If you live in Florida, chances are you’re all too familiar with mosquitoes. These pesky insects are not only a nuisance, but they can also carry diseases like West Nile virus and Zika virus. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help control the mosquito population on your property.
Tip #1: Eliminate Standing Water
One of the most important things you can do to control mosquitoes is to eliminate standing water on your property.Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, so eliminating sources of standing water will help reduce the mosquito population. Check gutters, downspouts, flowerpots, and tires for standing water and empty it out if you find any. You should also consider getting rid of any birdbaths or other decorative water features. If you have a pool, make sure to keep it properly chlorinated so that it doesn’t become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Tip #2: Keep Your Lawn Mowed and Free of Debris
Mosquitoes like to hide in tall grass and dense vegetation, so keeping your lawn mowed and free of debris will help reduce the mosquito population on your property. trimming back overgrown vegetation will also help create a barrier between your yard and neighboring yards where mosquitoes might be present in greater numbers.
Tip #3: Use a Mosquito Repellent
When spending time outdoors, it’s important to use a mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. These repellents will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin and make it less likely for them to bite you. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label when using any type of mosquito repellent.
Tip #4: Wear Protective Clothing
When spending time outdoors, it’s also a good idea to wear protective clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible. Long-sleeved shirts and pants made from tightly woven materials are best. If you’ll be outside during peak mosquito hours—dawn and dusk—you may want to consider wearing light-colored clothing since mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
Tip #5: Keep Your Property Free of Garbage
Mosquitoes are attracted to garbage because it often contains organic matter that they can feed on. To help control the mosquito population on your property, make sure to keep garbage cans tightly covered and empty them out regularly. You should also avoid storing garbage inside your home or garage since mosquitoes can find their way into these spaces through small cracks and crevices.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can help reduce the number of mosquitoes on your property and make your outdoor space more enjoyable this summer. Remember to take steps to protect yourself from bites by using a mosquito repellent and wearing protective clothing when spending time outdoors. And most importantly, don’t forget to eliminate standing water around your home so that mosquitoes don’t have anywhere to lay their eggs!
