Summer is quickly approaching, which means it’s time to prepare for outdoor activities. Having to dodge pesky mosquitoes can quickly make you head indoors. Several factors can cause your yard to be more appealing to these pests. We’ve made a list of five things that can attract mosquitoes to your yard.
1. Standing Water
Mosquitoes breed and develop in water during the egg, pupa, and larva stage of their life cycle. These pests only need a small amount of water to lay eggs. Water left in flowerpots, buckets, trash can lids, and other objects can attract mosquitoes. Clogged gutters and leaky spigots are also sources of standing water. If you have a kiddie pool, birdbath, or pet water bowl, you’ll want to regularly replace the water.
2. Overgrown Vegetation
When it warms up, mosquitoes start causing problems. Even though they prefer warm climates, they also need a break from the sun. Vegetation can provide them with a shaded hiding spot. Tall grass and overgrown shrubs, bushes, plants, and weeds can be attractive to mosquitoes. It’s important to keep your lawn cut short and to trim vegetation. This will minimize shady areas and help to deter mosquitoes.
3. Yard Debris
Other objects in your yard can provide mosquitoes with hiding places. These pests can seek refuge from the sun and the wind in piles of leaves, grass clippings, compost piles, and stacks of branches and twigs. Cleaning up your yard may not sound like a fun project, but it can help to keep mosquitoes away. Don’t forget to clear out the space under decks and porches to minimize harboring sites.
4. Flowers
Flowers are great for sprucing up your yard, but some can attract mosquitoes. Male and female mosquitoes feed on nectar, which many plants produce. To help deter mosquitoes, try adding a few plants that are known to repel these pests. Peppermint, marigolds, lavender, citronella, and rosemary have fragrances that drive mosquitoes crazy.
5. People & Animals
If mosquitoes are in your yard, they’re probably looking for something to eat. Female mosquitoes require a blood meal to produce eggs. These bugs love when you and your pets spend time outside. Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide you release when breathing. Sweating and wearing dark colors and strong perfumes or colognes can make it easier for mosquitoes to find you. When heading outdoors, using a plant-based Natural Insect Repellent can help to prevent these pests.
Sharing your yard with mosquitoes isn’t an ideal situation. Taking the time to identify and remove potential attractants can keep your yard free of mosquitoes. If mosquitoes are bugging you, we have your back! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our plant-based mosquito control products.