Mosquito Proof Your Home!

It’s never too early to begin the process of creating a mosquito-proof property. Take steps to make your yard less inviting to mosquitoes, and make sure they don’t have easy access to the inside of your home:

Objects that collect water
Remove any objects that collect water — Take an inventory of your yard and remove anything that could hold standing water, since these objects can serve as primary mosquito breeding grounds. Mosquitoes require only a small amount of water for depositing their eggs, so don’t overlook any potential water collection vessel. Flower pots, birdfeeders, old tires, wheelbarrows, and buckets are just a few examples of favorite mosquito habitats.

Clean gutters
Clean clogged gutters — Gutters tend to become clogged with leaves and other debris during the course of a long winter. Flooded roof gutters and clogged drainage systems create standing water that attracts mosquitoes in droves. It will be worth your time to get the ladder out on the first relatively warm day (after all the snow and ice has melted) and give your gutters a good cleaning.

Fill In
Fill in low-lying areas — Ditches and other low-lying areas also collect standing water after a rainfall. After the snow melts, survey your property for these potential trouble spots and fill them in wherever possible.

Fill hollow logs
Fill in hollow logs — By filling in or removing any hollow logs and stumps on your property, you’ll eliminate another standing water source while also removing a potential habitat for hibernating mosquitoes in the winters to come.

Repair windows
Repair damaged or ineffective window screens — Repair your window screens before you install them for the warmer weather. Tiny mosquitoes can find their way into your home through the smallest tear in your screens. Consider replacing worn screens or ones with openings that are too large to keep mosquitoes out. A 16-18 mesh is the recommended size for pest control purposes. If you have a screened-in deck, porch or patio, check the screen condition on this as well.

Repair Leaks
Repair cracks and leaks — Cracks in your home’s foundation and exterior walls can provide easy entry for mosquitoes, so be sure to seal any that you find. Also repair any leaks that could create pools of water.

Install Bug Lights
Install bug lights — Installing yellow outdoor bug lights won’t necessarily keep mosquitoes away, but it will make your property somewhat less attractive during the nighttime hours.

For more information, go to:

http://www.mosquitomagnet.com/articles/mosquito-season

Mosquito Proof Your Home!

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