Helpful Mosquito Control Tips for Spring

Is there anything more annoying than trying to have a good time outdoors, only to be pestered by buzzing mosquitoes that leave you with itchy red bumps for days? Not much compares to the irritation these tiny pests can cause.

When it comes to pest control, mosquitoes are at the top of most people’s list of pest to get rid of. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of mosquito control tips just in time for spring, so you can fight back and avoid letting mosquitoes ruin your outdoor fun.

1. Get Rid of Standing Water

You may have noticed that where there’s water, there are mosquitoes. These bugs love to be around puddles, un-chlorinated swimming pools, and gutters that don’t drain properly. Take precautions by circling your property this spring and seeing the places where water builds up after a rain. Then get rid of them! If you have a birdbath sitting out, or decorative items in your yard that act as bowls in the rain, you’ll want to either clean them out after every rain or dump them completely. Otherwise, mosquitoes will live and breed near the water, creating an even bigger problem for you.

2. Keep Your Yard Tidy

Mosquitoes like to rest during the day by perching on tall weeds or hiding in the shade under unkempt grass. You can kick them out of your yard by being sure to cut your lawn regularly and pull weeds that may attract them. The Family Handyman stresses to not only keep your own yard tidy, but to ask your neighbors to do the same so the pests don’t just move down the block from you. Additionally, there are certain plants that work to repel mosquitoes—try adding rose-scented geraniums or lemon balm to your garden.

3. Blow Them Away

A somewhat unknown but highly effective way of getting rid of the little pests is to run fans at ground level when you are outside. Because mosquitoes use the carbon dioxide we exhale as a means of locating us, the dispersion of the air confuses them and keeps them at bay. It also blows around our bodily scent, making it even more difficult for them to locate our bodies. Also, since they are lightweight and weak flyers, the fans generally bounce them around until they give up and find a new place to wreak havoc.

4. Protect Yourself

Even if you apply all of the measures listed above, you may find yourself getting a bite or two while you try to enjoy the great outdoors. That’s why it’s important to not only try to kill mosquitoes’ habitats, but to cover yourself in things they find repelling. Of course, you can always purchase bug spray to put on your skin before an outdoor party, and it’s recommended to also treat clothing and outdoor fabric (such as sunshades and cushions) with a product that includes permithrin. This repels little bugs like mosquitoes and ticks and will last through several washes.

5. Call in the Big Guns

When all else fails, or when you are particularly vulnerable to mosquito bites, you may be forced to contact your local mosquito control expert. This is especially true when your property is surrounded by natural lakes or forests, which are impossible to make completely mosquito-proof. If you feel like you have a large problem that can’t be solved by at home remedies, call a good local mosquito control company. They will come examine your property, and apply a professional treatment to help you get rid of mosquitoes and enjoy your yard again!