Hot weather and standing water come with significant nuisances related to pest control. One of the most dangerous and annoying pests that need control in Houston are mosquitoes. Bringing deadly diseases at worst and itchy bites at best, mosquitoes can be prevented and managed through basic diligence and access to professional pest control services. Three forms of mosquito control include preventing breeding sources, protecting yourself, and caring for your community.
Prevent Breeding Sources
Mosquitoes breed prolifically, laying eggs and developing colonies at a rapid rate. Because mosquito larvae need still water to survive, any area on your property with standing water acts as a perfect home for mosquitoes to grow their families. One of the main objectives for mosquito control and prevention is getting rid of standing water.
Read More: Why are Mosquitoes Attracted to Me?
Check off these items to make sure your property is not increasing its mosquito population:
- Clean and change water in birdbaths, pet water bowls, and flower vases once a week.
- Cap fence pipes of chain link fences to prevent water pooling inside.
- Cover open containers (boxes, buckets, jars, pots, etc.) or turn them upside down.
- Stock ponds with fish that eat mosquito larvae or use aerator pumps.
- Fix leaking hoses, faucets, or sprinkler systems.
- Drill holes for drainage in playground equipment such as tire swings.
- Drain and cover unused pools or hot tubs.
- Don’t overwater your lawn or plants, replace plant saucers with footed pots, or fill saucers with pea gravel.
- Screen rain barrel openings and remove debris.
- Clean gutters, downspouts, and drains regularly to keep water flowing.
- Check foundation of sheds or outdoor storage for water and drain.
- Check outdoor toys and lawn ornaments weekly for water buildup.
- Keep trash cans and recycle bins covered, or drill drainage holes in them.
- Store wheelbarrows, wagons, canoes and trailers under covers or upside down so water cannot pool.
- Keep tires and other water-collecting items stored under the cover of a roof.
- Don’t forget to check balconies, decks or patios for the presence of plants and standing water.
- Fill low spots in your yard (including tire ruts) with dirt or sand to avoid standing water.
- Check boat covers and vehicle tarps frequently, emptying any water.
- Dig trenches in flower beds to improve drainage.
- Scrub containers after dumping them out (some types of mosquito eggs can attach themselves to containers and dry out, waiting for the next rainstorm to breed again).
Protect Yourself
Even with a significant amount of breeding prevention, it’s impossible to keep your property completely mosquito free. These actions will cut down on the ability for mosquitoes to affect your home and your family:
- Install screens or repair holes in existing screens,
- Keep landscape plants, trees, and shrubs trimmed,
- Stock ponds or other containers with mosquito fish.
- Wear DEET spray repellent, along with long sleeves, long pants, and light colors in the evening.
- Avoid times when mosquitoes are most active, such as dawn or dusk.
Care For Your Community
Your neighborhood or community may be at risk of breeding or hosting mosquito colonies. Watch out for these situations in your area.
- Report disruptions in nature that may cause mosquito problems, such as these:
- Green or abandoned swimming pools, hot tubs, or other bodies of standing water.
- Trash cans or recycle bins on the street or other places that may collect water or provide home for mosquitoes.
- Presence of dead birds such as owls, jays, hawks, or crows.
- Obvious breeding of mosquitoes in damp areas.
- Pick up litter that may collect water, and keep your neighborhood clean.
For the most effective mosquito control in Houston, contact Cypress Creek Pest Control for an inspection of your home or neighborhood by professional pest control technicians.
