The beautiful spring weather is an inspiration to head outside for some much-needed recreation. Yet, those gorgeous sunny days also mean that mosquito season is beginning to hit full swing. Unfortunately, South Carolina is home to over 61 different species of mosquitoes, and the warm and humid climate allows these annoying insects to thrive.
While most people find mosquito bites mildly irritating, they can lead to serious complications such as allergic reactions and skin infections. Mosquitoes are also capable of transmitting diseases such as the West Nile virus to humans, and they are responsible for spreading heartworms to your furry pets. To prevent mosquitoes and the threat of disease on your property, use these tips to reduce their populations.
Maintain Water Features
Mosquitoes breed in wet, moist places, and the water features installed around your home could serve as a prime breeding spot. Make sure to treat the water in ponds, fountains, and waterfalls regularly, and keep the flow features maintained so the water is constantly moving. If you see signs of mosquito larva, change the water before they have a chance to mature and continue the cycle.
Remove Standing Water Traps
While water features are obvious mosquito attractants, you must periodically inspect your property for other areas that create perfect mosquito breeding grounds. Because mosquitoes can breed in something as small as a bottle cap filled with water, you need to clear out any trash or debris around your property that could collect rainfall.
Start by clearing out the gutters around your house because leaves and other debris can block the water flow and lead to pooling. Then, make sure that there are no empty plant pots, buckets, or other containers sitting outside that can fill up with water. You may also need to check decorative features such as birdbaths or lawn furniture for stagnant water that needs to be removed.
Repair Plumbing Issues
Outdoor plumbing problems can also create the ideal situation for mosquitoes to breed on your property. Walk around your house and look for small leaks that could cause the ground to stay moist. If a faucet or pipe shows signs of a leak, arrange for prompt repairs.
Maintain the Lawn
Mosquitoes use high grass and overgrown bushes as places to hide and rest as they move from one place to another. Overgrown grass also collects more dew which leads to an increase in moisture that encourages breeding. Keep your lawn trimmed to only a few inches high during the prime breeding season.
During your regular lawn maintenance routine, check for low spots in the ground such as those caused by dogs digging or the removal of outdoor play equipment. If you find holes or pits, fill them in so that they do not collect water. Large piles of leaves and grass clippings should also be removed from your lawn regularly. Mosquitoes use decaying matter as a place to hide and breed as well.
Grow Mosquito-Repellant Plants
Certain plants that you can include in your outdoor garden work to repel mosquitoes from your yard. Lavender, citronella, and marigolds are a few flowering plants that add a touch of color while also keeping mosquitoes away.
Arrange for Reduction Treatments
Sometimes, mosquito seasons are worse than others, and even the best methods may not be enough to keep these insects off your property. When this happens, you can use commercial mosquito treatments to reduce the populations so your mosquito prevention efforts are more effective.
Our team at The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. is always ready to help you rid your property of mosquitoes and other bothersome pests. Contact the best pest control expert in Ballentine to schedule your pest inspection and home mosquito prevention program today.
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