We spend time in the backyard — barbecuing, hanging out in the pool or just enjoying the lazy days with friends and a cold beverage. Nothing can ruin a quiet evening, weekend fun or family moments more than mosquitoes! Remembering to put on layers of repellent is annoying and treating those itchy bites is equally so. Keep mosquitoes from ruining your outdoor time with these tips and tricks:-
Get rid of standing, stagnant water
This is by far the best thing you can do to keep mosquitoes out of your backyard. Mosquitoes are drawn to stagnant water because they lay their eggs there. Removing breeding spaces will reduce the mosquitoes drawn to your yard and interrupt the life cycle. Check for low-lying spots under bushes and in flowerbeds. Be sure not to leave buckets or other containers of water standing overnight. If you have a swimming pool, make sure that your filtration system is running properly and the water is circulating.
Clear debris
Mosquitos will also breed in damp soil and mulch. If you have yard debris lying around — grass clippings, fallen branches, piles of soil — they will be appealing breeding grounds. Take some time to clean up the yard and gutters — dead leaves are mosquito heaven! It will not only keep the mosquitoes at bay but will make it even more pleasant to spend time in the yard.
Plant natural repellents
Many plants are natural mosquito repellents. Incorporate them into your landscaping or grow them in pots that can be placed around the yard. Good choices include citronella, catnip, lemon balm, marigolds, peppermint and lavender. These plants only release the repellent compounds when they’re injured, so place them where people will brush them as they walk past, or simply periodically crush some leaves.
Let the light in
Mosquitoes prefer dimly lit places. Creating more light in the yard will help deter mosquitoes. If you have lots of shade trees, trimming them to allow more light is one way to keep mosquitoes out of the yard. Luminaries and other yard lighting can help chase off the mosquitoes as well. Lighting lanterns and candles that contain citronella and other mosquito-repelling oils are also a great option; you get the one-two punch of the light and the oils themselves.
Consider hiring a pro
If your area has a major mosquito problem or you find that all your DIY efforts don’t reduce the amount of buzzing and biting, consider hiring a professional to treat your yard. They’ll be able to evaluate areas that might be drawing mosquitoes and they have heavy-duty repellents that the average person can’t pick up at the local big-box store. If you’re concerned about the chemicals, seek out a service that uses all-natural repellents (though beware these are just as powerful — natural doesn’t mean 100% safe!). If you’re planning a party or other big event in your yard, have it treated for mosquitos at least 24 hours in advance.