Remember these handy tips for mosquito control this summer.
As summer approaches, mosquitos will become more prominent and more bothersome. If you have a garden on your property, you may be too focused on eliminating weeds and pests to realize that mosquitos use your landscape as a breeding ground. Fortunately, mosquito control is not as time-consuming as you may think. While it takes some effort, making the time to control your landscape’s mosquito population can contribute to a more comfortable summer for you and your family. Take the following actions to reduce the number of mosquitos on your property this summer.
Check Your Gutters
If you haven’t cleaned out your gutters, they can become ideal breeding zones for mosquitos. A clogged gutter means standing water, which is a perfect environment for mosquitos. Remove corrugated drain tile that holds water and replace with smooth wall drains to eliminate standing water where mosquitos lay their eggs. It takes less than two weeks for a new generation of mosquitos to mature, so ensuring that you eliminate clogs or standing water immediately is essential.
Eliminate All Standing Water
You should eliminate all standing water on your property, in addition to water present in your gutters. Even the smallest amount of standing water can become mosquito breeding territory. Mosquitos need standing water to deposit their eggs, and if you aren’t vigilant, they can find many places to do this. Walk around your yard and look for any locations that can retain water, including buckets, children’s toys, flower pots, tires, toys, birdbaths, wheelbarrows, and more. Something as small as a bottle cap full of water is enough for mosquitos to breed. Add an aerator or fountain to birdbaths or ornamental pods since mosquitos do not breed in moving water. By eliminating standing water, you are doing a lot to improve mosquito control in your landscape.
Maintain Your Swimming Pool
The chlorine in swimming pools can kill any mosquito eggs, but if you are not on top of your pool maintenance, your pool could become a big mosquito breeding zone. Keep your pool covered when you are not using it, and regularly add the necessary chemicals. Make sure to keep the pool cover tight so it does not hold water. Keeping your pool well-maintained and clean is key to mosquito control.
Use Bug Lights and a Fan
You can enjoy your back porch or deck this summer without being bothered by mosquitos by installing bug lights. These don’t zap mosquitos but give off a yellow light that does not appeal to mosquitos and other insects. This helps keep these pesky bugs away from you during summer evenings. Mosquitos are poor fliers and avoid windy conditions. A gentle breeze created by a fan on your patio or deck will discourage mosquitos from invading your space.
Hire the Professionals
You may also contact Scientific Plant Service to receive professional mosquito control. Traditional insecticide or organic repellents are available, and you can choose between routine spraying or a one-time service of your landscape. Whatever your pest control needs are, we can recommend the best solution.
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 Arborists specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a Lawn 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, 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!