Summer heat encourages shorts, t-shirts, and light dresses. Warm weather is perfect for an afternoon spent outdoors, but sometimes bugs can send you running back inside. Mosquitoes are inevitable during the summer. However, they don’t need to be the only thing you think about. Mosquitoes shouldn’t swarm your yard and you shouldn’t have to deal with constant mosquito bites. If you have a mosquito infestation on your property, there is a reason. Here are some factors that might be attracting mosquitoes to your home, and some tips to help stop them.
What Attracts Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes become active when the weather rises above 50F. They prefer temperatures of up to 80F and love the moisture that is often present during the summer. During late spring and early summer mosquitoes are actively breeding and laying eggs. Mosquito season can last from April until October and longer in warmer climates. It’s important not to let your guard down too soon, since mosquitoes can still be active throughout the fall.
If you have a lot of mosquitoes in your yard, it might be because you have created the perfect breeding ground for them. Mosquitoes will lay eggs in any standing water they can find. If you have old toys sitting in the yard collecting rainwater, it can be enough for a mosquito. Things like buckets, ditches, puddles, bird baths, and pools can also be perfect places for mosquitoes to breed. If you live near a lake, river, or another large body of water, you are more likely to have a mosquito problem.
Mosquitoes look for places to hide during the heat of a summer day. They often hide in thick foliage and near plants. If you live near a forest you are more likely to have mosquitoes, since plants provide all the cover they need to survive. To avoid attracting mosquitoes, keep plants away from your house. Plant your garden away from areas where you spend time outdoors. In the same vein, keep the grass in your yard short. To keep mosquitoes out of your house, make sure you have secure screens on your windows and doors.
The Dangers of a Mosquito Infestation
If you’ve ever been kept awake at night by a mosquito buzzing in your ear, you know how annoying they can be. They bite often, and the bites can be red, swollen spots that can itch for days. In some cases, a mosquito bite can cause an allergic reaction that may require medical treatment. Mosquitoes can also carry diseases such as yellow fever, malaria, Zika, Dengue, and others. Though many of these are less common in the United States, there’s still the possibility of catching dangerous infections because of a mosquito bite. This isn’t a risk worth taking!
What to Do About Mosquitoes
If you can’t leave your house without getting new welts from mosquito bites, it may be time to call for help. Havard Pest Control can complete a house visit to determine the factors that may be attracting mosquitoes to your property. With years of experience and knowledge, we can formulate a treatment plan that is uniquely designed to solve your mosquito problem. Call Havard Pest Control now to clear your yard of mosquitoes so you can make the most of summer.