The ear-wrecking high-pitched buzz from a mosquito is all too familiar.
Mosquitoes are a nuisance, but I do not need to tell you that! This is especially true during the spring and summer seasons. They come laden with malaria and zika (in some continents). Itchy and painful bites on all continents! Female mosquitoes need protein and iron from mammals like you to make their eggs.
That is why mosquitoes keep biting!
It is frustrating when you are trying to chill in your yard and are being divebombed by one annoying mosquito every few minutes!
This post will look at ways to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your yard.
Why Do I Get Mosquitoes in My Yard?
Mosquitoes need stagnant, still water for them to lay their eggs. They also thrive in dark, moist places such as shrubs and long grass. If you get many mosquitoes in your yard, it may be because you have any of these conditions.
This guide provides easy ways how to reduce mosquitoes in your yard.
How to Reduce Mosquitoes in Your Yard
Get rid of any Stagnant Water
Mosquitoes can lay their eggs in waters as shallow as an inch deep. Therefore, get rid of any container holding a bit of water in your yard.
Remove the old cans and lids. If you have a kiddie pool, empty it after it has been used. In addition, you should empty birdbaths every while to get rid of eggs they might have laid there.
Other yard items such as wheelbarrows and yard ornaments that can hold water need to be turned upside down.
Clogged downspouts and gutters are good areas for mosquitoes to lay their eyes on.
During spring and autumn, they are filled with leaves and other debris. Always check them before any major wet season to clear debris and clogging. If you live in an area with many trees, you can use a gutter guard to reduce the chances of a blockage.
Similarly, ensure that the drains are clear of any debris. If the yard has a low spot that keeps collecting runoff water from the compound, consider designing a drainage system, resodding, or filling in with small stones to speed up the drying.
Pick Up Litter and Cover Immovable Items
You cannot remove those items from your yards, such as potted flowers, tarps, and outdoor pet bowls. As for the tarps on cards or other equipment, ensure they fit well and do not drop, as the extra fabric will hold in some water.
You should also drain ornamental pots and pet bowls after every while to ensure that no larva grows in them.
Litter is a place for mosquitoes to live and lay their eggs. Clear the yard of cans, cups, bottles, plastic bags, and anything else that holds water or makes the yard messy.
Old car tires are also good havens for mosquito breeding as they retain some water even after draining. If you do not need them in the yard, remove them. However, if kids are using them for playing, poke holes from which to drain water.
If guests frequent your yard, provide litter bins and encourage them to deposit trash in these bins. Then, carry out a clean-up and trash disposal soon after the party or event is completed.
Take Proper Care of Water Bodies
If you have a water feature such as a decorative pond or a fishpond, you need to ensure that any mosquito larvae there do not grow to maturation.
Use environmentally friendly products such as Bacillus Thuringiensis (BTI). It is a larvacide safe for aquatic plants, fish, and humans. You can also sprinkle BTI on gutters if water tends to collect every rainy season.
Some people put Gambusia in ponds as they eat mosquito larvae. Cover outdoor pools when not in use.
Clear Bushes and Long Grass
Mosquitoes hide in tall grass, weeds, bushes, and overgrown trees. Keep the lawn tidy by mowing and pruning regularly.
Besides, mosquito-repelling plants and herbs include marigolds, peppermint, lavender, lemon eucalyptus, feverfew, pennyroyal, citronella grass, and chrysanthemums. Plant a few of them between other bushes and trees to get rid of mature mosquitoes from your yard and porch.
They not only repel the mosquitoes but also leave your yard smelling fresh and awesome.
In addition, clear any decaying branches, moist leaves, and debris. These are alternative places for mosquitoes to breed if they cannot find stagnant water. If you make compost out of the dead plants, turn them after every few days to prevent any larvae from hatching.
Use Chemical Repellents
If mosquitoes are still causing havoc, you can use repellents to treat the yard after all the above steps.
Spray pyrethrin extract repellents under shrubs and around the yard. You can also use a pyrethroid repellent. This is a synthetic version of the pyrethrin repellent. It is more effective than the former in getting rid of mosquitoes.
Some repellents come in granules, which you scatter across your lawn. They are infused with mosquito repellents but are safe for animals and children.
Prevention is Better Than a Cure
First things first, let’s talk about eliminating the breeding grounds for these little pests. Mosquitoes love standing water, so if you have any old tires, flower pots, or bird baths, it’s time to get rid of them or empty them regularly. And don’t forget to check your gutters, as they can easily become clogged with debris, creating the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Next, let’s talk about adding some natural repellents to your yard. Certain plants, such as citronella and marigolds, have been known to keep mosquitoes away. So, why not add a few to your flower beds or put them in pots on your patio? Not only will they keep the mosquitoes away, but they’ll also add a pop of color to your landscaping.
Now, if you’re looking for a more heavy-duty solution, there are chemical and natural methods to control adult mosquitoes. One popular option is mosquito dunks, which release a natural bacteria that kills mosquito larvae before they can hatch. And if you’re looking for a more immediate solution, you can use mosquito traps. These devices use a combination of heat, light, and carbon dioxide to lure mosquitoes into a trap, where they’re trapped and killed.
Finally, let’s talk about preventing mosquitoes from entering your home. Make sure to keep your windows and doors closed, and if you have screens, ensure they’re in good condition and free of holes.
And speaking of screens, consider installing them on your patio or pergola to create a mosquito-free outdoor living space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep mosquitoes out of my backyard naturally?
I find that burning citronella incense sticks helps to keep mosquitoes away from my yard.
What is the best mosquito control for a yard?
A combination of chemical and natural repellents work best for mosquito control in your yard. Burn citronella incense, and use pyrethrin too.
What is a natural repellent for mosquitoes?
Citronella grass is the most effective natural repellent for mosquitoes. I have tested a few!
Conclusion
You may never eradicate all the mosquitoes. However, if your yard is less conducive to their breeding, you will have fewer mosquitoes. The tips above make it hard for mosquitoes to breed or hide in your yard.
Consider doing everything that applies to your yard. The more you do, the more success you will see!
And it will help stop mosquitoes from getting into your room or home!
Good luck!
