Stay Comfortable Outdoors by Mastering Mosquito Control

Staying comfortable outside in the backyard is often hindered by mosquitos. These tiny blood-sucking insects pose significant health risks. Mosquitos are associated with transmitting diseases such as West Nile, Zika, dengue, and malaria. For Backyard Comfort & Pest Control, one must opt for mosquito control procedures. 

Understanding mosquitoes and their breeding habits is a crucial step in effective mosquito control. These insects, belonging to the Culicidae family, go through four distinct phases in their lifecycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The first three stages occur in stagnant water, while the last phase is an active flying insect. 

Only female mosquitoes feed on the blood of humans and animals. After getting a blood meal, the female mosquito lays her eggs directly or near water. They can lay eggs in moist soil, at the base of plants, and in places with stagnant water. The entire life cycle is completed in between four days to a month. This knowledge empowers homeowners to take proactive measures in their mosquito control efforts. 

Get Rid of the Breeding Grounds

The first important step is to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, i.e., any form of uncovered stored water. It is essential to remove any source of stagnant water near the backyard. Flowerpots, birdbaths, pet bowls, and buckets regularly collect water, so it is crucial to clean them regularly. 

Homeowners play a vital role in preventing water accumulation, a key factor in mosquito breeding. Regular maintenance of gutters to ensure they are clean and free-flowing, covering rain barrels, and securing tarps and covers on grills, boats, and other equipment to prevent water pooling are all proactive measures that can significantly reduce mosquito breeding grounds.

Household Remedies

There are several eco-friendly and natural options for keeping mosquitoes at bay. Citronella oil, derived from lemongrass, is a potent mosquito repellent. Other essential oils used to repel mosquitoes are lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint. Garlic is another magical ingredient that has insect-repelling properties. 

Natural remedies are effective in repelling mosquitoes. These eco-friendly options can be used in the backyard or applied to the skin, providing a safe and effective alternative to chemical repellents. Homeowners can feel reassured that these remedies are not only effective but also safe for children and the elderly.

Certain plants have mosquito-repellent properties. Marigold flowers contain pyrethrum, which is a component of insect repellents. Similarly, catnip contains nepetalactone, which is a naturally derived insect repellent. Basil and rosemary are two herbs that mosquitoes dislike, and they can deter them. Incorporating these plants into the backyard can reduce mosquitoes to a huge extent. 

Chemical Mosquito Repellents

Sometimes, the mosquito population does not disappear with the help of natural ingredients. In this scenario, chemical-based mosquito repellent is a better option. DEET, picaridin, and lemon eucalyptus oil are combined to form an ointment for repelling insects. It can be directly applied to skin and clothes to repel mosquitos. 

Several insecticides can be sprayed weekly in the backyard to eradicate mosquitos. Larvicide is a chemical that kills mosquito larvae, and adulticide kills adult mosquitoes. Female mosquitoes can live for about six weeks. But if it gets sufficient food and water, a female mosquito can live for five months or longer. Therefore, spraying larvicides and adulticides for a few weeks can help fight off mosquitoes and other insects.

Mosquito Traps

Zappers and mosquito traps are efficient devices for reducing the population of mosquitoes. These tools use light, heat, or carbon dioxide to attract mosquitoes, trap them, and kill them. Propane zappers use propane to generate carbon dioxide that attracts the mosquito towards itself. Similarly, electric zappers use ultraviolet light, and sticky zappers use adhesive material to trap insects. These devices can be placed around the yard to keep mosquitoes away. 

Mastering mosquito control is critical for both outdoor comfort and pest control. Homeowners can create a mosquito-free environment by gaining knowledge about mosquitos, eliminating breeding areas, employing organic and chemical repellents, and adopting personal protective measures.