How To Mosquito-Proof Your Yard For Summer Fun

The warmer weather brings backyard BBQs, pool parties, yard games, holiday festivities and, of course, the dreaded mosquitoes.

Aside from being buzzing nuisances that cause itchy red bumps, mosquitoes, unfortunately, can carry a multitude of potentially life-threatening health problems, like the West Nile Virus and the Zika Virus. Because of this, mosquito control is essential for homeowners in areas prone to heavy mosquito activity.

Luckily, there are ways to help prevent these pests from crashing your summer hangouts. Follow these tips to help keep your yard mosquito-free for ultimate outdoor enjoyment.

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

• Mitigate standing water. Mosquitoes breed and thrive in standing water. Water can pool up in things like potted plants, dog toys, grills, downspouts and equipment that’s stored outside. Be sure to check these items and other areas around your home that might collect water after it rains. If possible, dispose of this water so that it's not left standing for mosquitoes to breed.
• Purchase citronella candles or torches. Place citronella candles and torches strategically around your yard where you spend most of your outdoor time. While lit, these can help reduce mosquitoes within the area of use.
• Set a mosquito trap. One mosquito magnet or trap has been estimated to control mosquitoes for up to an acre of property. The machine can be costly as it burns propane used to emit a stream of carbon dioxide which attracts mosquitoes.
• Plant mosquito-repelling plants. There are many beautiful and functional plants, herbs and flowers that can act as mosquito repellent. Some popular choices include Marigold, Horsemint, Ageratum and Catnip. You can plant these in the ground to repel mosquitoes or grow them in planters that become mobile, allowing you to move them around your yard wherever you find yourself spending time.
• Keep your grass short. Every species of grass has a specified length that is best during different times of the year. Of course, you should always stay within those guidelines. But it also helps to know that by keeping your grass on the shorter side, you can get rid of some of the mosquitoes in your yard. Shorter grass offers fewer places for mosquitoes to breed, but keep proper mowing guidelines in mind.
• Hire a professional. If you follow all the tips above, you can lessen the amount of mosquitoes you encounter. But there's still a high chance that mosquitoes will, inevitably, find their way into your yard. To further mitigate mosquitoes, it's best to hire a trained and licensed professional to apply mosquito control products. Doing so will control mosquitoes within your property and prevent re-infestation by treating the natural vegetation around the house. Our mosquito control service* creates a barrier around your home to control the mosquito population and allows you to enjoy the outdoors without worry or discomfort.

When the weather is favorable, it's natural to want to spend much of your time outdoors. We'll help make your yard an outdoor oasis for you, your friends and family to enjoy. We offer local lawn care, pest control and tree and shrub care. Learn more about our services.

*Mosquito Control not available in all locations