It can be difficult to fully enjoy your yard when mosquitoes have invaded it. These pesky insects are unwelcome for many reasons: they make irritating, buzzing sounds, cause painful bites and itchy welts, and can even transmit serious diseases in some cases. If mosquitoes have become a problem on your property, here are 5 tips to keep mosquitos out of your yard.
1. Clear Debris from Your Yard
The 1st of the 5 ways to keep mosquitos out of your yard is by clearing Debris in your yard can provide a great hiding spot for mosquitoes. Clearing debris is a great place to start when fighting a mosquito invasion. Debris might include fallen branches, overgrown vegetation, leaves, weeds, toys, and lawn furniture. Cleaning up your yard will not only keep mosquitoes from gathering in these areas, but it can help insecticide treatments to be more effective and stick.
2. Dethatching
Thatch is a layer of organic matter consisting of stems, leaves, and roots that accumulates on a lawn around the base of grass. A healthy layer of thatch is good for your lawn and can protect it from heavy foot traffic. But a thatch layer of more than one-half inch can cause problems. Heavy thatch can help provide a welcoming environment for mosquitoes. It gives them a protected, moist place to hide, with no wind. When lawns become overgrown and dense, mosquitoes will come in droves. Dethatch using a dethatching rake to prevent mosquitoes from invading this area.
3. Get Rid of Standing Water
Mosquitoes spend 75% of their lives in water so pooled water in your yard will attract them and keep them active and breeding. Mosquitoes lay eggs in the water but do not need much water to do so. To prevent this, regularly dump any items containing stagnant water. This might include flowerpots, bird baths, dog bowls, etc. and replace these with fresh water frequently. Also be sure to check items such as grill covers, tarps, wheelbarrows, buckets, and kid’s toys for water that needs to be disposed of. Some of these items can be flipped over when they are not being used to prevent them from filling with rainwater.
4. Plant Mosquito-Repelling Plants in Your Yard
There are many plants that naturally repel mosquitoes due to the scent of their natural oils. Plant these in areas where mosquitoes tend to congregate to maximize their effectiveness.
Mosquito-repelling plants include:
Lavender
Citronella
Eucalyptus
Bee balm
American beautyberry
Catnip
Marigolds
Peppermint
Lemongrass
Basil
Because these essential oils are contained in the plants, it can be helpful to cut some of the leaves and stems of these plants and scatter them around your yard.
5. Insecticides
An insecticide is a substance that can be sprayed on your yard to kill mosquitoes, including eggs and larvae. Though insecticides can be quite beneficial in controlling mosquitoes, great care should be taken when applying them. They can also harm insects like bees and butterflies which are beneficial to your landscape. Lastly, they can cause skin irritation and environmental damage. These are just 5 ways to keep mosquitos out of your yard, Jack’s Lawn Care & Landscaping can help find any other causes to your pest problem!
Jack’s Lawn Care & Landscaping is here to help you keep your yard cleared and free of anything that might attract mosquitoes. Contact us today to learn more about property cleanups, which will keep your yard in tiptop shape and detract unwanted pests, including mosquitoes.
