Fight Off Mosquitos

It’s August in Virginia, and that means longer days, warm nights, and summer fun! This year, more than ever, most of us are utilizing our backyard for more than just barbeques. It is now our place of refuge, for family gatherings and even staycations. We can all agree that the year 2020 has given us plenty to worry about already. The last thing you need is to have blood-sucking annoying mosquitoes ruin your fun. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of ways you can deter and help prevent mosquitoes from taking over your yard without the use of harsh chemicals or unsafe ingredients.

Eliminate Standing Water

It is true, living on water such as a lake or wetlands will increase the number of mosquitoes you encounter. This is because mosquitoes require standing water to lay their eggs. If you live on a lake or wetlands, your best bet is to invest in a professionally based mosquito control program. For everyone else, it’s important to note that it only takes a small amount of water for mosquitoes to reproduce in, and they do so in just three days. Water left outside in buckets, flowerpots, birdbaths, found in dishes, rain spouts, and even unclogged gutters are all breeding grounds for these intolerable creatures. By eliminating standing water, you can dramatically limit the number of mosquitoes in your area. 

Try Making Homemade Mosquito Traps

Mosquito traps are easy to make. All you need is an empty two-liter soda bottle, some tape, and a cutting tool.

• Cut off the top of the soda bottle
• Place the top half onto the bottom half upside down
• Tape the two halves together
• Add one cup of water to one cup of sugar
• Add one teaspoon of yeast

Cut the 2-liter bottle in half. Place the two halves inside each other so that the nozzle faces down like a funnel into the bottom half. Use the tape to secure the two halves together.

Next, mix one cup of hot water, one cup of sugar, and one teaspoon of yeast. Put this mixture in the bottom of the trap. Being attracted to the mix, and once inside will be unable to escape. 

Utilize the Scent of Citronella

Citronella has long been used as a natural mosquito repellant. You can get citronella in many products such as candles, oil diffusers, or tiki torches. Mosquitoes can’t stand the smell of citronella, so placing a few candles and tiki torches around your patio can create a barrier for your backyard event. Unfortunately, citronella candles and torches only protect a small area. Therefore, you need to place several of them in different locations to be effective

Force Them Away

Create air circulation using a fan on your back deck or patio. Mosquitoes are not the best flyers, and the strength of the fan’s wind often proves too much for the mosquitoes, forcing them to find the next family to victimize. 

Invite Bats and Swallows

Even mosquitoes have enemies. Why not invite those enemies into your yard? Mosquitoes eating animals such as swallows, purple martins, and bats aren’t only enjoyable to watch but also do you a favor by eating mosquitoes. Make them feel welcome by putting up a few bat houses and purple martin houses. You can attract swallows by putting up bird boxes that face open areas of land.

Repair Damaged or Ineffective Window Screens

Repair your window screens before you install them for the warmer weather. Tiny mosquitoes can find their way into your home through the smallest tear in your screens. If you have a screened-in deck, porch, or patio, check the screen condition on these as well.

When It’s Time to Call in the Professionals

Sometimes there is just a no-win situation against mosquitoes. No matter how many citronella candles you put out or homemade traps you make, mosquitoes invade and take over your fun. You want to rid your backyard of these annoying insects, but you don’t want to harm the environment or create an unsafe haven for your kids or pets. It’s time to call in the professionals at NuLeaf. 

NuLeaf Offers an Environmentally, Kid and Pet Friendly Alternative to Mosquito Control

Our 100 percent organic mosquito control service is very effective when applied every two weeks. It includes active ingredients such as rosemary oil and cedar oil that won’t hurt the environment and are safe for immediate play outdoors by your pets and children.

NuLeaf Lawn Care also offers a naturally derived mosquito control service that uses a synthetic derivative of the chrysanthemum flower to control mosquitoes for up to four weeks. It is also safe for your family, pets, and loved ones but a little more cost-effective. 

Call NuLeaf today at 703-688-8967 or contact us today to find out more about both of our mosquito control services and begin to enjoy your backyard again.