Warm weather and summer nights are here, which means that plenty of Marylanders are experiencing a dreaded side effect of time outside in the heat—mosquito bites! Mosquitoes are annoying, invasive and can occasionally carry harmful illnesses. Help cut down on these pesky mosquitoes and help keep your yard pleasant this spring and summer with these three tips to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Avoid Standing Water
Mosquitoes use pools of standing water as breeding grounds, so having water accumulated anywhere in your yard can be an invitation to the pests. Check for water buildup before the mosquitoes have time to start a colony anywhere in your yard. Empty birdbaths on a regular basis and make sure that saucers beneath potted plants have drainage holes. Turn over children’s toys that could collect water, or make sure that you dump them off whenever it rains. In general, you should pay attention to where water collects in your yard and adjust grading accordingly. Clogged rain gutters, lawn drains and depressions in the yard can all be hotspots for standing water.
Get Creative with Mosquito Repellents
Did you know that some plants naturally secrete defensive chemicals that deter animals and insects? Integrating plants like citronella into your landscaping can help to keep mosquitoes and other pests like deer far away from your patio or porch. Some of the other herbs and plants that naturally discourage mosquitoes include:
- Lemon Balm
- Catnip
- Marigolds
- Basil
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Garlic
- Pennyroyal
- Rosemary
- Geraniums
As an added protection, you can break a leaf from any of the above plants and rub the oils directly on your skin to increase their repellent properties.
Light Up the Night
Classic mosquito repellent options like citronella candles and tiki torches are also an awesome idea. Place your tiki lights and/or candles strategically and in line with manufacturer guidelines (typically one candle every 15”x15” square area) for the best results. If you like bonfires or use backyard cookpits, you’ll be happy to know that the smoke from these fires works as a natural insect repellant altogether – so it will repel mosquitoes and other types of flying pests as well.
It’s also important to note that, like many other insects, mosquitoes are attracted to some kinds of light. Research has found that mosquitoes and flying pests prefer UV light in cooler colors over warm red and yellow-tinged lights. You can do one of two things with this knowledge. You can purchase cooler bulbs for your outdoor lighting so that it attracts the bugs to them instead of to you, or you can opt for the warmer colors if you want to try to keep pests away entirely. Try out either option to see which works best for you!
Enjoy Summertime Mosquito-Free with Help from Brody Brothers
Brody Brothers Pest Control works with hundreds of property owners every year to keep properties safe and free from harmful insects, animals, and pests. Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance, but they also create a health concern as well. If you’re experiencing a mosquito problem in or around your home, give our experts a call as soon as possible. Contact us online or give us a call at (410) 653-2121 (Baltimore area) or (301) 637-0178 (Montgomery County).
