Sick and tired of endless mosquitoes every spring and summer? Then keep reading. Our goal with this blog post is to equip you with all the information you need for mosquito-free enjoyment of your property! You may already know about DIY mosquito control methods, but do they really work? We’ll give you an honest assessment and tell you how you can get the best results when using them. We’ll also discuss all available options so you can make an educated decision about what’s best for your residential or commercial property in the Illinois and Indiana area.
When Should You Consider DIY Mosquito Control?
Mosquito control is difficult even for professional mosquito exterminators who have a full retinue of cutting-edge tools at their disposal. It’s even harder for the average DIYer. This is because at the height of mosquito season, there are just so many of them and they breed so quickly. Until mosquito season ends, it will continue to be an uphill battle.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t make an impact. You can – but you have to choose the right techniques. For example, if you have a small area that needs mosquito control, a mosquito trap might be the best solution. Heavy-duty fans can also be an option; they can make an area so windy that mosquitoes are unable to fly well and naturally avoid the area.
For outdoor gatherings, citronella candles can be effective over the short-term, but beware after a few hours their effect will wane and you might start getting bit. Topical spray repellents won’t solve the mosquito problem at large, but they can effectively protect you. Just be sure to get one with DEET or picaridin, as these are the most effective mosquito repellent ingredients.
If you’re having trouble with mosquitoes getting indoors, mosquito netting can be a very effective solution.
Do Mosquito Repellent Plants Work?
Many homeowners turn to mosquito repellent plants like these for their mosquito prevention strategy:
- Citronella
- Peppermint
- Catnip
- Lemon Balm
- Marigold
While they can be wonderful additions to your garden, their mosquito repellent properties are somewhat overstated.
Mosquitoes rely on their sense of smell to find humans to bite. What these plants attempt to do is mask your smell so they don’t know you’re there. Unfortunately, most mosquitoes have a highly attuned sense of smell and are attracted to the carbon dioxide in our breath. The smell of the plants does little to disguise it. These plants can be more effective in their oil form, but again, the jury is out as to how effective.
Good Yard Hygiene is the Best DIY Mosquito Prevention
Are you fed up with swarms of mosquitoes ruining your outdoor experience? The solution may be simpler than you think – eliminate standing water on your property. Mosquitoes require water to breed, and just a small amount of standing water can become a breeding ground for these pesky insects. By regularly removing sources of standing water, such as empty flower pots, bird baths, or even puddles, you can significantly reduce the mosquito population on your property. This simple step can have a big impact on your mosquito control efforts by preventing infestations in the first place.
Don’t overlook the importance of keeping your lawn trimmed. Long grass and overgrown vegetation create a moist and shaded environment, which is ideal for mosquitoes to rest and breed. Regular lawn maintenance, such as mowing and trimming, can significantly reduce the mosquito population on your property. Don’t let your lawn become a breeding ground for these pests. Keep it well-maintained and enjoy a mosquito-free summer in the Illinois and Indiana area.
Illinois and Indiana’s Choice for a Mosquito-Free Summer
Summer is going to be here before you know it, and so will mosquitoes if you don’t act soon. Don’t get caught unprepared. Get your yard hygiene done, brainstorm which mosquito prevention strategies are right for your property, and if you’re still not sure, give Terminix Anderson a call!
We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have – or send one of our experienced mosquito exterminators out for an inspection. For more information about mosquitoes in the midwest, check out our Mosquito Learning Center!
