Mosquitoes are annoying and their bites are itchy. But that’s not the first thing. Some can carry serious diseases. For these reasons, it’s best to try to prevent them flourishing at home in the first place. Mosquitos breed at a particularly high rate in some conditions. By eliminating these from your property, you can reduce your chances of being bitten.
Stagnant Water
Mosquitoes need still, stagnant water to lay eggs and for the young to successfully hatch and mature. During mosquito season, it’s especially important to clear any sources of stagnant water on your property. Empty out kiddie pools, buckets, tyres, boats, tarps, children’s toys and other items that may be sitting around collecting water. Store them upside down or under cover.
If you have a bird bath, flush and wipe it out regularly. If you have a rainwater tank, ensure it has proper seals and screens on it to prevent mosquitoes getting in. If you live have a pond on your property, try spreading environmentally friendly products around such as Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis), a botanical that can kill mosquitoes before they mature. Alternatively, you can stock your pond with Mosquitofish which will feed on any larvae.
Clear Drains and Gutters
Leaves, twigs and other obstacles in your gutters can allow stagnant water to build up there, creating the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Prevent this from happening by clearing at your gutters on a regular basis. You should also clean drain sumps regularly and ensure the water drains well.
Plants
Reduce the number of Bromeliad plants in your garden as they collect water and have the potential to breed mosquitoes. If your pot plants have bases, fill them with sand to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in water that collects there. Likewise, fill any self-watering pot plant bases with sand.
Eliminate debris and hiding spots in your yard. Keep on top of regular clean-up and maintenance, such as trimming back grasses and other plant life so mosquitoes can’t hide there. Take a close look around your garden. Garden ornaments and even paving stones can collect water and become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Fly Screens
Maintain fly screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home. This includes on windows and doors as well as any vents and chimneys. Screens should be no coarser than 12 x 12 meshes per 25mm, or 1.2mm. Use an even coarser mesh if you wish to keep out other smaller biting insects such as sand-flies. Check fly screens around your home for any holes or gaps where insects could get in and fix any you find promptly.
Pest Control Services in Queensland
If you’ve tried all this and are still having issues with mosquitoes, call in a pest control professional to inspect your property and implement controls. The team at Critters Pest Management can help homeowners across Brisbane, Redlands, Ipswich and Logan. We use the latest tools and treatments to eliminate mosquitoes and other pests from your home or business. Our range of pest control services include getting rid of mosquitoes, mice and ants as well as providing termite inspections and termite treatments
Call our friendly professionals today on 07 3820 2388 to make a booking or contact us online.