Enjoying your backyard is practically impossible if you have hungry mosquitoes whining around your ears and perching on your arm to suck your blood. These greedy insects are more than just annoying; they can pose a real health hazard. They're carriers for a whole array of diseases, so if you are suffering from an infestation, it's important to get it under control as soon as possible for the sake of your health and your family's health. Check out some ways to mosquito-proof your yard so you can enjoy outdoor time without getting bitten.
Eliminate All Sources of Stagnant Water
First, check your yard and garden for any places where water may have pooled. Mosquitoes love to breed in areas where water has collected and stagnated. Check for watering cans that may have water inside them, inflatable kid pools that weren't fully emptied, rainwater collecting in the curves of tarps or in hollows of the ground. A pond or birdbath can be treated with harmless bacillus thuringiensis, which eradicates mosquito larvae without harming the birds that visit your yard.
Use Citronella and Other Herbs
Citronella is a well-known mosquito deterrent. You can install the plant itself, use citronella candles, or apply it in spray form. Herbs like basil, lemon balm, and lavender also discourage mosquitoes. You can plant these herbs or twist them into bunches and burn them outdoors to create a scented smoke that repels mosquitoes.
Catnip is also an effective mosquito deterrent. Peppermint, marigold, pennyroyal, and rosemary are other beneficial options as well. You can try a few different plants and see which ones seem to best serve your needs.
Install an Outdoor Fan
An outdoor fan on your porch or patio can help discourage mosquitoes, too. The air currents from the fan make it tough for mosquitoes to fly over and settle on you. Keep in mind that if the fan is barely moving, it won't be much of a deterrent; it will need to be set at a speed of medium or higher.
Mow Your Lawn Regularly
This one might surprise you. Regular lawn care is important for reducing the local mosquito population. When the grass is high and thick and full of thatch, mosquitoes can hide there and find cover until the cooler parts of the day, when they ascend in droves to feed.
Keeping your lawn mowed and eliminating thatch will keep the lawn clear and close-cut, removing those hiding places that mosquitoes love. While you're at it, check the corners of your yard, the area behind your shed, and your gutters, and remove any leafy debris or plant litter you find there. That kind of clutter not only attracts mosquitoes, but other pests as well.
Whether you're looking to maintain a healthy herb garden to repel mosquitoes or you're shopping for more lawn care tools, Kurtz Bros. has got your back. We have the soil to help your citronella and herbs thrive, and the lawn care supplies to ensure that your grass stays trimmed and the thatch and leaves are effectively raked. Shop online or call us anytime with your questions.