Mosquitoes are not minor. More than 700,000 people die every year from vector-borne diseases, which include malaria and yellow fever. Mosquitoes are the biggest spreaders, capable of causing nearly a dozen major diseases.
If you have mosquitoes in your house or yard, you must get rid of them. You do have several ways you can do so.
How can you prevent mosquitoes from flying into your house? What substances can you spread out to deter mosquitoes? What are some tools you can use for pest control?
Answer these questions and you can drive away mosquitoes without wasting too much money or time. Here is your quick guide.
Drain Puddles and Pools
When mosquitoes are not flying, they are lying and laying their eggs in still puddles. Remove all puddles from around your house. You can dig a hole next to a puddle so the water will drain into the ground.
If you have a birdbath or a swimming pool, you should put a cover over it. You should also drain the water every week so any eggs in the water will die.
Seal Your Windows
Mosquitoes can slip through very small gaps in windows. Once they are inside a house, they can start a pest infestation.
The easiest way to get rid of pests is to not have them in the first place. Do not have window fans facing into your lawn or garden. Mosquitoes can fly through them or maneuver in between the fan and your window frame.
Install thick weather strips around your windows and along the sides of your doors. In addition to blocking mosquitoes, this will keep warm air from leaving your house and rain from entering.
Spread Out Mosquito Deterrents
Several plants are disgusting to mosquitoes. Citronella oil is a citrus oil that mosquitoes find overwhelming. You can sprinkle some oil on your windows, or you can burn citronella candles outside.
Lavender is another natural deterrent. A lavender-scented cleanser may be enough of a repellent. But you can grow a lavender plant in your garden as well.
Find Pest Control Tools
If natural deterrents don’t work, you can buy pesticides. A mosquito fogger machine will distribute these pesticides without damaging your lungs or house.
Yellow light can blind mosquitoes, especially while they are flying. You can put a few yellow light bulbs in your outdoor fixtures and keep them on overnight.
Dealing with pests can be laborious and difficult, especially if they are inside your house. Do not hesitate to call a pest control service when you cannot bring an infestation under control.
The Essentials of Pest Control for Mosquitoes
Pest control does not have to be pesty. Cut off the access that mosquitoes have to pools of water, especially in your birdbaths.
Place seals around your doors and windows. Simple weather strips are enough to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Mosquitoes hate strong odors, especially those found in citrus fruits. Sprinkle citronella and lavender oils around your house. You can use a fog machine or call a pest control company after an infestation gets out of hand.
Be mindful of the pests you face. Read other pest control guides by following our coverage.