Mosquitoes aren’t just a nuisance, but their bite can cause allergic reactions and even be deadly and they can even lower the value of your home. Most potential buyers won’t be anxious to buy your home if they realize your property attracts mosquitoes.
Effective mosquito control is a must if you live somewhere where mosquitoes are a problem. Mosquitoes can be found in every state, although Louisiana, Texas and Florida are the worst for mosquito issues. Many states have implemented some sort of organized mosquito control measures, either at a county or state level. In fact, there are over 1,000 communities all over the US in which joint resources have been used to fight the mosquito problem in that particular area.
However, if you don’t live in one of these areas, there are still steps you can take to practice effective mosquito control. Where you live, the extent of the mosquito problem in your area and the local weather will determine how often you should treat your home and yard for mosquitoes, although you should be prepared to do it every month or two if you have a significant problem. Expect to pay somewhere between $300 and $800 for seasonal mosquito control, depending on the size of your property.
Although you may have to call in the mosquito control experts if you have a serious problem, some simple yet effective steps are also recommended. Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water and if you have a stagnant stream or pond anywhere on or near your property, you may notice the unwanted pests. And you may have other objects in your yard that collect and hold water and potentially attract mosquitoes, so removing any containers, old tires, open storage bins, or piles of plastic can help to keep them away.
Citronella candles are widely available at your local home and garden store, and do have some effect in mosquito control, even if it doesn’t seem like it when you’re sitting outside. Traditional incandescent light bulbs attract mosquitoes, so it’s also worth replacing any of these outdoor bulbs with yellow light bulbs. A blocked gutter can also attract mosquitoes, so regular cleaning of your downspouts and gutters can also help to keep your property free of mosquitoes. Screens for doors and windows should have a tight mesh and you should make sure there are no holes or tears.
Mosquito control also extends to your pool. To minimize your chances of a mosquito egg hatchery appearing in your pool, makes sure you are cleaning your pool regularly. And chlorinating it is also important, especially if you just aren’t going to use the pool for a while. Running your pool filter regularly and getting rid of any debris from the surface of your pool can also help. You can actually buy mosquito eating fish if you have an ornamental pond in your back yard.
Good mosquito control for your yard is about looking round your property to identify any areas that need to be addressed, and making sure you do all possible to deter them.
