Summer is here, and so are the Mosquitoes!
Yes, summer is here, and so are the mosquitoes. My backyard ends in a wooded area that borders a creek. So, we have mosquitoes. In the past, we focused on eliminating standing water, using natural repellents, and maintaining a clean and tidy yard.
Do You Know Where Mosquitoes Breed?
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so removing sources like old flowerpots is crucial. I have three water fountains in my backyard where I use child and pet-friendly water dunks to prevent mosquito breeding. On the patio, I also use mosquito traps, which you can buy over the counter.
Even with all that, it wasn’t enough. Some people are more attractive to the little bity bugs and my wife is one of them. It reached the point that she would seldom come outside in the summer. So, we hired Berger Hargis to help. Last week, we had our second of three treatments. My wife is coming outside now.
Here’s More You Can Try
1. Eliminate Standing Water
- Inspect your yard regularly
Look for containers that collect rainwater, such as buckets, old tires, flowerpots, and clogged gutters.
- Empty and remove
Turn over or store items that hold water.
- Change water frequently
Regularly change the water in bird baths, pet bowls, and wading pools.
- Clean gutters
Ensure gutters are clean and properly draining to prevent water buildup.
2. Use Natural Repellents
- Plant mosquito-repelling plants
Mosquitoes dislike the scent of certain plants like lavender, basil, lemon balm, rosemary, and marigold.
- Use essential oils
Citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender are effective natural repellents.
- Consider bug lights
Yellow or LED bug lights are less attractive to mosquitoes than traditional incandescent lights.
3. Maintain a Clean Yard
- Mow regularly
Keep your grass and hedges trimmed to reduce mosquito hiding places.
- Trim bushes and shrubs
Overgrown vegetation can provide shelter for mosquitoes.
- Remove debris
Remove fallen leaves, dead plants, and weeds.
- Oscillating fans
A gentle breeze from an oscillating fan can help deter mosquitoes.
As I said, I’ve done most of the above, yet the mosquitoes were winning until I brought in the professionals from Berger Hargis.
How Can We Help You?
Berger Hargis has a company philosophy of providing personal excellence for all our services. Our growth and success have been due entirely to our commitment to honest, excellent customer service. The company is built on the referral business we have received due to this philosophy.
So, if we can answer any questions about pest control or landscaping in general, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
About the Author
Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He publishes a weekly blog at Randy Clark Leadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek, and on weekends he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management.
Photo by Nicolas Hoizey on Unsplash
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