How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in and Around Your Home

Did you know that the United States is home to over 200 species of mosquitoes? Of those, twelve spread diseases to people and even other animals. That includes the West Nile virus, dengue, malaria, and Zika, to name a few.

That’s why it’s imperative to eliminate mosquitoes in and around your home. Otherwise, you, your loved ones, and even pets are at risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

We’ll share some of the top tips on how to get rid of mosquitoes below, so be sure to read on!

Keep Outdoor Toys Dry

Outdoor toys, including kiddie pools and other inflatables, can collect dew and rainwater.

Many mosquitoes, in turn, lay their eggs on water surfaces or the damp area just above the waterline. Some species even stick their eggs on any spot near a water source.

So, if your kids have toys outside that can act as a container, check, drain, wash, and dry them thoroughly. Then, store them someplace else where they can’t collect water.

Replace Water in Pet Stations Daily

If your household is one of the 90.5 million US families with a pet, you likely have an outdoor pet water station. Your dogs, cats, birds, or horses may also eat or drink from their dishes placed outside.

In that case, be sure to clean and replace the water in your birdbaths, dishes, or water stations once a day. That way, mosquitoes will have fewer chances to lay eggs. Hatched larvae will also die outside of the water.

Dispose of Yard Litter

Old tires, unused pots, and even piles of fallen leaves or cut grass can all collect water. What’s more, some mosquito species feed on decomposing leaf litter. That’s all the more reason to keep your yard clean, debris-free, and immaculate.

However, ensure your yard litter goes straight into proper garbage containers. Otherwise, they can block sewer drains and cause water accumulation or, worse, flooding. Either way, both can promote further mosquito breeding and growth.

If you don’t have time for yard work, though, go for professional lawn care services. That way, the pros can take care of everything, from mowing your lawn to disposing of litter, on your behalf. Plus, some of them offer mosquito control services, so be sure to ask them about those, too.

Remove Pooled Water in Gutters

Gutters are hollow since they collect and channel rainwater from the roof to the ground. To perform the latter, they rely on drains connected to downspouts. Downspouts, in turn, are pipes that divert the water from the gutter and send it to a ground drain.

So, if your gutter has clogged drains, the water they collect won’t have a way to flow down. Instead, the water will pool up, become stagnant, and attract mosquitoes.

For that reason, clean your gutters, especially the drains, to eliminate stagnant water.

Get Rid of Mosquitoes With These Tips

While many mosquitoes are nuisance household or yard pests, others are more harmful. Researchers even believe the West Nile virus alone has infected over 7 million people in the US to date.

All that should be enough to prompt you to get rid of mosquitoes in and around your home ASAP. The sooner you follow our tips, the sooner you can protect your family from these pesky, even deadly pests.

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