When it comes to do-it-yourself (DIY) mosquito prevention, there is no secret solution. People often believe there's one simple method of mosquito control that will solve their problems. Unfortunately, on your own, you don't stand much of a chance against mosquitoes. There are a series of steps you can take to make your Atlanta property a mosquito-free zone.
About These Local Pests
Before you start following these tips for mosquito prevention, you should know a little about mosquito behavior. Mosquitoes in Atlanta are similar to mosquitoes in the country. They hang out in areas with high moisture and breed in stagnant puddles and ponds.
Although you can find mosquitoes in nature, you can also find them in your yard. If you have vegetation, these flying pests are even more likely to be around. The females look for human and animal hosts to bite and the males look for nectar to drink.
Perhaps the most important thing you should know about local mosquitoes is that they can spread diseases. In Atlanta, the local mosquitoes can transmit diseases like West Nile, Zika, and encephalitis. If a mosquito bites you, the symptoms can range from nonexistent to fatal.
Mosquito Prevention Tips For Atlanta Residents
If you don't want mosquitoes near your yard or home, follow these six easy tips:
1. Remove Standing Water: One of the keys to deterring mosquitoes is removing sources of standing water. Before you can do that, you need to figure out where and why you have standing water. You could have a pile of debris that catches rainwater, a poor drainage system, or a clogged gutter. After a rainfall, inspect your yard for puddles and find a way to eliminate them.
2. Address Leaks: If you have leaks in your yard, you could have mosquitoes. Check your hose and your hose bibs for the smallest of leaks. Although the water loss may not seem significant, it could be enough to attract mosquitoes.
3. Take Care Of Your Water Features: If you have a man-made pond on your property, you should take measures to maintain it. Make sure you cycle on the water frequently and don't allow algae to build up in the water. Although your pond still could be a mosquito breeding ground, your maintenance limits the chance of this happening.
4. Cut Grass And Shrubs: When you have tall grass and thick shrubs, mosquitoes have every reason to invade your property. The more frequently you trim your lawn and shrubs, the less likely you are to have mosquitoes. During the rainy season, you need to stay on top of your yard maintenance. All it takes is one week for your grass to get tall or your shrubs to take over.
5. Plant Mosquito Deterring Plants: Certain plants deter mosquitoes. By incorporating these plants into your landscaping, you can reduce your encounters with mosquitoes. Lavender, citronella, and lemongrass are excellent deterrents, and also make your property look more appealing. While you're working on your landscaping, move flowering plants away from your living spaces. They could attract male mosquitoes and the females won't be far behind.
6. Enlist The Help Of A Professional: The most important tip is to call an expert for assistance. Here at Tuxedo Mosquito Control, we know the struggles that come with mosquito prevention. In our years in the industry, we've learned what works and what doesn't. With our ongoing mosquito treatment, you can keep your yard free from mosquitoes all year long.
We have a dedicated team of professionals who are ready to help you. Because we care about your safety, we use a plant-based insecticide. To learn more about our services, call us at Tuxedo Mosquito Control today.