The heavy rainfalls we have been experiencing the past two weeks may bring us an influx of mosquitoes, according to the University of Minnesota‘s research, which states that heavy rains lead to more mosquitoes. But it’s not just itchy, red bug bites we have to look forward to. With the increase of mosquitoes you increase the risk of mosquito transmitted diseases such as the West Nile Virus. Although rain cannot be controlled there are certain steps you can take to protect your yard from mosquitoes.
Mosquito Prevention:
- Keep property free of standing water. If you have something that collects water, dump it or drain it.
- Clean your gutters. Water, leaves, and debris that accumulate in your gutters is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Put a thin layer of vegetable oil on water you cannot drain (such as rain buckets or bird baths). This suffocated the larvae and stops mosquito breeding.
If you can’t stop mosquitoes during their breeding phase be sure to protect your skin when you are outdoors. “Repellent is a good first line of defense,” says Jeff Hahn an Entomologist at the University of Minnesota. Alternative and homemade methods tend to be minimally effective, especially insect zappers which end up attracting more insects than they exterminate. Want to make sure your yard is protected? We offer a highly effective mosquito prevention program to keep you and your family safe during the summer months. Schedule a consultation with one of our Certified Arborists to learn more!
