If you enjoy spending time outdoors during the spring and summer, you’ve likely had encounters with annoying mosquitoes. In addition to leaving irritating bites, these common pests can transmit diseases such as the Zika virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fortunately, there are several ways that you can control the mosquitos on your property—and protect yourself and your family. The experts at Spence’s Pest Control have created a simple list of mosquito prevention tips to help you regain the use of your yard so you can enjoy your favorite outdoor activities without worrying about these aggravating pests.

Remove Standing Water

Water fountains, bird baths, flower pots, rain barrels, tarps, pool covers, buckets, old tires, and other containers that hold water are prime areas for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. By removing the source, you can effectively eliminate breeding grounds and drastically reduce the mosquito population on your property.

Empty Remaining Water Sources Frequently

If you can’t remove all of the standing water sources on your property, it’s important to empty or change out the water on a weekly basis. Empty, clean, and refill fountains, bird baths, and outside pet water bowls, and check your property for any sources of standing water that have refilled. This simple process will interrupt the breeding process and keep mosquito eggs from hatching.

Properly Maintain Pools and Ponds

Improperly maintained swimming pools and ponds are the perfect breeding grounds for large populations of mosquitoes. Make sure you stick to your pool’s water treatment schedule and frequently check filters to ensure they are operating properly.

For ponds, be sure to keep the edges free of weeds. Adding a fountain to circulate the water and introducing minnows to feed on mosquito larvae are two of the most common ways to prevent mosquito infestations in ponds and other large water sources.

Install Outdoor Bug Lights

You don’t have to spend a fortune on a bug zapper to control the mosquitoes near your home. Instead, replace the regular bulbs in your outdoor lighting fixtures with bug lights. These high-tech bulbs emit a wavelength that is less likely to draw mosquitoes and other annoying insects.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

When spending time outdoors, be sure to take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible to reduce the amount of exposed skin, and avoid outdoor activities at dawn or dusk since mosquitoes are more active at these times. Most importantly, use an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains one of the following active ingredients:

• DEET
• Picaridin
• IR3535
• Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
• Para-Menthane-Diol
• 2-Undecanone

Since mosquitoes can infect dogs and cats with heartworms, be sure to use an approved bug repellent on your pets, too!

Enlist the Professionals

No matter how many steps you take to prevent mosquitoes, you may find that you need professional assistance to keep them under control. Trained professionals can apply a long-lasting barrier spray treatment to your yard and treat standing water sources to prevent mosquito larvae from reaching adulthood.

If you’re tired of pesky mosquitoes putting a damper on your time outdoors, don’t hesitate to contact a mosquito control specialist at Spence’s Pest Control today. We provide affordable and effective services to prevent and control mosquitoes on your property, and our team is happy to answer any questions you have about our services. Contact us at 804-794-7738, or use our convenient online form to schedule a free inspection and receive an estimate based on the size and landscaping of your property. In no time, we’ll get you back outside so you can enjoy your yard again!