You probably cannot wait to spend more time outdoors as the weather warms up in Beaverton. You might be too excited with activities such as gardening, barbecuing, or just relaxing on the patio. But along with the sunshine come mosquitoes that nobody invites. These little buzzers can turn a peaceful evening into a scratchy, uncomfortable mess. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take now to get your yard ready and keep mosquitoes at bay all season long. Also, saelapest.com has experts who can help you handle an existing mosquito issue. Below are steps you can take to prepare your yard for the coming of annoying blood-suckers:
Get Rid of Standing Water
Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in water. They only need a bottle cap full to make this happen. So, checking your yard for anything that holds water is the first step toward successful mosquito control.
Look for buckets, flowerpots, wheelbarrows, and birdbaths. Also, children’s toys and old tires can collect water. Empty them and turn them upside down when not in use. Also, make sure your gutters are clean and draining properly as clogged ones can hold water and become mosquito hotspots.
Trim Back Shrubs and Grass
Mosquitoes also love shade and moisture. They can enjoy daytime rests in tall grass, overgrown shrubs, and dense plants. Trimming these areas back lets in more sunlight and improves airflow, which helps dry things out and makes your yard less appealing to bugs.
Consider thinning out your landscaping a bit or spacing plants so air can move between them. This will help reduce mosquitoes and keep your yard looking neater.
Treat Water Features
Ponds, fountains, or other water features in your yard should be treated. Mosquito dunks or bits contain a bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, which kills mosquito larvae. These products are safe for people, pets, birds, and fish. You can find these treatments at most garden centers or hardware stores. Just drop them into your water feature and they will do the work for you. You can also add a small pump or fountain to keep the water moving since mosquitoes do not like to lay eggs in flowing water.
Keep Lawn Clippings and Leaves Cleaned Up
A pile of damp leaves or grass clippings can give mosquitoes the perfect spot to rest and breed. So, make sure to bag up the clippings or mulch them right away after mowing. Rake up leaves and other yard debris often, especially in shady corners or around fences where moisture tends to stick around. You can also toss the debris into your compost bin, but just make sure the bin drains well and doesn’t hold water.
Plant Mosquito-Repelling Plants
Some plants can help keep mosquitoes away. They will not eliminate mosquitoes completely, but they can make your yard smell better and add a little natural help to your fight against bugs.
Try planting citronella, lavender, marigolds, basil, or peppermint in pots or garden beds near your seating areas. These plants give off scents that mosquitoes do not like. Also, they are easy to take care of and can add beauty to your outdoor space.
Fix Any Yard Drainage Issues
Low spots in your yard that collect water after rain can be a mosquito magnet. You might need to add soil to level areas where water is pooling or install a simple drain to redirect water.
You can also add gravel or mulch to improve drainage in problem areas. Ensure water does not sit around for more than a day or two. Mosquitoes will move in if the ground stays soggy.
Check and Maintain Outdoor Furniture
Mosquitoes will rest on and around your patio furniture. Take a few minutes to wipe down chairs, tables, and cushions to remove any dirt or moisture. Wet cushions should be set in the sun to dry them.
Also, check any furniture that can collect water. Some chairs and tables have hollow spaces or little crevices where water can collect after rain. Turn them over or wipe them down to make sure they stay dry.