Mosquito Ideas

Mosquito Prevention

• Mosquitoes are much more difficult to eliminate than they are to prevent. There are several things you can do to decrease the likelihood that mosquitoes will take up residence in your yard. Most importantly, eliminate any standing water. If you have a pond, use a filter or pond pump to keep the water moving. If you provide dogs or other animals water outside, change it daily. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water and once the eggs are laid a mosquito infestation is likely. You also should eliminate yard debris, such as tires, garbage can lids and recycling bins. Any area that allows even a small amount of water to accumulate is a prime mosquito breeding ground.

Gutter Maintenance

• Cleaning your gutters can improve the appearance of your house, but it also helps to prevent mosquitoes. Mosquitoes frequently lay eggs in the moist, leafy debris that collects in gutters. Damp, debris-filled gutters also provide a prime hiding spot for adult mosquitoes.

Kill Larvae

• If there are mosquitoes swarming in your yard, look for any areas that have standing water. Pouring out the water won't kill all of the larvae. Instead, purchase mosquito dunks. These are sold at pet and pond stores and kill mosquito larvae before they have the opportunity to start biting. Mosquito larvicide also is an excellent resource for eliminating larvae. This is a naturally occurring bacteria that eats mosquito babies and also may kill off some adults. Larvicide can be purchased at hardware stores and garden supply shops.

Gardening

• Planting the right items in your garden can help to eliminate mosquitoes. Citronella is a natural mosquito deterrent that emits a mild, unoffensive smell. Plants lots of citronella for a mosquito-free yard all summer. Spray your lawn and garden with garlic oil to kill any mosquitoes that make their way in. Though garlic oil is harmless to humans and pets, it kills soft-bodied insects.