Mosquitoes feed on warm-blooded animals, including humans.
Michigan and other forested Midwestern states are well-known for their large mosquito populations. Mosquitoes can make it difficult to enjoy gardening or spending time outdoors, as their natural tendency is to feed on warm-blooded animals, including humans. Some municipalities in Michigan spray large areas with pesticides to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses. However, mosquito larvae continue hatching new mosquitoes, thus prevention at home is often the best remedy. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove all items from the yard that could house standing water and mosquito larvae. Buckets, toys and tires should be stored indoors or dumped of standing water. Empty children's swimming pools when not used regularly. Change birdbath water weekly, clean gutters and cover rain barrels with mesh.
2. Fill puddles with soil and rocks. Dig proper drainage ditches in areas with standing water. If irrigation ditches or ponds are often filled with water, consider purchasing mosquito dunks to place in those areas. Mosquito dunks are easy to use and harmful only to mosquito larvae.
3. Drain and empty swimming pools that are not in use. If you have an ornamental fish pond, ask your local pet store about purchasing mosquito-eating fish. Mosquito-eating fish feed on mosquito larvae and are beneficial and easier to maintain than fish that eat standard fish food.
4. Check tarps that cover boats, RVs and wood piles, as they often collect rainwater. Remove tarps and shake off water on a regular basis, especially if there have been any downpours.
5. Mow grass around homes and keep the lawn maintained. Adult mosquitoes hide in large grasses and shrubs, thus proper mowing and hedge trimming can reduce mosquito habitat.
Tags: mosquito larvae, standing water, animals including, animals including humans, areas with, feed warm-blooded