Mosquitos are almost impossible to escape completely, but there are a few ways to control the number of mosquitos in your lawn. The insect is not only annoying, but they can be potentially dangerous due to the number of diseases they carry. Read on for four important mosquito control tips that every homeowner should know.
Avoid Standing Water
The spring season brings a lot of rainy days, and it just so happens that mosquitos love standing water. While you can’t control the weather, there are a few ways that you can keep standing water at a minimum. First, make sure that your outdoor faucet and hose are completely turned off to avoid dripping. Leaky faucets will create puddles near the foundation of your home, and mosquitos may see the area as a perfect spot to lay eggs.
If any items in your yard collect water when it rains, turn them over or cover them with a tarp. This includes buckets, children’s toys, overturned trash can lids, or any items that will hold rainwater.
Lastly, if any parts of your yard sit lower than others, fill them in with wood chips, mulch, rocks, or any other natural items to prevent water from pooling in the areas after a rain shower.
Keep Grass Short
While it’s crucial to avoid cutting your lawn too short, you always don’t want to let your grass get too high. If your grass is too tall, mosquitos may use your yard as a place to breed. When mowing your grass, keep in mind the “one-third” rule, which means that you should never remove more than one-third of the leaf tissue at any time.
Natural Repellents
Natural repellents are often very simple solutions, but they are some of the most effective ways of controlling mosquitos. Light citronella candles or torches in areas of your yard where you spend the most time, such as your fire pit, patio, or outdoor kitchen. Also, while it is not technically a true repellent, yellow outdoor lighting is very effective for keeping mosquitos away, as they are not attracted to yellow light as much as traditional incandescent lighting.
Call A Professional
To protect your lawn and family from mosquitos, call a professional lawn care company like Scientific Plant Service! Our expert staff will discuss your pest-control needs and recommend the solution that most effectively serves your situation. We offer traditional insecticide as well as organic repellents and are available for a routine spraying or one-time service for special outdoor events.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately-owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborist specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a lawn and total landscape care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia, including Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, and Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!