The weather in Springfield and Burke is finally changing. When Spring peeks out with the year’s first few days of warm weather, we may throw open the doors and windows and start dreaming of the season’s beautiful blooms and blossoms. But we should also be aware… this first taste of warm weather means it’s time to prepare for mosquito season.

To protect ourselves and our yards from these flying biting pests, it’s important to prepare for mosquito season early. So here are some Spring cleaning and control techniques that you can use now to save your summer from mosquitoes.

Why should I prepare for mosquito season early?

Mosquitoes may already be in your yard.

No, mosquitos don’t really disappear in the colder months of the year. They may seem to be gone, but some mosquitoes can in fact survive the winter. They do this through a process called overwintering. Overwintering is when female mosquitoes lay their eggs before winter, and the eggs survive and eventually hatch when temperatures rise again.

Being prepared means avoiding unnecessary hassle.

Why wait until your yard is filled with mosquitoes to do something about them? When you prepare for mosquito season early, you can lessen the stress and focus on enjoying your outdoor space.

How should I prepare for mosquito season?

There are a number of ways you can prepare for mosquito season and help prevent bites around your home. Most importantly, make sure your yard isn’t a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Get Rid of Stagnant Water

Mosquitoes need water to lay eggs, which is why any areas of standing water make for popular mosquito breeding grounds. A big part of DIY mosquito control is getting rid of standing water near your home. This includes not allowing stagnant water to build up in kiddie pools, birdbaths, plastic sheeting, and old tires, and tipping over items like trash can lids, tire swings, and children’s toys to empty the water out. Remember, any water that stands for more than seven days can become a mosquito breeding site.

Keep Gutters and Drains Clear

Did you know that mosquitos do not need a deep pool of stagnant water to breed? They can lay eggs even in a handful of water! During winter, many gutters become cluttered with fallen leaves and debris which does not allow rainwater to flow freely. You’ll want to clear out your gutters once the spring starts to help you prepare for mosquito season, but definitely to ensure that water flows freely and does not accumulate as a mosquito breeding ground.

Keep your yards clean

Mosquitoes also love to breed in tall grass, bushes, and overgrown trees. Keeping your lawn tidy and your grass shorter helps to keep them away. If you have any water features on your property, consider installing pumps that circulate the water so that it does not remain stagnant. Introducing fish or minnows that feed on mosquito larvae is also a natural means of prevention.

Use plants with mosquito-fighting properties 

Rose scented geraniums contain citronellal oil and can help ward off mosquito attacks. The lemon balm plant also offers mosquito-repelling properties. Catnip is also an effective plant remedy against mosquitoes. The basil plant also has some mosquito-repelling properties. Other plants that can provide benefit include marigold, ageratum, and horsemint.

Fire up a smoker

There’s a reason torches are so popular for background get-togethers during mosquito season! Whether dipped in citronella or just generating an ashen atmosphere, smoke is a natural repellent for mosquitoes.

Hire your local mosquito control company

There is only so much that homeowners can do without professional help. When it comes to drastically decreasing the number of mosquitoes in your yard, you may need professional help. 

Obviously the easiest way to beat mosquitoes is to enlist the help of a professional. Pest specialist are committed to doing everything possible to ensure your home and yard are mosquito-free zones. They even have treatments designed to break up the 21-day lifecycle of mosquitoes, which means you won’t be bothered in between treatments.

If you are planning on hiking, going to the park, or participating in any other outdoor activities in the spring and summer, make sure to apply insect repellent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend using products that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or some other EPA-registered products. And even in your own backyard, you’ll want to be aware of the best mosquito repellents and how to use them as you prepare for mosquito season. But if you use these tips perhaps these pests won’t be quite so prominent.