In addition to the fact that mosquitoes are both annoying and
cause some level of discomfort when you’re unfortunate enough to
be the entree on their daily menu, they also carry disease which
can affect the animal, bird and human populations. In order to
keep the possibility of such a fate to a minimum, you’ll need to
initiate steps to control these pests in the home environment.
Water that accumulates in tires, buckets and other types of
outdoor containers provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Your yard should be carefully inspected for any signs of pooled
water that might attract these insects. It doesn’t take much to
entice mosquitoes to hang around, once they’ve found a swampy
area that they can call home.
Gutters should be checked on a regular basis, in order to avoid
the accumulation of leaves and other objects that might form a
blockage. When this happens, water can accumulate and offer the
irresistible temptation for mosquitoes to breed. This is
especially true in those climates which experience autumn, since
fallen leaves are abundant and the foliage is often damp due to
rain.
Children’s wading pools can be the equivalent of a spa for
mosquitoes. Be sure to empty the pool at least once each week
and refill it with fresh water, if the pool is in constant use.
When it’s not being used, empty and dry it thoroughly and store
it indoors – within a storage shed, basement, garage or other
structure that can accommodate its dimensions.
Make it a point to fill holes or depressions in the ground
around your home, as well as hollow stumps or holes within the
trunks of trees. These, too, can gather water and lure
mosquitoes to nest in the area. Be sure not to use foliage,
grass or some other type of natural product that might serve to
retain water and become akin to a comfy mattress on the
mosquitoes’ bed.
Screens, doors, windows and other entryways that may contain
holes or other violations of their integrity should be repaired
in order to keep mosquitoes from entering the home. Of course,
it goes without saying that doors and windows that don’t include
screens should never be left ajar. This would be the equivalent
of ringing the dinner bell for these pesky insects.
If you should happen to have an ornamental water garden on your
property, be sure to keep the water stocked with mosquito-eating
fish, such as goldfish, minnows or guppies. When mosquitoes
hover over the water – which they’re inclined to do – the fish
will eat them and help to reduce their population around your
home.
Other precautions, such as covering trash cans, barrels and
stored boats will also help your efforts at pest control, but
don’t rely on bug zappers. These do very little to discourage
mosquitoes from taking residence around your home. Your focus
should, instead, be on ridding yourself of the excess water that
may have accumulated in key points around your property.
|
