Mastering Mosquito Control: Essential Tips for a Bite-Free Summer
Monday, July 22, 2024
Tired of battling mosquitoes buzzing around your yard? Increased standing water can lead to an increase in pesky mosquito numbers. Here are five tips and tricks to manage them on your property.
- Get rid of as much standing water on your property as possible.
- Keep a close eye on any containers that can hold standing water like toys, flowerpots, or watering cans. Be sure to empty any potential habitats at least once a week. If you have a bird bath, consider investing in an agitator to keep it mosquito free.
- Keep your lawn mowed and trim any vegetation. Mosquitoes will rest in tall grass and dense vegetation during the day. Make your yard less appealing to them by removing their rest spots.
- Keep your gutters clean. Clean gutters mean no standing water and no mosquito breeding. As a bonus, clean gutters are also a great way to FireSmart your home.
- Consider planting natural repellants. Some plants have a natural ability to repel not only mosquitos but other insects as well. Citronella, marigolds, lavender, garlic spray and basil are all natural repellants. Plus, they add visual appeal to your outdoor spaces!
If you have standing water on your property that you can’t get rid of, there are options for treatments that can be used on the water directly. There are several companies who specialize in mosquito control and offer their services in the county. If you’re more of a DIY person, Prairie Environmental Services offers a complete kit for mosquito control (see bottom of this webpage). There are also products you can purchase from the hardware store like mosquito dunks or Mosquiron which will kill the larvae but will leave other wildlife unharmed. The important ingredient to look for is BTI or Bacillus thurigiensis israelensis or another chemical that works the same way.
Follow these tips and tricks to make the most of your summer without worrying about those itchy bites.
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Agriculture