We’ve all experienced it. One day we notice the weather is beginning to warm up and the next day we’re swatting away mosquitoes out in the yard.
Mosquito bites are an irritation we would all rather avoid, but as these pesky insects can also spread diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika, it is particularly important to prevent a mosquito infestation on your property before it starts.
Read through our blog article below for tips on how to implement mosquito control on your property and prevent mosquitoes early in the season.
Mosquito Population Booms During Spring and Summer in Georgia
It is warm enough for mosquitoes to be active once the temperature reaches 50 degrees or above, so why is it that they seem to show up in full force as soon as it warms up? The mosquito population explodes so quickly for a few reasons:
- Adult mosquitos hibernate and wake up as soon as the warmer weather hits
- Mosquito eggs from the end of the previous season are often able to survive the winter and hatch the following spring
- Some mosquitoes are able to lay enough eggs, and they hatch quickly enough, to add 600 mosquitoes a week to your property
Because a mosquito infestation can happen so quickly, if you want to prevent mosquitoes early in the season, it’s very important to do what you can to free your property of anything that may attract them before the weather warms up.
Tips for Preventing Mosquitoes From Investing Your Property
Here are just a few ways you can take on mosquito prevention:
Get Rid of Standing Water
You are probably aware of the more obvious sources of standing water on your property such as ponds and pools. However, there are many less obvious places water can collect and create a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Eliminating as many standing water sources as possible is key to preventing mosquitoes early in the season.
Remove Containers That Can Hold Standing Water
In the article “Zika Mosquitoes, and Standing Water”, the CDC states that mosquitoes prefer to lay eggs in standing water that collects in manmade containers.
The article suggests looking over your yard at least once a week and eliminating any less obvious sources of standing water such as:
- Vases
- Trash Cans
- Flowerpot Saucers
- Birdbaths
- Buckets
- Pool Covers
- Children’s Toys
Review Your Yard’s Drainage Capabilities
You may also want to closely monitor your yard after it rains, noting where any rain water pool. Mosquitoes will be attracted to these areas in your yard, and Georgia often sees a lot of rainfall during the spring and summer months.
Take steps to ensure your yard has good drainage by contacting a landscaping professional. See if, together, you can pinpoint the cause of standing water in your yard so you can take steps to fix the issue(s) with proper drainage.
Call a Mosquito Control Professional in Atlanta, Georgia
Getting a jump on mosquito control starts with doing your best to rid your property of standing water and disturbing the areas where mosquitoes are likely to live. However, especially if you live in an area that has poor drainage or is otherwise prone to mosquito infestations, you should call a mosquito control professional to help you manage the mosquito population in your yard.
Healthy Home Pest Control recommends that our clients in the metro Atlanta area have their yards treated for mosquitos once a month between March and October. Our treatment consists of misting the trees, bushes and shaded areas of your yard with a plant-friendly and odor free solvent.