With summertime just around the bend in Bamberg, Sc, it's time for Bar-b-ques, pools, swimming, and all kinds of other outdoor activities. Of course, with summertime, we also know that means mosquitos are back, and they're ready to crash our parties and ruin all the fun. It's time to make this summer different, enjoy the fresh air and spend time with friends and family without worrying about these biting insects and reclaim our yards, but what can we do?
In this article, we will go over a few helpful tips that can be beneficial in winning your war with mosquitoes.
The first place to start when dealing with mosquitoes is to make sure there is no standing water around your home or yard.
Even shallow water can attract mosquitoes as they use water to reproduce. Check your yard for potted plants that may have been retaining water for some time, and also look near bathroom areas for pools of standing water that might be housing mosquitoes. Water is required in certain places, especially if we have plants or animals. In these cases be sure to change the water daily.
If you have a pool, ensure that it is properly chlorinated and maintain the filter. Additionally, if you have fountains, make certain to clean those filters regularly as well. Be sure to run them frequently, which helps prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs.
Even tarps that are used to cover a grill, boat, or firewood can hold water and be used as a breeding ground for these insects. Make sure all tarps are pulled tight to prevent standing water from the rain.
Next is yard lighting. Did you know that the lighting outside your home can also attract mosquitos? Try switching to dimmer outdoor lights in your yard, or you can replace outdoor lighting with yellow lights instead of white lights, especially around the porch as this is typically how mosquitos find their way inside.
If you are having an issue with mosquitos getting in the house you may want to consider investing in ceiling fans on the porch which may be very beneficial in keeping mosquitos out. Furthermore, try to keep all windows and doors of your home shut unless you have screens since this is easy access for mosquitoes to get in as well.
Many people don't realize it, but clutter around the house and in the yard can also be a perfect habitat for mosquitos? Items such as tires, buckets, empty garden pots, and even some children's toys can hold rainwater and provide a nice warm place for mosquitos to breed. Check your yard for anything that could possibly retain water, and make sure all water has been poured out.
Also, ensure that the gutters on your home are kept clean. Gutters can easily get clogged with leaves and other debris which will retain water as well. Try to do an inspection around your home when it rains to check for any standing water as this can be very helpful in keeping the mosquito population under control.
Finally, for those who love plants and enjoy gardening, there are several plants that can help repel mosquitos. Mint, Garlic, Rosemary, Holy Basil, Catnip, Lavender, Marigold, Lemongrass, Pennyroyal, and Scented Geraniums are just a few plants that help ward off these unwelcome pests. The best place to put these plants is usually around the doors of your home, around your porch, or around a pool or other sitting areas where you tend to spend a lot of time outside.
Mosquitos can ruin your outdoor fun and put a damper on summertime. If you live in or around Bamberg, Sc, and are tired of dealing with mosquitoes call Gressette Pest Management today and let us help you reclaim your yard and have mosquito-free summer fun.
