How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes Outdoors
Many of us patiently wait for warmer weather and are thrilled when we get those first few days of 70-degree weather. We break out the shorts and short-sleeve shirts and before we know it, we're scratching at our skin thanks to pesky mosquitoes. Not only are their bites annoying and itchy, but they can also carry diseases like West Nile Virus, Encephalitis, and the Zika virus. These diseases are all the more reason to combat these blood-sucking insects!
What Do Mosquitoes Eat?
Understanding what mosquitoes eat can be helpful to understand how to minimize them around your house. Mosquito larvae have to consume what's around them. Because they breed in stagnant water, the larvae feed off algae, bacteria, and other microorganisms found in the water. Once they reach adulthood, mosquitoes feed on nectar and plant sap. If you've ever been bitten by these pesky insects, it is guaranteed to be a female. Why? Only females need a "blood meal" and this is because they need the protein they get from the blood to lay eggs.
Methods for Mosquito Control
Agropro treatments are a great way to minimize mosquitoes in your yard. Our treatments last up to 28 days so a monthly treatment may be beneficial during high-mosquito months depending on the severity. However, there are other best practices that can help Agropro's treatments be even more effective.
- Eliminate Stagnant Water. As discussed above, stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Check to see if you have any buckets or other similar items in your yard that could be collecting water from rain. It's best to get rid of these items completely or turn them upside down so they can't collect water. If you have a pond on your property, it's important to see if that water gets trapped anywhere after it rains. Is there a slope in the yard that allows the water to sit there for days or weeks? If possible, we recommend some landscaping to reduce the chances of standing water near your house.
- Declutter. It's easy for a yard to end up cluttered with various items. However, these items can also become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Keeping your yard clear of debris, both natural and man-made, will contribute to the effects of Agropro's treatment and could potentially reduce the frequency of treatments needed.
- Remove Algae. Once again, if you have a pond in your yard, you need to monitor the algae growing in the pond. If mosquito larvae feed on algae, you want to make sure you're not feeding the infestation.
Don't Settle
If you're from the south, you're probably used to being covered in mosquito bites, but don't settle for itch creams and bumps all over your skin. Take control of your yard and be proactive in treating it for mosquitoes and implementing yard best practices for minimizing breeding grounds. With the right combination of tactics, you'll be enjoying the outdoors in no time!
