Spring is on its way, and it won’t be long now before we are swatting at annoying mosquitos in our yard. Here in Texas, it’s pretty much always mosquito season which means it’s never too early to prevent them from breeding on your property. But how do you do that? To prevent mosquitos, you need to understand mosquitos and their breeding habits. With these tips, you should see a dramatic decrease in the number of mosquitos in your yard.

Citronella Candles

Citronella candles are a staple of any backyard barbecue and help ensure buzzing pests don’t ruin your special occasion. But the downside to these candles is that they only work for a short period and unless you want your guests huddled around a small candle, it’s not the most ideal method. 

Eliminate Standing Water

One of the most effective ways to manage mosquito populations is by eliminating standing water wherever you can. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. In just three short days, the eggs will hatch, and in less than two weeks, they will emerge as adults ready to feed. Take standing water out of the equation, and mosquitos can’t breed.

If you think about it, there could be a million and one places that could hold standing water in your yard, including animal waterers, old tires, potholes, areas of pooling water, rain gutters, and tree holes. All of these can hold enough water after it rains to produce a new generation of mosquitos. So do yourself a favor and empty out all standing water from your property. You could even enlist the help of your neighbors to do the same to help reduce the mosquito population.

Invite Mosquito Eating Predators

Introducing predators that feed on mosquitoes can also help drive down the mosquito population. Bats, swallows, and purple martins all love to snack on mosquitos. Set up some bat houses and purple martin houses on your Texas property to attract them. You’ll enjoy watching these aerial aces as they dive and swoop at unseen insects that will be too busy trying to avoid being eaten to bother you.

Use Larvicide In Standing Water

In places where you can’t get rid of standing water, such as fountains and animal waterers, you should use larvicide pellets. These dissolvable pellets can be found at any Texas hardware or gardening store. They use a natural larvicide that kills all types of mosquito larvae but is completely safe for animals. Just one pellet can control mosquitos for a month.

Use a Mosquito Repellant for Mosquito Control

If you just want to avoid these bloodsuckers and aren’t concerned about controlling the mosquito population, you can always go the easy route and cover yourself with mosquito repellant. The Centers For Disease Control recommends using products that contain DEET.

Use Natural Mosquito Repellants

Not everyone can use commercial mosquito repellants, but natural alternatives have been used for thousands of years. Check out these natural mosquito-repellent scents:

• Basil
• Bergamot
• Catnip
• Garlic
• Lavender
• Lemon Balm
• Lemongrass
• Marigold
• Neem
• Peppermint
• Rosemary

Use Bug Lights in Your Texas Backyard

You can enjoy your backyard this summer without being bothered by annoying mosquitoes and other insects by installing a few bug lights. These aren’t the old-fashioned mosquito zappers that kill anything that flies into it; these unique lights give off a particular hue that is not attractive to mosquitoes or other insects. While they do not repel mosquitoes, they do not attract mosquitoes as traditional bulbs do.

For the Ultimate Mosquito Control, Call the Mosquito Pros at DFW Mosquito

The best way to eliminate mosquitoes for good is by calling a professional pest control company that specializes in mosquito management. Mosquito season in Texas is practically year-round. Don’t let them keep you from enjoying your outdoor spaces this winter. Call the experts at DFW Mosquito and get set up on a year-round mosquito control program that will keep these pests out of sight and out of mind. 

Are you hosting a special event such as a graduation, wedding, birthday, or holiday and don’t want your guests running home in fear? Call and ask about our mosquito control for special events.

After you sign up, our mosquito control specialists will assess your property and create a program that fits your needs. Give us a call at (817) 615-4944 or send us a message. Don’t forget to follow our blog for helpful mosquito control tips in Texas.