Massachusetts summers are perfect for having fun, especially in your backyard or by pool side. Unfortunately, summers bring with itself pesty mosquitoes. These insects can turn any outing into an unpleasant experience. Mosquitoes not only bite but also spread dangerous diseases like West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encaphalitis (EEE). Here are a few ways you can keep mosquitoes at bay and enjoy your outing peacefully:
1. Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes thrive in standing water. Make sure you eliminate all sources of standing water around your house:
- Regularly empty and refresh bird baths, gutters, or any such hollow containers around your house.
- If you have a pool make sure it is chlorinated and cover the pool at times when not in use
- Make sure there are no puddles around your house.
2. Maintain Your Lawn and Garden
Keeping your garden and lawn well-maintained and tidy can reduce mosquitoes significantly:
- Trim vegetation, grass and shrubs regularly to make it difficult for mosquitoes to hide and make home.
- Regularly clean all the debris like leaves and twigs that make a mess in general.
3. Use Mosquito Traps and Repellents
Several products are available to help repel and kill mosquitoes:
- Use mosquito traps to control the mosquito population like CO2 traps that lure and kills mosquitoes.
- You can also use natural repellents like citronella candles, essential oils, or any other natural repellents.
- Chemical Repellents like DEET, picaridin, and permethrin-based repellents can be applied to the skin or clothing for personal protection.
4. Screen and Cover Outdoor Areas
If you spend a lot of time in a specific part of your backyard, consider screening or covering it:
- Enclosing your patio or deck with screens can provide a mosquito-free area.
- Use mosquito netting or canopies over seating and dining areas to keep mosquitoes away.
5. Install Proper Lighting
Mosquitoes are attracted to certain types of light. Using the right outdoor lighting can help reduce their presence:
- Yellow Bug Lights: Replace white bulbs with yellow "bug" lights, which are less attractive to mosquitoes.
- LED Lights: Use LED lights, which emit less heat and UV light, making them less appealing to mosquitoes.
6. Treat Your Yard
A mosquito control service is the best option for you if the mosquito population around your house is uncontrollable. RidAway is one such pest control service. It is EPA-approved, state-certified and industry-licensed, and uses biologically friendly pesticides. Their work is guaranteed so you can rest assured the problem will be dealt with effectively.
For a quick solution to an urgent intrusion, RidAway is ready to come to your rescue.
