Mosquito Control | DIY Backyard Tips & Tricks

At one time, we simply thought mosquitoes were just annoying. We now know the diseases they carry are serious. In support of National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, we are sharing a few unique tips and tricks to help rid your lawn of mosquitoes!

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Mosquitoes don't always leave small, itchy, red bites in their wake; some folks are more allergic than others leaving behind an angry red whelp. Even worse, mosquitoes can carry diseases like the Zika virus, West Nile Virus, eastern equine encephalitis and dengue fever in the US, and worldwide mosquitoes transmit malaria and chikungunya. According to the World Health Organization, mosquitoes kill millions of people every year making them one of the deadliest animals in the world. In addition to being harmful to humans, mosquitoes can transmit heartworms to dogs and cats.

Do it Yourself Mosquito Control

Still being swarmed by mosquitoes after trying out these do it yourself mosquito control? Give Waynes a call.

Plants that Repel Mosquitoes

There are a number of plants that can be added to landscapes and patios for a natural approach to mosquito control.

• Chrysanthemum
• Citronelle
• Marigold
• Geraniums
• Rosemary
• Lavender
• Lemon Grass
• Basil
• Lemon Thyme
• Peppermint

Mosquito Eaters & How to Attract Them to Your Backyard!

If you live near a fresh body of water, gambusia are fish that consume the mosquito larva from the water before an adult mosquito is formed. Once mosquitoes emerge from their larval state their natural predators like hummingbirds, bats, dragonflies, and frogs consume them in adult form. Not only do these predators eat mosquitoes they consume other pesky insects.

• Attract hummingbirds with geraniums, butterfly bush, crape myrtles, honeysuckle, impatiens, and gladiolus.
• Place bat houses in the trees around your property.
• Plant Black-eyed Susan and White Yarrow to attract dragonflies. If you live around water, consider arrowhead, wild celery, water horsetail, and cattail.

Mosquito Prevention Tips

• Use insect repellant each time you go outside. Read the direction on the bottle for the best coverage.
• Wear protective clothing.
• Avoid being outdoors around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Dump out standing water. Mosquitoes lay larva in wet, damp, and shady environments.
• Repair windows & doors keeping mosquitoes from entering your home.
• Run a fan while you are outside, mosquitoes are not strong flyers.
• Have a trusted pest service.

While doing the above will help keep it bearable, they will not manage mosquitoes in the long term. Waynes can help keep your backyard mosquito and worry-free!