Mosquitoes can ruin an evening on your deck with family and friends. It’s frustrating trying to enjoy time with your children in the backyard while getting bit by insects. Let’s look at a few ways to help repel mosquitoes from your property.
Install Screens to Repel Mosquitoes
Keep mosquitoes out of your home by using screens on all doors and windows. The screens should be made of fine mesh so mosquitoes and other bugs can’t get through. Screens keep fresh air flowing through your house without insects getting inside. At the beginning of summer, examine screens, looking for tears and damaged areas. Make repairs as soon as possible.
Eliminating Standing Water
Mosquitoes need water to reproduce. To help keep them off of your property, eliminate any areas of standing water. This includes wheelbarrows, buckets, children’s toys, and garden equipment that collects rainwater. Standing water can happen in your gutters, so remove all debris from the guttering channels. You’ll keep mosquitoes off your property more effectively if you inspect your yard for standing water immediately after it rains.
Repel Mosquitoes With Plants
There are different types of plants that repel mosquitoes. Citronella is probably the most popular. You can grow citronella grass in your yard if your area doesn’t freeze. If it does get cold, use a pot to grow this plant on your porch, deck, or patio. A few other plants that repel mosquitoes include marigold, catnip, peppermint, basil, and lavender. Plant a container garden in outdoor areas where you and your family enjoy spending time.
Keep the Yard Maintained
Mosquitoes prefer shady areas with cool temperatures. Use a lawnmower or string trimmer to cut high grass and prune tree limbs from your property. Look for low spots or uneven areas of the yard where water might pool. Add topsoil and new grass seed as needed.
Use Scented Candles to Repel Mosquitoes
Citronella candles work well against mosquitoes. Most insect-repellent candles use citronella oil. These candles won’t harm the insects. They simply keep them away while the candles are burning.
Use Outdoor Fans
A fan does a great job of keeping mosquitoes away for two reasons. A fan will make it difficult for the insects to fly. It will also quickly disperse the carbon dioxide you and your family exhale into the air. Mosquitoes use carbon dioxide as their guide for locating a food source.
Use Bug Repellent
Apply bug repellent when you’ll be in the yard for more than a few minutes. It’s difficult to completely eliminate mosquitoes and bug spray will help keep them from biting you.
Pro Home Inspection Services provides home inspections to the eastern part of South Carolina. Contact us to request our services.