Mosquito Control Tips and Tricks

Aside from their annoying buzz and itchy bites, mosquitoes are vectors for very serious diseases. Here’s how to keep them away from your Florida home this year.

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While Florida is home to millions of these annoying pests, not every mosquito problem needs an exterminator right away. Through a combination of preventative measures, DIY, and store-bought treatments, many South Floridians in communities like Coral Springs, Parkland, and Boca Raton have managed to keep mosquitoes and the diseases they carry away from their families. The CDC even emphasizes the importance of mosquito control for individual households, as collective action benefits our neighborhoods.

If you’ve never taken steps to prevent mosquitoes from breeding on your property or stop a potential infestation in its tracks, you might be surprised at how easy it is to overlook critical tips and tricks.

Good thing our experts at Gregory’s Pest Control have you covered.

How to Prevent Mosquitoes from Breeding On Your Property

The best way to control the mosquito population and prevent mosquito bites is to cut them off at the source. Follow these tips to stop them from breeding in and around the home:

• Get Rid of Standing Water – By now, most South Florida homeowners know to be on the lookout for standing water. However, many are unaware of just how little water mosquitoes need to breed. A single bottle cap of water is enough for a female mosquito to lay eggs. Inspect your home thoroughly, pay attention to your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry areas, and be extra vigilant after rainy periods. If you have a pond or other water feature, ensure the water stays moving.
• Repair Leaks – Routinely check your pipes indoors and outdoors to ensure water from leaks hasn’t become trapped anywhere. Gutters should be cleaned routinely as well.
• Remove Junk and Debris – From old playsets and car parts to flower pots and birdbaths, anything that could hide water inside or underneath should be removed. 
• Clear Unnecessary Brush and High Grass – Thick vegetation can keep standing water in the shade and serve as great hiding places for mosquitoes and their eggs.
• Keep Bins and Pet Bowls Covered – Barrels and bins used for rainwater and trash should remain covered. If you keep your pet’s bowl outside, the water should be changed often and the bowl overturned or taken inside when not being used. 

Best Mosquito Control Tips and Tricks for Homeowners

Once you’ve removed potential breeding areas from the environment, it’s time to get rid of the annoying adults buzzing around. 

• Mosquito Traps – A few strategically placed mosquito traps are a great way to reduce their numbers. Most traps use heat, light, CO2, or a combination of these elements to attract and exterminate a significant number over time. 
• Use Repellent – Mosquito repellents containing DEET have proven very effective in repelling not just mosquitoes, but other pests like ticks and fleas. However, while the EPA states that DEET does not present a health concern when used properly, homemade mixtures using ingredients like lemon eucalyptus oil or crushed lavender can also be effective. Mosquito coils are another form of repellent, though they are not used on the body.
• Grow Plants and Flowers to Repel Mosquitos – Some plants like catnip, rosemary, and basil can naturally repel mosquitoes from your yard. Plant them under windows and near doorways 
• Clothing and Scents – Mosquitoes tend to be attracted to darker clothing, higher body temperatures, sweat, and some floral scents.
• Use Screens and Mosquito Nets – Door and window screens allow you to let air and light into your home without providing an entry point for mosquitos. Mosquito nets can also be placed around outdoor areas like patios and gazebos. 

Other Effective Mosquito Control Methods

If a mosquito problem persists or increases after you’ve taken these measures, it may be time to consider other options.

• Chemical Treatment – Some commercial brands of mosquito spray containing insecticide are available for private purchase and use. However, extreme caution should be exercised, especially around children, pets, plants, and other wildlife.
• Call a Professional – The best way to get rid of your mosquito problems for good is to get in touch with a licensed expert who can get the job done while ensuring you and your loved ones stay safe. 

Get Professional Mosquito Treatments from Gregory’s Pest Control

The safest, most effective way to eliminate and repel mosquitoes from your Florida home is to get a full-service treatment from a professional mosquito and pest control provider.

Gregory’s Pest Control, based out of Coral Springs, Florida, has over thirty years of experience protecting families in Broward, Palm Beach, and other South Florida areas from mosquito infestations. We also have a barrier protection program to eliminate breeding areas and an advanced maintenance service that sees one of GPC’s expert personnel returning for a checkup every 21-30 days.

Visit our mosquito control services page to get a free quote or schedule a complimentary pest evaluation visit.