Keeping your yard free and clear of mosquitoes has never been more important. Viruses spread by these tiny insects, such as West Nile and Zika, cause serious health concerns. Although using repellents such as foggers and spray may help with some temporary relief, you need to get to the root of the problem to completely rid yourself of the pesky insect. You need to destroy the breeding ground of the mosquito.
The Mosquito’s Favorite Breeding Ground
The most common place for mosquitos to breed is in standing water. No matter what the size of the container holding water, a mosquito will love it. Rain barrels, buckets, miniature ponds and flower pot trays that fill up with water are most inviting to them. Discarded items that can hold water can hold mosquito larvae. Rain gutters that have clutter in them and at the base of the drainage spout are also breeding grounds. Ornamental containers, such as bird baths, are also a place you’ll find mosquito larvae. Old tires laying around collecting rain water are also popular with mosquitos. Basically, wherever there’s water, there are mosquitos.
Although it may not cross your mind, dry dirt can also be a breeding place for mosquitos. Plant containers holding plant axils in dry dirt are places to check for breeding mosquitos.
Keeping Your Yard Clear of Breeding Mosquitos
The simplest way to rid your yard of breeding mosquitos is to take away their breeding area. Make sure you don’t have empty containers lying around to hold water. Pick them up and discard them if they have no use. If you have rain barrels or buckets, drain them. Clean out your rain gutters, and check the area surrounding the drainage spout on a regular basis. Mosquitos will breed in the grass that may hold moisture surrounding this area. Remove those old tires.
There are plants on the market that will help hinder mosquitos. Although this is a natural way to keep them away, you would need to purchase and plant a large amount to be of any real assistance to keeping the insect away.
Setting Up a Schedule
Get into the routine of checking your yard on a weekly basis. The breeding time for mosquitos is seven days. By checking for standing water on a regular basis, you’ll be eliminating the possibility for larvae to hatch. Hiring a Las Vegas mosquito control company can also help in maintaining a mosquito-free yard.
Although maintaining your yard and keeping it clean from debris may lessen the possibility of breeding mosquitos, you will probably never totally remove them from your area. A few simple steps and setting up a routine is sure to help keep this pest under control.