Spring in Louisiana brings warm weather and more time outside, but it also means more mosquitoes. These pests can turn a nice evening outdoors into an itchy nightmare. The good news is that there are simple ways to keep mosquitoes away.
Follow these tips to reduce mosquito activity around your home so you can enjoy your outdoor space without worrying about mosquito bites.
Key Takeaways
- Standing water attracts mosquitoes, so empty birdbaths, flower pots, and clogged gutters.
- Clean gutters, use mosquito repellents, and plant citronella or lavender to help keep mosquitoes away.
- Swimming pools, ponds, and window screens need proper maintenance to prevent mosquitoes from spreading.
- Mosquito traps and professional mosquito treatments can reduce mosquitoes and protect against diseases.
1. Get Rid of Standing Water
Mosquitoes need water sources to breed.
Female mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water, and in just a few days, those eggs turn into mosquito larvae. This means anything that collects water—like birdbaths, flower pots, clogged gutters, and low-lying areas—can become a breeding ground.
To keep infestations at bay, check your yard often and empty or cover anything that holds water. Even small amounts of water, like what collects in a tarp or an old tire, can attract mosquitoes.
2. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters and downspouts are perfect places for mosquitoes to lay eggs.
Leaves and debris trap water, creating a hidden mosquito breeding site. Cleaning your gutters regularly will help water flow properly and keep mosquitoes from multiplying around your home.
3. Use Mosquito Repellents and Natural Deterrents
As mosquito activity increases in springtime, using mosquito repellents is one of the best ways to avoid bites. Look for insect repellents with DEET, eucalyptus oil, or citronella, as these are known to be effective against adult mosquitoes.
You can also plant mosquito-repelling plants like citronella, lavender, and eucalyptus in your yard to help keep these blood-sucking pests away naturally.
4. Maintain Your Swimming Pool and Water Features
If you have a swimming pool, make sure it’s properly maintained.
As temperatures rise in spring, a neglected pool in spring can quickly become a mosquito breeding ground. Keep the water moving with a filtration system and treat it as needed.
If you have a decorative pond or fountain, consider adding mosquito-eating fish to help reduce the mosquito population.
5. Seal Your Home
In spring, rising temperatures and increased mosquito activity make it even more important to seal your home to keep them out.
Check your window screens for holes and fix any damage. Keep doors closed as much as possible, especially during mosquito season.
Running fans in outdoor areas can also help, as mosquitoes have trouble flying in strong air currents.
6. Set Up Mosquito Traps
Mosquito traps are a great way to cut down on the number of mosquitoes around your home. These traps attract adult mosquitoes by using heat and carbon dioxide—making them think they’ve found a blood meal.
Once inside, the mosquitoes get trapped and can’t escape. To get the best results, place traps in shaded areas away from where you relax.
STAY MOSQUITO-FREE THIS SPRING
If mosquitoes are taking over your yard, professional mosquito control services can help.
At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we offer mosquito control treatments that target breeding grounds and reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home. These treatments can help protect you from mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile virus and Zika virus.
Contact us today to schedule a mosquito control treatment and enjoy a pest-free spring!