4 Ways to Reduce Mosquito Populations in Your Backyard

With summer fast approaching, homeowners will want to spend time enjoying their property and warm weather. Nothing puts a damper on a sunny summer’s day of fun quite like the buzz and bite of blood-sucking mosquitos! So, how do we reduce mosquito populations and maximize your outdoor enjoyment? We’ve got some tips.

1) Watch Your Water

Mosquitos rely so heavily on water for reproduction that it is the first place we always look to for mosquito management. There are some very common, easily overlooked sources of stagnant, still water we recommend homeowners are mindful of:

• Gutters: This can be especially sneaky coming from a wet Spring. If you didn’t clean your gutters in Fall, they can be full of leaves, creating a wet and soggy mess that mosquitos love!
• Birdbaths: Regularly change out the water in the birdbath. You can’t rely solely on rainwater to cycle the bacteria and flush the mosquito larvae.
• Flowerpots: Drain and cycle excess water in your pots and planters.
• Grill Covers: Waterproof tarps of seldom used grill covers can easily pool water that doesn’t evaporate easily, especially if there are folds, like the band on the grill cover.
• Kiddie Pools: It’s a pain to drain and fill but far less of a pain than getting bit up at a picnic.
• Busted Pipes: Both downspouts and utility pipes can easily hold stagnant water if they’re broken.
• Tires: While not a common backyard item, they can pool water easily. Be sure to check the tire swing!
• Trash Cans: Most towns now have a standard garbage bin but if they have a hole or opening, it might be time for a new one. If you have a brush bin, be sure it’s sealed tightly.
• Buckets: This encompasses everything from paint cans to easter baskets. When in doubt, move them inside.
• Pools: This one seems obvious, but make sure you’re taking the right measures to treat pools (and ponds!).

2) Remove the Food Source

Mosquitos are active during all parts of the day but even more so during dusk and dawn. Avoid being out during those times to lower your exposure. Wear long sleeves and pants to reduce the areas mosquitos can bite. Keep doors and windows closed or screened and repair screens if they become damaged.

3) Use the Good Stuff

Keeping mosquitos at bay is doable to a point. When they do show up, your best bet is protection. Make sure your insect repellent contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow the directions on the package. Follow our guide to proper repellant application to improve your protection further.

4) Call in a Pro Reduce Mosquito Populations

The best way to reduce your family and property’s exposure to mosquitos is to have professionals treat your property for mosquitos. The difference between GPS and other providers is our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to treatment and prevention. We do a lot more than just show up once a month to spray your bushes with repellent. We know what to look for when it comes to stagnant water, breeding spots, and resting areas. GPS will identify problem areas and treat the underlying cause to reduce mosquito populations on your property.

Call us at 413-566-8222 or contact us with any questions or if you are experiencing a pest problem. We have the knowledge and the services to correct your infestation. Ask Graduate about our preventative annual plans to keep your home pest-free year-round!