You might see mosquitoes enjoying your yard just as much as you are. But what you might not see are the things that are attracting them. Although you can’t keep mosquitoes entirely off your property, you can take steps to reduce populations in your Denton yard, which is important because they are not only annoying with their pesky buzzing and biting; they are dangerous.
Mosquitoes: Characteristics
This insect is tiny but mighty. Mosquitoes are considered one of the most dangerous creatures in the world. They have slender, elongated bodies, fragile legs, wings, and straw-like mouths they use to bite. However, don’t let their size fool you because they are vectors.
Vectors can transmit infectious pathogens between humans and animals. Like mosquitoes, many vectors take blood meals from other organisms.
Some of the contagious pathogens mosquitoes can spread cause diseases such as:
- Malaria
- Yellow Fever
- Dengue
- Chikungunya
- Zika
- West Nile
- Dog Heartworm
The diseases mosquitoes spread should not be ignored; not to mention the discomfort and allergic reactions mosquito bites can cause. It is best to take precautions around mosquito season to keep them from making a home in your yard.
What Attracts Mosquitoes & How To Reduce Them
The most important factor to look at on your property is standing water. Mosquitoes only need a few inches of standing water to breed. Mosquitoes can produce between 100 to 300 eggs at a time, and it only takes two days for larvae to hatch.
To reduce standing water on your property, look at the following areas:
- Gutters: Make sure they are clear and not clogged.
- Lawn drainage: Lawns need to have adequate drainage, or else they will hold water.
- Yard furniture and toys: These items can collect water if not being used.
- Garbage cans: They should have a secure lid.
- Planters: Make sure planters have weep holes and aren’t holding water.
- Water features: Change the water in birdbaths and ponds frequently and use filtration systems for water circulation.
Other factors you should consider on your property are:
- Plants: Some plants attract mosquitoes like water lilies, water hyacinths, water lettuce, and nectar-filled flowers. Instead, plant lavender, basil, marigold, and citronella to repel mosquitoes.
- Shade: Reduce shaded areas in your yard because mosquitoes do not like direct sunlight. Other insects and animals: Instead of deterring spiders, birds, and bats, invite them onto your property using feeders as they are natural predators of mosquitoes.
When you are outside, you can do several things to try and prevent mosquitoes from biting you. Consider the following:
- Mosquitoes prefer dark clothing; wear light-colored clothing to make yourself less attractive.
- Mosquitoes do not like heat or direct sunlight, making dusk to dawn prime feeding time. You can limit your time outside to the afternoon, when they are least active, and avoid shaded areas.
- Mosquitoes are attracted to CO2; drinking alcohol, especially beer can attract them.
- If you are sweating, change your clothes and shower before going outside.
- Both chemical and natural repellents can be effective in deterring mosquitoes.
Another smart step you can take when combatting mosquitoes is working with your neighbors to ensure everyone is doing their part to deter these annoying and dangerous insects. However, the best way to control mosquitoes is with professional help.
Mosquito Help From Mayco Pest & Termite Control
If you are having trouble eliminating mosquitoes on your Denton, Texas property, you should contact the Mayco Pest & Termite Control professionals for assistance. Our trained technicians can inspect your property to help determine why you have high mosquito populations. They will then implement our eco-friendly larvicide products and unique techniques to keep mosquitoes away.
Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control solutions.