The warmer months often mean frequent outdoor events and spending time with family and friends on the patio. Don’t forget to prepare for one aspect of being outside in summer: mosquitoes. These pesky insects can ruin an otherwise pleasant evening. Use these tips to help repel mosquitoes from your property.
Trim the Shrubbery
Bushes and shrubbery create shaded areas for mosquitoes to hide during the heat of the day. Keeping mosquitoes away from your property requires trimming shrubs. Provide a minimum of four to six inches between plants and the side of your home.
To repel mosquitoes, it’s also helpful to keep the grass mowed. Like shrubbery, tall grass provides a place for insects to shelter.
Use Candles to Repel Mosquitoes
If you’re hosting a gathering with friends and neighbors or having a family cookout in the backyard, place citronella-scented candles on the tables. Install paraffin torches with citronella-scented fuel oil around the yard. Place the torches every 10-12 feet for best results. Citronella incense sticks also help repel mosquitoes from the immediate area.
Mosquitoes Require Water to Breed
Water is necessary for the mosquito’s life cycle. Removing standing water helps keep them away. Empty water from buckets, dog bowls, unused flower pots, pool covers, and tarps around your property.
Keep the gutters clean. Clogged gutters filled with twigs, leaves, and debris trap water and become the perfect environment for mosquitoes to lay eggs.
If you have landscaping features such as a fish pond, fountain, or bird bath, treat them with chemicals to kill mosquito larvae.
Use Fans
Mosquitoes are not strong fliers. Even a slight breeze will discourage them from an area. Place fans in spaces where friends and family spend time. Strong airflow makes it difficult for mosquitoes to navigate, and fans will deter them. Install a ceiling fan if you have an outdoor area with a ceiling.
Chemicals to Repel Mosquitoes
When going outside, apply insect repellent spray to your clothing. The scent repels mosquitoes, and this will prevent bites. Wear lightweight, full-coverage clothing. Long sleeves and pants will help protect your skin from mosquito bites.
If mosquitoes are a constant problem, talk to a pest control specialist. They may recommend treating the yard with repellant sprays every month. A pest professional will spray around your home and lawn to keep mosquitoes away all summer.
American Dream Home Inspections offers inspection services in Northern and Central New Jersey. Contact us to schedule an appointment.