What do you like to do in your backyard during the summer? Do you have a pool or pond where you, your kids, your friends, and your relatives enjoy some summer fun? Do you have a fire pit, where you gather to talk, sing, or cook hot dogs? Is your Bettendorf, IA yard where everyone gathers on Tuesday to play volleyball? Do you have an outdoor kitchen area for daily grilling and lounging in nature? There are many ways we enjoy our backyards. And, while the activities we do in our yards may vary from person to person, there is one thing we all share in common. That is the frustration of mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes are a pain. Literally. But you can limit that pain. If you'd prefer to enjoy your outdoor, backyard summer fun without the constant annoyance (and potential viral threat) of mosquitoes, here are some mosquito control best practices that have the potential to make your yard mosquito-free.
Any conditions that allow still water to accumulate in your yard will provide breeding locations for mosquitoes. Make sure your downspouts channel water away from your foundation, fix leaky spigots and hoses, trim trees and shrubs to allow the sun to dry damp areas, store items that collect water, modify conditions that allow the capture of rainwater, etc.
Get rid of that bug zapper. You may have been told that bug zappers get rid of mosquitoes, but studies have shown that, while zappers lure all mosquitoes into a yard, they are only effective at killing male (non-biting) mosquitoes.
Consider planting some mosquito-repellent plants. This alone isn't going to keep mosquitoes out of your yard, but it can definitely help when it is part of a pest control plan. Some plants that repel mosquitoes are citronella, lavender, marigold, and lemon balm.
A good breeze can keep mosquitoes away. If there is no breeze, consider creating one with some outdoor fans.
Invest in a mosquito service from a professional. If you want a yard that is mosquito-free, this is the only way to do it. While a professional can't guarantee you won't have any mosquitoes in your yard, the methods and products they use are the only way to effectively reduce mosquitoes. This is because mosquitoes must be targeted with least-toxic insecticides in the locations they hide in order to completely stop mosquito production in an outside area. One way we do this is with fully automated control systems that emit a fine spray of botanical insecticide at dusk and sunset when mosquitoes are most active.
If you've never had mosquito control for your Bettendorf, IA yard, we invite you to give it a try and see what a difference it can make. The professionals here at Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators use industry-leading mosquito control solutions for the best results possible. Contact us today for more information about mosquito control and all of our effective pest solutions.