Mosquitoes love standing water—it’s where they lay their eggs, and they can lay hundreds of eggs at a time in just ¼” of water. Below is a list of common standing water sources that may become mosquito hangouts in your yard:
Anything designed to hold water (i.e. birdbaths, kiddie pools, planter trays)
Anything designed to catch water (i..e rain gutters, buckets near leaks)
Anything that might fill with rain water (i.e. tires, bottle caps)
Low spots in your yard/landscaping
Poorly drained soil
Plant Mosquito-Repelling Plants
Filling your yard or garden with mosquito-repelling plants in flowerpots may help create a fortress for outdoor gatherings. Marigolds, catnip, allium bulbs, witch hazel, and bee balm are common choices.
Pungent herbs like basil, rosemary, mint, and sage will also do the trick. You can even plant lavender, lemongrass, or citronella (scented geraniums) rather than (or in addition to) diffusing their oils.
Some of these plants are colorful and bright, which can confuse and drive away mosquitoes (they’re attracted to darker colors). All of them offer mosquito-repellent scents.
Attract natural mosquito predators to your yard
Encourage natural mosquito predators to inhabit your yard. This creates a balanced ecosystem. Natural predators include:
Birds (swallows and purple martins)
Bats
Dragonflies
Maintain Your Yard To Deter Mosquitos
Effective landscape maintenance plays an important role in reducing mosquitoes in your yard. Mosquitos rest in tall grass during the day, so keeping your lawn well-manicured by mowing regularly makes your yard less appealing.
Dethatching your lawn can reduce the excess moisture and breeding sites for mosquitoes. Pruning vegetation reduces shaded areas where mosquitoes hide, and clearing yard debris removes hiding spots for mosquitoes.
There are times when additional assistance is required to reduce mosquito populations. You can find natural products containing cedar, a known mosquito deterrent, as well as chemical products designed for yard use.
コメント