We all know that allowing pools of stagnant water to accumulate around your house is a terrible idea when it comes to mosquitoes. They use the water to incubate their eggs and basically take that as a hint to move into your happy home.
However, besides just clearing up all of the pools of water around your yard, there are other things you can do to actually combat the mosquito problem. Here are 5 landscaping tips that will repel mosquitos.
#1. Let The Breeze Blow
You may have a few items that block the flow of wind in your yard. A large sunshade, high shrubs, high fences, and even dense tree cover. All of these features actually aid mosquitos. The insects don’t like a strong breeze, they prefer to slowly fly from here to there. Allowing a breeze in your yard will have mosquitoes looking for an exit.
#2. Plants That Repel Mosquitoes
There are many varieties of plants that you can plant around your home to repel annoying mosquitoes. Plants like, alliums, mums, marigolds, mint, basil and floss should be planted around your porch or deck. The smells of these plants confuse their senses and encourage them to fly away.
#3. Attract Mosquito Eaters
There are a number of small animals that love a tasty mosquito. You can entice a few to your yard to help control the population. Create a bat box that will attract bats at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. Also, many birds, like the Purple Martin, are enthusiastic mosquito eaters, but they prefer yards with bird houses to trees. Spiders are also a big help, so don’t knock down every web you see!
#4. Keep the Yard Tidy
Mosquitoes are least active during the heart of the day. They will actually hide into foliage to avoid dehydrating. So, tall weeds and unattended areas of your yard are a haven for the insects. Make sure your yard is mowed on a regular basis and pay special attention to any grass near ditches or soggy areas.
#5. Add a Fan
An overhead fan on your porch is a great way to keep mosquitoes at bay. Just the breeze created by the fan is strong enough to encourage mosquitoes to seek easier prey. If an overhead fan is not an option, try an oscillating fan. The constant movement makes the air around you difficult for mosquitoes to navigate.
Pair These Tips with a Backyard Treatment Program!
These landscaping tips, when used in conjunction with a regular prevention spraying program will greatly reduce the number of mosquitoes in your yard. Take back the outdoors and give those mosquitoes the boot! Contact Backyard Defenders today for a FREE quote!