Six Quick & Simple Mosquito Control Tips For Bay Area Property Owners

Mosquitoes are irritating pests. They can also be dangerous to have in your yard. The list of diseases a mosquito can spread is startling. Today, we're going to take a look at some ways you can get control of mosquitoes in your Bay Area yard. Here's what works, and why.

1. Remove Containers

Fact: Some mosquito species breed in a half-inch of stagnant water.

If you remove containers from your yard, you can reduce the mosquito population in your yard. This is a big deal because most of the mosquitoes that bite you in your yard are mosquitoes that hatched in your yard. Some examples of stagnant water breeding sites are:

• Puddles on the ground
• Water captured in a gutter
• A small source of rainwater in the cavity of a toy that has been left in the yard
• Water in a kiddie pool
• Water in an old tire

2. Pour Water Out

Fact: It takes more than a week for a mosquito to grow into an adult.

Mosquitoes hatch from their eggs as larvae (also called wigglers). These develop into pupae (also called tumblers). The tumblers develop into adults, which are able to fly, and bite. If you pour water out before a mosquito is able to develop, any developing mosquitoes in that water source will die as they dry in the sun.

3. Reduce Moisture

Fact: Some mosquito species breed on damp ground.

If you have areas around your home that stay damp, these can become a source for mosquito development. Addressing moisture can reduce mosquitoes in your yard. Here are some tips:

• Water your landscaping in the early morning.
• Trim your vegetation and pluck up any weeds.
• Have your gutters cleaned.
• Repair damaged gutters, splash blocks, or downspouts.
• Trim tree canopy in locations where the ground is staying damp.
• Rake leaves to prevent leaf litter from creating pools of water or dampness.
• Fix pipe leaks and leaky spigots.

4. Reduce Vegetation

Fact: Mosquitoes feed on nectar and plant sap to survive.

Have you heard that some plants can attract mosquitoes? It's true. There are some plants that are more desirable to mosquitoes. If you have water lilies, water lettuce, water hyacinths, papyrus or Taro in your yard, mosquitoes will take notice. But it is important to understand that almost all vegetation can be an attractant for mosquitoes, especially plants that have flowers. Mosquitoes feed on the nectar of flowers. They'll also draw sap from the stems of plants. If you have any plants around your home that you can part with, it is beneficial to do so. Fewer plants will result in fewer mosquitoes. If you would prefer to keep all your plants, and you have a considerable number, the only solution is routine treatments. These are best done by a licensed pest control professional.

5. Take Personal Precautions

Fact: There are many ways you are attractive to mosquitoes. The CO2 you exhale, your body temperature, your sweat, the chemicals on your skin, the colors you wear, and the liquids you drink are all potential attractants.

Mosquitoes love you—well, to be specific, female mosquitoes love you. As a female mosquito hunts for a meal, she relies less on her poor eyesight and more on her other senses. You can prevent mosquito bites by using these tips.

• Reduce CO2 emissions, sweat, and elevated body temperature by refraining from doing workouts outside.
• It pays to be the designated driver at an outdoor gathering. The consumption of alcohol can make you more interesting to mosquitoes.
• Wear bright colors to make it more difficult for a mosquito to lock onto you.
• Wear long sleeves and pants if possible. This will make it harder for mosquitoes to get to your skin.
• Apply mosquito repellent to your skin or to your clothing. If chemicals bother you, consider using natural mosquito repellents, such as oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Use a fan to reduce your temperature and to create a no-fly zone for mosquitoes.

6. Mosquito Control

Fact: Routine mosquito treatments break the cycle of mosquito reproduction. When mosquitoes come into your yard, they are repelled or eliminated.

If you need assistance with mosquito control, reach out to Bay Pest. We're here to help you with all your pest control needs.