As the weather warms up and we spend more time outdoors soaking up the sun, hosting gatherings with neighbors and friends, and spending afternoons with the family, there’s another unwelcome guest that always seems to drop by: the mosquito. And, unfortunately, when you see one, you know there’s more not too far behind. Where exactly are these pests multiplying around your property? Here, we’ll take a look at the most common mosquito breeding sites in your yard — and what you can do about it.
Standing Water
You may already know that stagnant water is a bright, shiny vacancy sign for mosquitos, but you may not be aware of just how little water they need to breed. While ponds, swimming pools, and large puddles may be among the more obvious instances of standing water, mosquitoes can actually lay eggs in bottle cap’s worth. It can be challenging to get rid of every source of standing water around your property, so it’s crucial to be familiar with the most common sources you may not have even thought of, such as:
- Flower pots
- Tire swings
- Grill covers
- Trash can lids
- Buckets
- Water bowls for pets
- Bird baths
Consider drilling holes in the bottom of these items or placing them vertically when not in use; this way, rain water doesn’t have a chance to collect to create an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Yard Debris
Mosquitoes like to find respite from wind in debris that might be scattered around your lawn. Everything from bundles of sticks of branch piles to overgrown bushes are perfect shelters in mosquitoes’ multi-lensed eyes. Even tall grass can be all the protection they need. Other commonplace yard debris enticing to mosquitoes include grass clippings, mounds of raked leaves, compost piles, and thick vegetation.
Getting rid of debris around your home works to minimize the number of mosquitoes in your yard. Plus, you’ll help beautify your landscape!
Clogged Gutters
Clogged gutters are the perfect storm of the above points; and sites that homeowners often forget to stay on top of. After all, out of sight, out of mind! When twigs, leaves, and other material gather together and clog your drains, gutters, and pipes, mosquitoes are able to buzz right into their new fully-furnished home. Add any trapped water throughout these components, and you’re setting mosquitoes up with everything they need to reproduce, invade your yard, and disrupt your day.
Among the best ways to eliminate mosquitoes — or even just prevent mosquitoes in the first place — is to make sure you uphold proper drain and gutter maintenance.
Contact Mosquito Control Experts You Can Trust
Here’s something you’d be hard-pressed to find someone disagreeing with: mosquitoes flying around your yard — not to mention bothersome mosquito bites — are no fun. However, by tending to the common breeding grounds that attract mosquitoes, you can do wonders for your pest control efforts. However, if and when an infestation is too intense and are looking for a commercial-grade solution to wave these pests goodbye, it’s time to turn to professionals.
For more information about mosquito, flea, and tick control or our residential pest control services in Central MD, contact our team today!
