Mosquitos are one of the most deadly insects on the planet. While most of us will never encounter a mosquito carrying Zika or dengue, many mosquitos can carry dangerous pathogens, and their bites can be painful and uncomfortable.
While Maryland may not be as humid as Florida or Africa, we tend to deal with our fair share of mosquitos. In our years of dealing with mosquitos, we’ve picked up a few tips that we have used to help control mosquito populations in our client’s backyards and rid them of mosquitos for good.
In this article, we’ll share some important information about how to get rid of mosquitos, as well as identifying them and whether they are dangerous.
Are Mosquitos Dangerous In America?
Most mosquitos in the United States are fairly innocuous, though some may carry diseases, such as West Nile Virus.
The primary difference between here and poorer places across the globe is access to proper healthcare is usually a short car ride away, and treating these diseases can be easy with the right medicines. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that treatments for mosquito-borne diseases are not always cheap and could break your bank if you don’t have insurance.
For this reason, we recommend avoiding these pests in your day-to-day life. Plus, mosquito bites can lead to itchy, red bumps that are notoriously irritating and will keep you up at night.
How to Identify Mosquitos
Mosquitos can easily be identified by their narrow bodies, veiny wings, and long proboscis (snout), which is used to bite humans.
Since it’s impossible to tell which mosquitos carry disease, it’s best to avoid being bitten altogether and follow these tips below.
How To Reduce Your Chances Of Being Bitten By A Mosquito
- Wear light-colored clothing. This will make it harder for mosquitos to see you as they use silhouettes to identify their prey.
- Avoid going outside during dusk and dawn, as this is when mosquitos are most active.
- Avoid marshlands, swamps, and other wet areas. Mosquitos breed in stagnant water and densely populated these areas.
- Apply bug spray to your clothing and skin before leaving your property. There are many good options for this, including some that are all-natural.
- Be careful when working out outdoors. Working out increases how much you breathe and your body heat, attracting mosquitos.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitos: DIY Prevention Tips
Of course, the best way to avoid mosquitos altogether is to get rid of them. So here are some tips to get rid of mosquitos inside and outside your home.
Eliminate Standing Water
First and foremost, eliminate any standing water in your property that is not properly filtered or cleaned. This includes bird baths, small holes in your yard, and storage bins that may collect water during rain storms. Planters, buckets, toys, and even tires can also be sources of standing water that should be dumped and cleaned regularly, especially if you live in a wet climate.
Clean Your Gutters
Your gutters can collect standing water easily from twigs and leaves that clog them during the summer and fall months. Be sure to clean your gutters regularly, as larvae can develop there, and consider installing a leaf guard as a preventative measure.
Light a Citronella Candle
Citronellas contain lemongrass, which naturally repels mosquitos and other insects from your property. Light one nearly a crowded patio area to protect people during outdoor gatherings.
Spray an Insecticide
An insecticide is considered a last-case scenario, but many are considered “safe” for humans and pets. Conduct your research before resorting to this option.
Install an Outdoor Fan
A fan can disperse carbon dioxide from human breath, which can cause mosquitos to lose the scent of food and water sources they are hunting down on your property.
Stock Ponds with Mosquitofish
Mosquitofish are natural predators that can destroy mosquito larvae in ponds you may have on your property that are difficult to control. DO NOT stock mosquitofish in natural water sources, as these can disrupt the existing balance of these systems.
Use Birds as Predators
Birds and bats are natural predators of mosquitos; therefore, attracting birds to your yard can help control mosquito populations. Simple decorations like bird feeders and hummingbird feeders can be effective, as well as certain plants.
Of course, be wary of leaving bird baths filled with water for too long.
Light Essential Oils
As previously mentioned, lemongrass is abhorrent to mosquitos, but there are other scents, such as peppermint and basil, that may repel them.
Plant an Herb Garden
Natural herbs like basil, mint, and lemongrass are also natural insect repellents and can even protect vegetables you grow from other insects as well.
How an Exterminator Can Help
Eliminating breeding grounds and installing fans will only go so far in preventing mosquitos. If you have neighbors close by, a large property, or mosquito-dense areas nearby, you will still have a serious problem on your hands, that is, unless you hire a professional.
At Pest Czar, we offer long-term and short-term solutions to mosquito problems. Whether you are looking for year-round treatments for your property or a single service visit for an outdoor event, we have your back.
Contact us today for more information.