This time of year, we learn firsthand how everything’s bigger in Texas — from the size of our mosquitos. The Austin area contends with two mosquito seasons. Mosquitos in the Austin, Dripping Springs, and Round Rock, Texas, area are also active during the day, not just at dawn and dusk as they are in other places. Want to get rid of these pests so they don’t cause health problems for you, your kids, and your pets? You might be doing things in and around your home to make the skeeters worse. Read on to discover 10 surprising ways you’re attracting mosquitos to your home – without even knowing it.
1. Open Trash Cans
Mosquitos have such a keen sense of smell, that they can smell carbon dioxide when a person exhales. They’re attracted to odors in search of human blood, so stinky garbage cans can attract mosquitos. Once they arrive, they turn the cans into breeding grounds. To keep them away, simply keep garbage contained and lids closed.
2. Long Grass
Mosquitos can easily hide in tall grass. Keeping your lawn well-trimmed will reduce the places they can conceal themselves.
3. Undrained Children’s Pools and Water Tables
It’s all fun and games until these kids’ playthings turn into a mosquito-hot zone. Because mosquitos only need a small amount of water to lay eggs, so keep pools and water tables completely drained.
4. Yard Debris
Yard debris, such as grass clippings, mounds of branches, piles of leaves, and compost piles can all protect breeding mosquitos from the elements. Don’t let mosquitos get comfortable; keep this debris clear from your yard.
5. Clogged Gutters and Drains
According to the CDC, female mosquitos love to lay eggs on the moist walls of containers with water, just above the waterline. They can lay 100 eggs at a time. Clogged gutters and drains create the perfect conditions for these breeding grounds when they don’t flow freely. Clean your gutters and drains periodically to make sure they don’t clog.
6. Certain Types of Plants
Plants can turn your yard from a haven for you into one for mosquitos. As Intelligent Living reports, bamboo, taro, papyrus, water lilies, water hyacinths, and water lettuce may all attract skeeters to your property. Luckily, certain plants can repel mosquitos. These include basil, peppermint, catnip, citronella, floss flower, lavender, marigold, and rosemary.
7. Pet Water Bowls
Keeping your pet hydrated in the warm summer months is vital, but so is eliminating sources of standing water in your environment. Empty and refill your pet’s bowl daily to ensure they have clean water. This will reduce stagnation, making the water less attractive to mosquitos, and your pet will thank you too.
8. Ornamental Ponds
Ornamental ponds may be attractive landscape features; however, they can also turn into pest paradises. Consider getting some gambusia affinis (mosquito fish) to reduce the presence of skeeters in your pond.
9. Sandboxes
Mosquitos frequent sandboxes in search of protection and — after a rain — a moist environment. Keep your box pest-free by covering it or moving it to a sunnier area where moisture will evaporate.
10. Miscellaneous Standing Water
There is a reason mosquitos earned the name “swamp angel.” They love standing water and will seek it out in the smallest and most unusual places. As the CDC describes, “It only takes a very small amount of water to attract a female mosquito. Bowls, cups, fountains, tires, barrels, vases and any other container storing water makes for a great ‘nursery.’” Mosquitos also like to frequent pooling water in tarps, bird baths, and the saucers of potted plants.
How BrockStar Pest Services Can Help
BrockStar has been keeping it local since 2012, so we’ve been there and seen that. Even after learning these surprising ways you’re attracting mosquitos to your home, your problem may outgrow preventative measures. We can create a comprehensive pest control plan to rid your home and yard of mosquitos. Call to schedule service, 512-800-0437.
