The Southeastern United States is known for its warm, humid climate which makes it an attractive place to live to both humans and mosquitoes. Almost everyone can recall a memory when a lovely summer evening outside was ruined by mosquitos. These small flying pests are known for their itchy bites and are vectors for a variety of diseases.
Keeping your yard mosquito free during the summer is a top priority for many homeowners. Staying ahead of mosquito season will ensure your yard is the relaxing oasis it should be all summer long!
Are Mosquitos Dangerous?
Did you know only female mosquitoes bite? A female mosquito needs to feed on blood in order to reproduce. She will use her long needle-like proboscis to pierce the skin and drink the blood of people and animals. When thinking about a mosquito bite, most people just think about the itchy red bumps they leave behind but since a female mosquito can feed on multiple subjects, they are a perfect vector for diseases such as:
- Malaria
- Zika
- West Nile Virus
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis
In addition to spreading these diseases to humans, mosquitoes can also spread heartworm to your dog. To keep your entire family safe, it’s crucial to avoid or quickly treat an infestation.
Keeping Mosquitoes Out of Your Yard
A female mosquito can lay up to 100 eggs at a time. They will lay their eggs in any place where there is undisturbed water which makes eliminating sources of standing water the most important step in preventing mosquitoes in your yard. By following a few easy steps you can keep mosquitos out of your yard and away from your family:
- Check for and clear standing water in buckets, children’s toys, and plant pots.
- Store containers that can collect water upside down when you are not using them.
- Keep grass short to minimize hiding spots for mosquitoes.
- Fill in any low spots in your yard where water may collect.
- Make sure gutters are clean and there are no pockets of water.
- Attract natural predators like birds to your yard.
- Use an outdoor fan on your patio.
- Use a professional pest elimination service.
How to Avoid Getting Bitten By Mosquitoes
Although there is no surefire way to completely avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes, there are a few things you can do to make yourself as unattractive to mosquitoes as possible. The most common and effective way to deter mosquitoes is to use an EPA-approved repellent that contains DEET or Picardian.
In addition to using a repellent, wearing loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants in light colors while outdoors will help keep you from getting bitten. Floral scents are also known to attract mosquitoes so skip the perfume or scented lotion if you know you are going to be outside.
If you do end up covered in those red itchy welts from a mosquito bite, make sure to not itch the bite. Instead, wash the area thoroughly, apply calamine or an anti-itch lotion, take an antihistamine, and put an ice pack on the spot.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, even with your best efforts, it is impossible to eradicate mosquitoes from your yard on your own. If mosquitoes have taken over your yard and turned your outdoor oasis into a nightmare, it is time to call in an expert. That’s where the mosquito exterminators at Bug Out can help! As a top-rated pest control service provider in the Southeast, we prioritize eco-friendly methods to control mosquito infestations while keeping in mind the safety and well-being of our customers and the environment. With over five decades of experience serving the community, the experts at Bug Out know how to quickly eliminate mosquitoes from your yard – for good. Contact us today for a free quote!
