Summer is prime time for splashing in the pool, enjoying visits with loved ones and the unfortunate return of summer’s arguably most hated visitor: the mosquito. These creatures reproduce at a rapid rate and can quickly overtake your yard if preventative measures are not taken early in the season. In order to know how to prevent a mosquito infestation from developing in your yard, you need to learn a little about the mosquito life cycle and ways you can create an effective barrier to repel mosquitoes.
Mosquito Life Cycle
Mosquitoes progress through four life stages throughout their lifetime: egg, larval, pupal and adult. During the first three stages, water is needed for development to continue. Once the mosquito reaches adulthood, it stands on the water and lets its wings dry before flying away to carry out the rest of its life. The process from egg to adult generally takes 10-14 days depending on the species and environmental conditions. If a female mosquito can survive the weather and evade being eaten by predators, it can live up to 56 days, giving it lots of opportunities to lay eggs as offspring.
Reduce Standing Water
The number one tip to keep mosquitoes from being able to breed and create an infestation in your yard is to eliminate standing water from all around your property. It’s important to drain and clean any containers that can accumulate water. Bird baths and flower pots are often overlooked items that can provide a prime breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquito dunks can be placed in water that is not used for drinking water and cannot be drained. By reducing the availability of standing water on your property, mosquitoes are unlikely to find suitable conditions to lay eggs and develop all the way to adulthood.
Repelling Mosquitoes
Once your home is free of standing water, you can use some other products and methods to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your yard.
- Use citronella candles or other products that can repel mosquitoes from specific areas when you are enjoying some time outside.
- Plants such as citronella, lemongrass, lavender, basil and eucalyptus are known to repel mosquitoes by the oils they give off. Plant these around high traffic areas to reduce mosquitoes from popular gathering places.
- Install a mosquito trapper or bug zapper that kills flying insects on contact. Mosquitoes will be drawn to these on the outskirts of your property instead of areas around people.
- Keep your yard free of debris and mow often. High grass and piles of items are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes since they need damp environments to breed.
- Hire a professional mosquito control company to provide a protective barrier from mosquitoes around your home.
Hiring a Professional
Taking action early in the season is the first step to preventing a mosquito infestation from developing in your yard. Our mosquito control experts at Abarb Pest Services serve the Northern New Jersey, Rockport County and Manhattan areas to provide safe and effective treatment for mosquitoes. To find out how we can protect your home and keep your outdoors happy all season long, contact us today.
