to consider a one-time treatment. This process is similar to a barrier spray treatment. However, it does not require any follow-up applications. Nevertheless, the temporary barrier spray will keep the mosquitoes from ruining your party.
What Can I Do To Help Prevent Mosquitoes?
- Remove items that collect water. Areas of standing water are the foremost problem when reducing the presence of mosquitoes. After all, mosquitoes need water, and stagnant pools make perfect breeding grounds. To resolve this issue, remove any unnecessary items on your property known for collecting water. This includes pools, buckets, sandboxes, empty plant pots, and tarpaulins.
- Keep your grass and plants trimmed. Having a well-kept lawn and properly trimmed shrubs add curb appeal, but it also helps keep pests away. This is because mosquitoes prefer cool, dark places rather than basking in the sun’s hot rays. In short, freshly trimmed grass offers fewer shady spots for mosquitoes to hide.
- Utilize mosquito repelling plants. Believe it or not, there is an array of plant species known for their mosquito repelling properties. The most widely known of these plants is citronella grass, from which citronella oil is derived. However, citronella grass is just one of the many plants that mosquitoes detest. Here are some others:
- Peppermint
- Catnip
- Lemongrass
- Petunias
- Rosemary
Adding a few of these plant species to your garden, flowerbeds, or hanging pots is a great way to help deter mosquitoes. They’ll look nice too!
- Contact a pest control specialist. If you’ve already taken steps to alleviate your mosquito problem and nothing has worked, then it’s time to contact a professional pest control company. Whether the barrier sprays your yard or offers a different solution, they will surely take care of the issue.
Is Mosquito Treatment Safe for My Children and Pets?
With most types of mosquito treatment, such as barrier spraying, children and pets must be temporarily kept from the yard. This is because the chemicals used during the process remain wet for a short time. If a treated area were to be touched, the chemicals could accidentally be ingested or transferred into your home. Once the application has dried, which takes about an hour, your kids and pets can safely return to the yard.
Do-It-Yourself Mosquito Treatment
There is no shortage of do-it-yourself mosquito treatments on the market. Items like spray repellents, bug zappers, and foggers may seem promising, but they are only temporary solutions. Within a few days of their use, the mosquitoes will have returned to full force. There is only one way to ensure success in repelling mosquitoes, and that is by hiring a professional exterminator.
Take Your Yard Back
There is no denying it… mosquitoes are one of the most irritating insects on the planet. They bite, spread disease, and multiply at an astonishing rate. And while there is no way to prevent mosquitoes from entering your yard fully, you can significantly reduce the chances of it happening. If mosquitoes are preventing you from enjoying your backyard, then it’s time to contact a pest control specialist and take your yard back.
