Mosquitoes are a group of small, two-winged flies that belong to the family Culicidae. Although a few species are harmless and even useful to humanity, most of them are a nuisance as they consume blood from humans and other vertebrates. Some of them transmit dangerous human and livestock diseases such as malaria, filariasis, and yellow fever.
Reducing mosquito populations around your home can be relieving. Fortunately, there are many options when it comes to this. However, no single activity can effectively control mosquitoes. The solution is to combine both indoor and outdoor activities. Here are the strategies to annihilate mosquitoes from your home.
Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites
Female mosquitoes use the protein they find in ingested blood to lay eggs. Their laying ground may be water or moist soil. All mosquitoes require water, especially from floods, to breed and survive. Their typical breeding sources include:
- Stagnant water
- Ponds and lakes
- Brackish swamps
- Salt marshes
- Ditches
- Old tires
- Tree Pots
- Clogged gutters
- Buckets
- Puddles
To stop them, you need to eliminate their breeding sites and the most common is standing water. Although mosquitoes can breed in any stagnant water, their major thriving area is where there’s a lot of organic debris. That’s where you’ll typically find their larvae, especially during summer.
To remove mosquito breeding sites, start with the obvious ones. Empty water from old tires, clogged gutters, wheelbarrows, and buckets. Also, don’t overlook flower pots and the saucers they sit on. If you can’t empty water from in-ground pool drains, treat them with the natural insecticide, Bti to kill the larvae.
When searching for stagnant water, you should put in mind that just a few ounces of the liquid could make a difference for mosquitoes. By removing the water, you’ll have completed a significant step in reducing the mosquito population around your compound.
Unfortunately, eliminating breeding sites from your home doesn’t completely solve the problem. Mosquitoes can breed next door in your neighbors’ compound or further down the street. The insects can still cross over to your yard regardless of the unsuitable breeding condition there. That’s why you need to apply other techniques.
Rid Your Home of Adult Mosquitoes
Since adult mosquitoes mostly feed on plant nectar, you can easily find them in shrubs and bushes. As such, it’s easy to eliminate them. All you need to do is look for growing shrubs and bushes and clear them. Keep them short and the mosquito population is going to reduce.
Shut Them Out
You can keep mosquitoes from getting into your home by installing screens on your doors and windows. Also, fix any holes on your house. Although a breeze is nice during summer, keeping your doors and windows shut and using air conditioning most of the time can significantly reduce the insects’ population.
Spray Insecticides
Most mosquito species rest in dense vegetation such as weeds, tall grass, and shrubs during the day. To eliminate them, trim any overgrowth. Also, spray the bushes and shrubs’ foliage as well as the tall grass, the lower limbs of shade trees, and shaded areas with a safe and effective residual insecticide. You could also use an organic, botanical option.
Use Mosquito Repellants
In addition to reducing the mosquito population in and around your compound, you can also protect yourself and your family from the insects’ bites. This is one of the easiest and most effective methods of controlling mosquitoes. There are two types of mosquito repellants:
For your skin, an all-natural option is great. It masks your scent, making it difficult for mosquitoes to find you
For your yard, you can use a more toxic option. It can work for around 3-5 days. It’s a very popular option for those who want to have an outdoor event in their homes.
For safety and good results, use only EPA-registered insect repellants with either DEET, para-menthane-diol (oil of lemon eucalyptus), or picaridin as an active ingredient. Apply them according to label instructions. These repellants are even safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Use Foggers and Misting System Compounds
Are you having a hard time keeping mosquitoes out? Why not use a fogger? Foggers come in a vast range of options and work by creating a fine mist (or insecticide fog). The advantage of fogging is that you can coat leaves and foliage more effectively. You can choose an appropriate fogger depending on your needs and budget.
Hire a Professional Mosquito Control Expert
If applying all of the above mosquito control methods seems difficult, the best option you have is to call for professional help. At Franklin Pest Control, we have all it takes to completely eliminate mosquitoes from your home. Call us today if you have a mosquito infestation and we’ll offer the most effective solution.