How to Control Mosquito at Home

Home Mosquito Control-a-mosquito — *A Mosquito*

Mosquitoes can become quite annoying with their humming or buzzing not to mention their painful bite or sting and what makes matters worse is that these pests carry numerous diseases such as West Nile virus, dengue, Zika virus, Yellow fever malaria, and Chikungunya virus. Because mosquitos put the health and the lives of individuals at risk, we should take the necessary steps to eliminate these disease-carrying pests. A mosquito bite itches because of its saliva and can cause the skin to break out into a rash.

What are Mosquitoes Attracted to

What are mosquitoes attracted to and why do they show up at our doorstep?

Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide that humans and animals emit, mosquitoes also use their vision and receptors to pick up on skin odors, body heat, and perspiration. Even dark-colored clothing will attract mosquitoes. Other factors that will attract these pests to your home are flowers that produce nectar, Tall grasses, shrubs, and weeds are known to be a harborage for mosquitoes to rest.

Standing or stagnant water is a favorite of mosquitoes because this is where they lay their eggs, plants that hold water in the center cup are another welcoming place for mosquitoes to lay their eggs so make sure that the center cups of plants are free of water, empty containers that are kept outdoors should be turned and keep upside down so as not to collect rainwater, old car tires etc. should be discarded, pet bowls should be emptied when not in use, fill in sinks, holes, depressions with soil because these small areas can become a breathing ground for mosquitoes. Clogged gutters and drains, bird baths, and mini ponds are also breathing places. Even indoor containers that hold water for example saucers under flower pots, linking indoor pipes where water is collected in a container, etc… will attract mosquitoes. An important fact to remember is mosquitoes need water to continue their life cycle, so discourage the presence of mosquitoes by getting rid of standing or stagnating water.

The Life Cycle of a Mosquito

There are 4 stages in the life of a mosquito which include egg, larvae, pupa, and adult, the entire life of a mosquito from an egg to an adult is 8-10 days. The female lays 50-100 eggs on the water or wet surface depending on the species. As the Larva goes through the 4 molting stages feeds on bacteria, algae, and other organic debris once the pupa stage is reached shortly thereafter an adult mosquito will emerge.

How to Discourage Mosquitoes from Your Home

The first step to discourage mosquitoes from finding their way indoors is sanitation and exclusion, as discussed earlier any vessel that can hold water and is not in use should be turned upside down from collecting rainwater. Another option is to place unused containers in the garage or shade and make sure that window screens are in good repair. look for cracks in windows and doors or a broken window should be repaired. Small holes in walls are an entry point for mosquitoes and should be repaired.

Installing a screen around your porch, patio decks, pergolas, etc… can discourage their presence. Many garden plants will deter or keep mosquitoes away because of the plant’s odors. Some of these garden plants include Rosemary, Lemon balm, basil, marigold, Catnip, Lemongrass, Lavender, etc…

Note: It is best to consider calling first a professional company to do the job for you.

Natural Methods for Mosquito Control

The presence of wildlife can help with mosquito control, and make your yard a haven for wildlife by installing a garden, a garden will attract small birds, lizards, dragonflies, etc.. using mosquitoes as a food source.

Chemical Control

When using chemicals to control the mosquito population it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s direction to be safe and for the best results or call in a professional to do the job for you.

For Outdoor Use

Mosquito zappers or electrocutes use carbon dioxide to attract and kill mosquitoes.
EPA-registered mosquito foggers and sprays are formulated for outdoor use to spread toxins that will kill mosquitoes.
High-tech mosquito traps use a combination of scent and heat that will attract mosquitoes, once the mosquito draws near will be sucked in by a built-in vacuum where there is a chamber that will trap and kill them.
The installation of citronella torches or candles will discourage the presence of mosquitoes.
Outdoor fans will keep these pests at bay by blowing them away.
The use of Larvicides will kill mosquitoes before they reach adulthood.
Use pond pumps to keep the water moving
The use of larvicides such as BTI (a bacterium that produces a toxin to eliminate mosquito larvae) & IGR (insect growth regulator) to water bodies. Caution Before chemical application carefully read the instructions on the package or the label to ensure fish can survive in the seam water before applying chemicals.
Avoid overwatering your lawn.
If tree stumps are present remove them because a tree stamp will collect rainwater and mosquitoes will use this standing water to breed.
The use of a product with an alcohol derivative to create a film over the water’s surface, causes the air-breathing larvae to drown while making sure that the water remains safe.

Indoor Mosquito Control

A mosquito loves dark, quite humid places to rest and hide so inspect areas such as in the laundry room, closets, garage, shade, in showers, under furniture, under sinks, and your vase with standing water will attract them as well. Here is how to bring control, Caution however before using any indoor sprays or insecticides for mosquito control first read and follow the manufacturer’s directions or the label to be safe and for the best results.

The use of indoor insecticides will deliver a quick knockdown but does not have a lasting residual.
Treat areas indoors with a spray or fogger which is labeled for indoor use to control mosquitoes.
Other devices that can be used are mosquito zappers with blue lights, insect killer fly traps, mosquito killer, and plug-in electronics.
Mosquito repellents that are formulated to be used or to make contact with skin and clothing can be used to keep these pests away. Some of these repellents may include, tea tree essential oil, citronella essential oil, peppermint essential oil, thyme essential oil, etc…

Conclusion

Controlling mosquito populations based on the issue that is presented may take some work but the good news is that proper practice will reduce mosquito populations. Because this pest presents serious health risks and should not be taken lightly. This guide offers solutions that will help to win the war on these uninvited guests. If you have mosquito issues contact us so we can help you to combat these pests as we work together to create a pest-free environment.