Mosquitoes are a normal part of the outdoor environment, especially in warm spring and summer months when breeding is higher. Although you can’t stop mother nature, you can protect your home, family and pets with environmentally safe mosquito control.
The Importance of Mosquito Control
Pesky mosquitoes not only ruin your outdoor activities, but they also pose serious health threats for your family and pets. Mosquito bites cause redness, swelling, itching, hives and allergic reactions in some people, and expose dogs to an increased risk of heart worms that cause serious illness, even death. Although mosquitoes are found in all parts of the country, Florida has a significantly higher rate of mosquitoes due to year-round warm weather and high humidity.
In the United States, there are major health concerns related to mosquito-borne illnesses in humans. Reports of illness due to West Nile Virus, Dengue Virus, Malaria, and now Zika Virus have increased in the last few years. In 2012, the World Health Organization and Environmental Protection Agency estimated that 300 million people worldwide are infected with mosquito-borne illnesses each year.
Mosquito control is important to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses, especially in areas that have warmer climates. Mosquitoes breed in warm weather, typically spring and summer in most parts of the country. However, when you live in an area with a year-round warm climate, like Florida, mosquitoes can breed all year. Without adequate mosquito control for your home, your outdoor activities may be limited, and they will likely include pesky mosquitoes and itchy mosquito bites.
DIY Mosquito Prevention Tips
In addition to safe, natural mosquito control for your home, you can also help to prevent mosquitoes in around your home these DIY tips:
* Eliminate all standing water in your lawn, landscape and areas around your home. Mosquitoes can breed in less than one inch of standing water and hatch within seven to ten days.
* Change the water in wading pools, planters, bird baths outdoor pet bowls regularly.
* Use a natural bacterium in outdoor ponds, fountains and streams. It kills mosquito larvae, but is non-toxic to people and fish.
* Keep your gutters clean. Clogged gutters or gutters that don’t drain properly are common breeding sites for mosquitoes.
* Check your garden hoses and sprinklers regularly to prevent leaks, lawn over-watering and standing water.
* Clean out your swimming pool and spa regularly and keep covers clean and dry.
* Choose landscape plants that provide natural mosquito control. Lemon balm and rose-scented geraniums contain citronella and natural oils that repel mosquitoes. Mosquitoes also avoid lavender, marigolds, basil and peppermint.