Pesky Mosquito Summer Games...

JW
Mar 4
2 min read

For these pesky flying creatures, prevention is the best form of control, and it's time to get working. Once temperatures hit above 50 degrees consistently in your area, any stagnant water in your yard is a ticking time bomb full of mosquito larvae waiting to buzz. Keep tabs on these places:

1. Tarps

If you use tarps to protect woodpiles or to cover your pool, shake it off once a week. Rainwater that settles in the tiny nooks and crannies can easily become infested with thousands of larvae.

2. Long grass

Mosquitoes love to hide in tall grass. Unless you're running a bug hotel in your yard, mow thoroughly and regularly — it will make your property less appealing to mosquitoes and more appealing to humans. Win-win!

3. Kiddie pools

"All mosquitoes need is half of an inch to breed, so watch out for kiddie pools," warns TV host and spokesperson for the National Pest Management Association Bob Vila.: Drain this every time your kids are done playing.

4. Bird baths

This is another place Vila says mosquito's thrive since most people don't replace the water and just let rain fill is up naturally.

5. Ornamental ponds

Another hot spot! Keep your ponds mosquito-free by adding some gambusia affines — the mosquito fish — and throwing in a few mosquito donuts.

6. Sandboxes

A shady, damp sandbox after April showers is prime breeding ground for an entire fleet of mosquitoes. Move it to a sunnier area and slather SPF 30 on the kids before playtime.

7. Dog bowls

Your dog needs hydration, but don't let his water bowl turn stagnant. Provide fresh.

water every day.

8. Gutters

The Department of Health and Environmental Control calls gutters "one of the most overlooked breeding sites for mosquitoes around the home." Clean them out thoroughly at the beginning of the season and check regularly to make sure they're dry.

9. Planters

Get rid of any pooled water in your soil or stagnant water in your saucers. Or fill your planters with these mosquito-repelling plants.

10. Tires

Whether you keep spares in a pile or built an outstanding tire swing for your kids, make sure it's thoroughly dry.