Mosquitoes seek out any source of moisture to lay eggs.
Controlling mosquitoes around the house takes persistence. Mosquitoes around the house are disease-carrying bugs that threaten both people and pets. It's a challenge to get rid of all mosquitoes but they can be limited. The drier the area, the fewer mosquitoes. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Get rid of standing water. Empty anything that has water in it. Recycle cans lying around or old tires. Clean the birdbath once a week or more often. If you have a bad mosquito problem, keep water out of the birdbath until the mosquitoes are under control. Wash and refresh the dog's water bowl daily.
2. Look for unlikely places for water. Rake piles of leaves out so they can dry. Patch holes in trees. Clean the gutters on the house. Cut high weeds. Check flowerpots and tip out water in the drainage saucer. Shake out tarps over grills. Inspect outdoor furniture and garden statues for water.
3. Trim bushes back so the area underneath them can dry. Inspect the yard closely for moisture. Mosquitoes can find water and it only takes a minute amount of water for a mosquito to lay its larvae.
4. Keep swimming pool water circulating and treated. Stock fishponds with fish that eat the mosquito larvae.
5. Spray underneath sheds using an insecticide registered for adult mosquito control, such as one containing cyfluthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin or permethrin, following the manufacturer's instructions. Larvicides can be used in areas that stay wet and cannot be drained to kill the larvae.
6. Call the county health department or mosquito prevention department about ditches on public land that may be hold water.
Tags: around house, mosquito larvae