When it comes to enjoying the great outdoors, there is nothing that will make you want to scurry back inside quicker than being pestered and bitten by swarms of pesky mosquitos. The bites can hurt, itch, and could even be dangerous if the mosquito that bit you is harboring any of the vast numbers of diseases that they are known to transmit.
That’s why, when it comes to mosquitos, knowing a little bit of information can go a long way in terms of keeping them away from your property and keeping yourself safe from their bites. But just what should you know?
For starters, did you know that mosquitos prefer the taste of some people’s blood over others? Also, only female mosquitos bite as they need the protein in mammal blood to produce eggs. While these facts may prove to be more interesting than they are helpful in preventing mosquitos, it does help to know all you can. Besides, who doesn’t like sharing a fun fact or two with their friends?
Now, without further ado, the best ways for you to prevent mosquitos from hanging around your home are:
Knowing How To Identify Mosquitos
When it comes to pest prevention, the first step is always being able to correctly identify the pest with which you are dealing. In this case, mosquitos.
Mosquitos have hairy wings, slender bodies, six long narrow legs, and long mouthparts which they use for feeding. In our neck of the woods, the two predominant mosquitos are Asian tiger mosquitoes—which have a black and white striped pattern on their bodies—and Aedes aegypti mosquitos—which are dark brown to black with white scales on their thorax that form a violin-like pattern. If you can correctly identify the mosquitos in your area, then you are the right track to keeping them away from your property.
Knowing The Dangers of Mosquitos
As previously stated, mosquito bites can be a lot more than just annoying—they have the potential to be dangerous. This is due to the diseases they spread, via blood. And while they may pose much more of a threat in developing countries, mosquitos are known to spread diseases in the United States, as well. These diseases include West Nile virus, Zika, chikungunya, and eastern equine encephalitis just to name a few. So, while it may not be as likely for a mosquito to transmit a disease here in the United States, they can still spread some diseases you certainly do not want.
Knowing The DIY Techniques To Prevent Mosquitos
When it comes to preventing mosquitos from invading your yard, there’s some good and bad news. The good news is that there are sprays and natural repellents for sale over the counter. The bad news is these are only mildly effective which means you could still be at risk. In addition to the repellents, there are some techniques you can utilize to make your property less attractive to mosquitos.
These include:
- Seal all cracks in your home’s foundation and walls.
- Use window and door screens.
- Repair all holes in screens.
- Repair leaky outdoor pipes.
- Remove standing water from your property.
This last tip is very important as mosquitos require water to lay eggs on. So, any place that might hold water should be addressed immediately whether it be upside down lids, low-lying areas in the lawn, cracks in the pavement, etc.
Knowing When To Call The Pros
While these DIY tips can help prevent mosquitos from targeting your home and surrounding property, the best way for you to keep mosquitos away for good is to contact the professionals here at Havard Pest Control. With over 70 years of pest control experience, Havard Pest Control is the premier pest control company in your area.