It can be very frustrating if you have trouble with mosquitoes in your backyard. Discouraging, too, since mosquito bites can cause unpleasant reactions for their victims. Some people even develop severe allergic reactions to the bites. They spread dangerous diseases like Malaria, Dengue Fever and Yellow Fever.
To get rid of mosquitoes, ensure they don’t come into your yard by preventing them from breeding. For commercial mosquito tick control, check here! But first, read on to learn tips for preventing mosquitoes from breeding in the backyard.
Mosquito Breeding Cycle
After 28 hours as an adult, mosquitoes begin reproducing. All mosquitoes require water to deposit their eggs, and various species may be attracted to different types of water. The eggs must be submerged in water to hatch, and most will do so between 48 and 72 hours after being placed.
In stagnant water, they consume the bacteria and other microbes that have settled there from sources including dead leaves, soil, and bird poop. The mosquito life cycle consists of a 2- or 3-day resting period for the pupa after the larva has matured into a pupa after around five days.
How to Eradicate Mosquitoes from Your Backyard
Mosquitoes annoy many homeowners, but some people don’t realize they can pose a health risk. Mosquito larvae can cause severe illness and even death if allowed to develop in your yard or garden.
The good news is that eradicating mosquitos from your backyard doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive! You can get rid of the mosquitoes by:
Remove Standing Water
Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water, so the more free-standing water you have in your yard, the more mosquitoes will be around. Rake out a puddle or wash down the patio after a rain. You should also consider draining and refilling it with fresh water at least once weekly.
Clear up accumulated trash from your gutters, drains, bins, and any unused tires you may have sitting around. Toys and buckets that will be used later should be kept dry by being stored in dry places or by being flipped over.
Use Mosquito Traps
Mosquitoes attract carbon dioxide, so the best way to keep them away from your yard is to keep some of them out. To do this, you can use a mosquito trap. Mosquito traps use heat and CO2 to attract mosquitoes sending them into a container where they die. The best mosquito traps are those with small water and an open top. It allows the mosquitoes to breathe but not drown.
Replace Standing Water
Mosquitoes are drawn to water sources, keep your water supply clean and fresh. Water sources can be anything from a bucket in the middle of your yard to a pond. Ensure you replace the water source weekly to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. If you have a pond, consider having it cleaned regularly. It will help curb mosquito populations and keep your backyard looking nice! Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water. If you have no standing water, they won’t be able to lay their eggs.
Plant Mosquito Repellant Plants
When you grow mosquito repellant plants, you can create a beautiful garden that will keep mosquitoes at bay. Mosquito-repelling plants include mints, basil, and citronella. These plants all have essential oil that is naturally repellent to mosquitoes.
Monitor Hiding Places
Mosquitos breed in damp, dark places, so cutting down overgrown vegetation can help. Keep an eye on the cracks in your porch and holes in your trees; these pests can find shelter everywhere. Sand and waterproof silicone sealant should be used to cover these gaps.
Use Mosquito Predators
Birds can eat mosquitoes, and bats can fly over your yard and scare off the mosquitoes before they get the chance to reproduce. Since mosquitoes love shallow water, deepen the water in your water pond. You might also get some fish that eat mosquitoes. Mosquito fish or minnows require little maintenance and thrive in smaller ponds. Larger ponds can accommodate goldfish and koi. You may also get frogs to help keep mosquitoes at bay in your water garden.
Use Larvicides
You can use larvicides to reduce the mosquito larvae that develop into adults. Larvicide pouches or pellets can be purchased for use in water features like ponds and flower pots. Once the larvae consume these, they will perish. Before trying this, ensure your ponds are completely devoid of all aquatic life. Although certain pesticides may harm dragonflies and other beneficial insects, some won’t harm these winged creatures.
Maintaining your yard is not about appearance. If you want to cut back on mosquitoes and other pests, you need to keep your backyard clean. Refrain from throwing away any items that may hold water in them. These simple steps will prevent the development of many pests, including mosquitoes.
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