Did you know there is a National Mosquito Awareness Week? Though many people find mosquitoes to be an annoyance, they can also pose serious health hazards to people all over the world.
Mosquito Control Awareness
Officially, Mosquito Control Awareness Week 2020 is June 21st through the 27th, but here at Arkadia Eco Pest Control, we would argue that mosquito awareness needs to happen year-round! Though they are most active in the muggy days of summer, mosquitoes can survive year-round at temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Because they are out so often, taking preventative measures in all seasons is a smart idea. After all, mosquito bites are annoying and frustrating—but they can also be dangerous. Mosquitoes can carry many infectious diseases, including:
- Malaria
- West Nile virus
- Yellow fever
- Zika virus
Many people can also be allergic to mosquito bites, so in addition to itchy and uncomfortable spots, they may also experience other allergic reactions such as extreme swelling. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent mosquitoes from biting, even in the middle of the buggiest season.
Preventing Mosquito Infestations
The easiest way to avoid bug bites is to keep the pests from moving in in the first place. Fortunately, there are many steps residents can take to help deter mosquitoes from moving into their yards and homes. Here are a few methods of cutting down the number of mosquitoes buzzing around your home and yard.
Discard Standing Water
Standing water is one of the biggest mosquito attractors out there: mosquitoes reproduce in water so even the smallest amount will attract them. Make sure to empty your summer pool (or cover it if you have an in-ground or other large pool), dump out wheelbarrows, kids’ toys, and anything else that can hold even a capful of water.
Make sure to check outdoors after spring and summer storms, as well, to ensure there isn’t any standing water nearby. In just a few days, mosquitoes can lay eggs and begin growing the next generation of biters, so it’s essential to keep up on discarding standing water.
Plant Mosquito Deterrent Plants
Many mosquito repellents and deterrent products are so helpful because of the ingredients they contain. Oils such as citronella, basil, lavender, and peppermint are often components in natural mosquito repellents because the bugs don’t like those scents.
Planting mosquito-repelling greenery like basil, garlic, lavender, peppermint, lemon balm, citronella, and even catnip or marigolds in your yard can help prevent mosquitoes from moving in and making themselves at home. Rosemary and geraniums can also help prevent mosquitoes from taking up residence.
Check Window and Door Screens
Screens are a great first step at protecting your home and its occupants from mosquitoes and other pesky insects. Check your screens for holes and tears to ensure you’re not letting any bugs in by accident.
If you find that people in your home are often leaving the door open or there are gaps in your window or door frames, consider repairs before the next buggy season. You may also want to think about getting mosquito nets for your bedroom, especially if you sleep with windows open.
Maintain Your Yard
Another way to deter mosquitoes from hanging around is to eliminate the areas of your yard that they find cozy. Mosquitoes tend to like shady and wet areas, so if any part of your yard is feeling swampy, they’re likely to congregate there.
Keeping your lawn trimmed and bushes and trees cut back helps eliminate shade and those muggy areas, discouraging mosquitoes from buzzing around. Trimming back bushes, trees, and grass also allows sunlight to hit the ground, potentially drying up those troublesome puddles mosquitoes tend to flock to.
Stay Covered and Use Repellent
Even if you care for your yard and eliminate all standing water, it’s still possible for mosquitoes to fly in unannounced. Keep your skin covered when you go outdoors, wearing light-colored and lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs. Also, use repellent whenever you’re out at peak mosquito times—generally late in the evening.
Professional Pest Protection
Unfortunately, it’s still possible to wind up with a mosquito infestation, despite even the best preventative steps. For those who live near creeks or streams, for example, it’s tough to eliminate all sources of standing water.
