Minimizing mosquito breeding sites on your property can go a long way to reducing their population to a tolerable level and minimizing the risk of disease. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as 1 tsp of water. Under optimal conditions, a mosquito egg can become an adult in as little as 5 – 7 days.

Following are some tips and techniques to assist you in gaining better control of mosquito breeding areas.

Mosquito Joe Common Backyard Problems

  1. Make weekly inspections of your property. Dump water out of anything that can hold 1 tsp or more of water. Common items include pet bowls, flower pots, watering cans, and children’s toys.
  2. Birdbaths and temporary kiddie pools should be rinsed and scrubbed out weekly.
  3. Drill holes into the bottom of garbage cans and recycling bins.
  4. Tree holes and tree stumps that hold water for longer than 4 days can breed mosquitoes. Tree holes should be filled with spray foam, meanwhile tree stumps can be removed or covered with dirt.
  5. Recycle used tires. Any re-purposed tire needs to have a hole drilled in it to drain water.
  6. Clean gutters routinely to ensure they are not clogged and drain fully.
  7. Clean up yard debris. Remove and dispose of artificial objects such as old boats, aluminum cans, and landscaping bags.
  8. Store canoes, kayaks, boats and jet skis in such a way to prevent standing water.
  9. Use rain barrels specifically designed for saving water. Many brands are designed to keep bugs and debris out of the water. Make sure they have secure lids and 1/16 of an inch fine wire mesh at all openings to prevent mosquitoes from gaining entry into the barrel.
  10. Catch basins and french drains need to drain completely of water. Replace any accordion-style gutter extension with one that doesn’t hold water.
  11. Water gardens and small ponds need to have appropriate water movement through the use of a waterfall, fountain or other aerators.

These steps are some of the very things our technicians look for and address when servicing a customers yard. You too can use these tips and techniques to greatly decrease the mosquito population in your yard. Ultimately providing you with a more enjoyable outdoor experience.