Common Mosquito Breeding Grounds
It’s springtime and we all know what comes with the warmer weather and blooming flowers, mosquitoes! Did you know that mosquitoes can breed in a ½ inch of standing water? That means you’re probably attracting mosquitoes to your yard even if you don’t know it. There are several places in your yard that mosquitoes can and will breed. Here are the most common hotspots and how to prevent mosquitoes from turning your yard into a breeding ground.
Gutters
How often do you clean your gutters? Probably not as often as you should, right? Well in case you need a little motivation, stopped up gutters can create standing water, which in turn attracts mosquitoes. These mosquitoes will set up shop in your gutter system and multiply by the hundred or thousands. Be sure to clean your gutters of any debris, or invest in gutter guards to stop having to clean them all together.
Flower Pots
Your flower pots should have a draining system at the bottom to ensure no standing water. If you begin to notice rising or standing water in your flower pots, it’s either not draining correctly or you’re overwatering. This creates an ideal breeding spot for mosquitoes, potentially bringing harm to your plants and the soil.
Trash Can
To ensure mosquitoes don’t overtake your outside garbage can, make sure the lid is tightly sealed and closed at all times. Avoid overfilling your garbage can, so the lid isn’t propped open. Also, to avoid leaky garbage bags, pour out any liquids before disposing of them.
Ponds and Pools
If you have a pond or pool in your yard, the best way to prevent mosquitoes from overtaking them is to keep them clean and tidy! An unkept pool is like a goldmine to mosquitoes looking to breed. If you have no use for the pool or pond anymore, drain it. If you do, be sure to keep up with maintenance or hire someone to do it for you. For baby pools, always drain after use to avoid leaving water for long periods of time. This will ensure that you can enjoy your backyard during the spring and summer months without having to swat at mosquitoes.
Leaky Pipes
If you have a pipe leaking somewhere near the outside of your home, get it repaired ASAP. A slow leak can still attract mosquitoes to the moisture. Frequent leaking can cause water to pool at the base of your home, creating the perfect bed for mosquitoes to lie in.
Grill Cover
We bet you didn’t think of this place. Yep, mosquitoes can even breed on your grill covers (YUCK). Make sure water isn’t gathering on the top of the cover. If it is, try moving your grill under a covered spot, or regularly remove the water. The last thing you want is pesky mosquitoes buzzing around your head while you’re trying to barbecue.
Now, just because you remove all breeding spots in your yard, doesn’t mean your neighbors will do the same. If you’re still struggling with mosquitoes invading your personal space, give Scout Pest Control a call. We are your residential and commercial pest control experts, and we’ll help control your mosquito problem. If you use us for General Pest Control, adding mosquito treatments is just $65/month for most yards. If you don’t have General Pest Service with us, we still offer a very competitive rate of just $85 for most yards.
