An itchy mosquito bite can put a damper on your outdoor fun. Mosquitoes are active in summer and are often spotted near swimming pools. Understanding why these pests are in your yard can help you get rid of them. Check out why mosquitoes are hanging out near your pool.
Your Pool Has Standing Water
Mosquitoes love moisture and they lay eggs in stagnant water. Typically, your pool’s pump keeps water moving. However, if your pump isn’t working or you haven’t been using it, the water can become still. You need to make sure water is circulating to help prevent mosquitoes. Water can also gather on your pool cover. This water can be the perfect place for mosquitoes to lay eggs. Remove any water that gathers there.
Your Pool Needs Cleaned
Keeping your pool well maintained can help keep mosquitoes away. Water with chlorine is less attractive to mosquitoes. It can make it harder for larvae to survive and hinder their growth. You’ll also want to take time to remove leaves and other debris from your pool. Leaves are a potential breeding site for mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes Are Attracted to You
Your pool may have nothing to do with the arrival of mosquitoes. They could be looking for you. Female mosquitoes need a blood meal to produce and lay eggs, which is why they bite you. These pests are attracted to the carbon dioxide you release when breathing. This doesn’t mean you have to stay inside all summer. Minimizing other attractants and using a plant-based Natural Insect Repellent can help deter mosquito activity.
How to Prevent Mosquitoes
A little bit of work in your yard can help keep your space free of mosquitoes. Here are a few tips to help prevent mosquitoes.
- Minimize Moisture: Examine your yard for areas with moisture build-up. Check your hose and spigot for leaks. Ensure your gutters are clean and your downspout is working properly. Remove items in your yard that collect water including flowerpots and toys.
- Trim Vegetation: Mosquitoes hide in tall grass and vegetation. Regularly mow your lawn to keep your grass short. Trim your plants, shrubs, and bushes to minimize potential hiding spots for these pests.
- Enclose Your Pool: If you want to help ensure your pool area stays mosquito-free, consider installing a pool enclosure. These will help to keep bugs away. If you already have an enclosure and are still seeing mosquitoes, check for holes or gaps where they could enter.
- Create a Protective Barrier: Spraying your yard with a plant-based insecticide spray can help to prevent mosquitoes. Our Mosquito & Tick Killer kills mosquitoes on contact and has repellent properties. This residual repellency acts as a barrier helping to deter mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes don’t have to ruin your time outside. With a few preventative measures, you can help keep these pests away. If mosquitoes are bugging you, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.