How to Mosquito Proof Your Yard

Mosquito season is rapidly approaching. Officials in the U.S. are extra worried about this year’s mosquito population after the 2016 Zika scare. What’s even more frightening is that there are plenty of other mosquito-borne infections to worry about. Enjoy your yard this year, without the fear of mosquitoes. We’ve got some tips for you on mosquito-proofing your yard!

CUT GRASS LOW

Keep your grass and shrubbery well trimmed throughout mosquito season. Overgrown brush attracts adult mosquitoes. They like to hide out there to avoid the sun and summer heat.

DONT INVEST IN MOSQUITO ZAPPERS

Trappers and zappers may pull in some mosquitos, but they won’t take out the whole population. These devices are typically very expensive and hard to maintain. Think twice before purchasing one; you may be saving yourself money and time.

REMOVE ALL STANDING WATER SOURCES

Mosquitoes love water. Damp, moist areas are the perfect breeding grounds for these annoying pest. They only need a bottle cap size pool of water to lay over 200 eggs. Getting rid of mosquitoes starts with eliminating all standing water sources and anything that can catch rain water.

CLEAN UP

Don’t forget to clean up all buckets or pots that once held water once you dump them. Eggs can be stuck to the sides of and survive for several months. After you dump out water scrub right above the water line, where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Washing them removes the eggs and keeps your items clean.

AVOID USING BACKYARD SPRAYS

Most products in stores that claim to kill mosquitoes aren’t telling the truth. In most cases, these sprays are exempt pesticides. These types of chemicals don’t have to be reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for effectiveness or safety. If you insist on buying a spray,  pick up one with an EPA registration number attached to the bottle.