Everyone agrees that those pesky, biting mosquitoes are one of the worst parts of summer. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to eliminate mosquitoes completely, but there are a multitude of methods to try that will drastically reduce their populations on your property.
From the landscaping experts at Freddy & Co., here are a few tips to minimize mosquitoes in your backyard:
Clear Out Debris
Mosquitoes love to play hide and seek in the debris you have sitting around your property, and as long as they have areas where they can hide and make themselves at home, they won’t want to leave. This is a great first step to protecting your backyard, and when paired with other methods, you can expect success.
Get Rid of Standing Water
All mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, so if you have any areas of your property with standing water, such as in bowls, bird baths, tarps, garbage cans, etc., get rid of it immediately. It just takes eight to ten days for the eggs to turn into adults, so make it a weekly habit of going into your yard to check for and eliminate any water.
Care For Your Lawn
Like clearing debris off your property, dethatching your lawn eliminates a nice humid place that mosquitoes like to call home. Mowing your lawn each week and keeping it at a low height can also help get rid of potential mosquito habitats.
Install Oscillating Fans
This low-tech, low-cost method is often overlooked, but it can be very effective. Mosquitoes are small, weak fliers and can’t fly against the wind, so turning on a fan that oscillates back and forth will force them to give up trying to bite you and ultimately scatter away. Your fan will also provide a slight breeze to keep you cool on those hot summer days!
Utilize Mosquito Repellents
There are both natural and chemical repellents you can try to keep mosquitoes away. There are some essential oils you can mix together, such as lemon, lavender, and eucalyptus, and spray them around your property to deter mosquitoes. Another natural option to try that also beautifies your landscape are plants that not only repel mosquitoes but also ticks and fleas, such as:
- Citronella
- Lavender
- Catnip
- Marigolds
- American beautyberry
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
If your mosquito problem persists and you’d prefer to try a chemical repellent or insecticide to kill any adult mosquitoes, eggs, and larvae. Since the chemicals can irritate your skin and harm wildlife, insecticides are usually recommended as a last resort.
Contact us to learn more about Freddy & Co.’s landscaping services!
For premier landscaping services in Fairfield County, look no further than the team at Freddy & Co.! We provide comprehensive landscape services all year-round to ensure your property always looks spotless. Give us a call at 203-855-7854 or visit our website to learn more.
