Mosquitoes Taking Over Your Home?

Summer is nearly here! We are experiencing the hot DC weather, enjoying time in our yards, eating watermelon, and hosting picnics and BBQs. For most people, it is enjoyable to partake in such activities with invited guests. Unfortunately, there are typically uninvited guests, as well.

When I mention uninvited guests, I’m not referring to that pesky neighbor who stops by or the relative who just shows up at your BBQ. I am talking about mosquitoes, the most annoying summer pests alive. Mosquitoes are so abundant that there are more of them on the planet than there are human beings!

From early spring through late fall, mosquitoes come out at dusk and feed on mammals in the landscape, including humans and pets. These irritating pests can keep you from enjoying time spent on the patio or in the yard. If you’re a homeowner who enjoys spending time outdoors, it helps to know more about mosquitoes and prevention options available, so you can enjoy your yard this summer at all times of the day. Getting rid of standing water is one important way to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Getting Rid of Standing Water

Standing water is a common problem on many properties, especially during the growing season when homeowners water their gardens and kids play in the yard. If you take a look around your yard, you’re likely to find many sources of standing water, such as flower pots; watering cans; bird baths; animal drinking dishes; and wading pools. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in shallow standing water. In fact, just a small dish with about half an inch of water in the bottom is enough for a mosquito to lay eggs. The eggs take about 8 to 10 days to turn into adult mosquitoes.

Ways to get rid of standing water include:

• Examine Water Tight Areas: Sometimes water can be found in trash on the lawn. A tire laid on its side or an empty bucket or sandbox may contain a small pool of standing water inside. A trash bin that is left open during a rain storm can contain a puddle fit for mosquito eggs. When you’re looking for standing water, examine all the water-tight areas that you might normally overlook.
• Fix Leaks: Outdoor leaks can be a problem in summer. Pay attention to leaky outdoor faucets and other plumbing problems that could lead to unwanted puddles. Inspect all of your faucets for dripping water or puddles underneath faucets that haven’t been used. Call a plumber for help when you identify a problem.
• Protect Yourself: Even if you’ve eliminated some of the places on your lawn where mosquitoes will want to lay eggs, you could still be vulnerable to existing mosquitoes on your property. Use mosquito repellent with DEET when spending time outdoors and protect your family members as well. If you have a very young child who cannot wear bug repellent, talk to your family physician for recommendations. Always follow the directions when using any insect repellent.
• Have Your Property Treated: Work with a pest control company, such as Alexandria Pest Services, to have your property treated throughout the summer. This is an especially good practice before big events such as barbecues, graduation parties, and outdoor birthday parties, when there’s sure to be a lot of people and food outside on your lawn for a long time. Not only will your pest control company be able to treat your lawn, they’ll also be able to identify hidden areas where mosquitoes are likely to breed. Taking these protective measures throughout the summer can help keep your property free of mosquitoes, so you can enjoy your outdoor space.

At Alexandria Pest Services, we help homeowners just like you prevent mosquitoes. If you find that you are having a problem with mosquitoes or other insects or pests, and need an exterminator, call Alexandria Pest Services at 703-923-0925 to schedule a professional evaluation. We can help you get rid of these invaders in your home or office!