As anyone from Virginia can tell you, mosquitoes can certainly dampen any backyard barbeque or baseball game. And the season is long—Virginia mosquito season stretches from early May to early November. That means you might spend half a year battling these warm-weather pests!
Mosquitos are more than just annoying; they can carry diseases that threaten your health and that of your loved ones. That’s why taking steps to mosquito-proof your yard in the warmer months is so important. It’s an investment in your family’s health and safety.
Why is Mosquito Control Important?
Mosquitoes can carry a range of dangerous diseases spread through their bites. According to the Virginia Department of Health, “Prevention is extremely important because most mosquito-borne diseases cannot be treated with antibiotics or other common medications.” The VDH website lists 5 different diseases that mosquitoes in Virginia can spread, including the West Nile Virus.
Even if the mosquitoes you encounter aren’t disease-carrying, they can still impact your ability to enjoy outdoor spaces. Bites are notoriously itchy and unpleasant, even causing allergic reactions in some people. If the mosquito population is too high, their invasive buzzing and bites can render an outdoor space practically uninhabitable.
Expert Tips for Mosquito Control
Controlling mosquitoes may seem like an uphill battle, but in reality, a little effort goes a long way. A mix of common-sense yardwork and professional intervention will render your yard a no-go zone for mosquitoes, which means greater enjoyment and peace of mind for you. Here are our top tips for mosquito-proofing your yard this summer:
- Eliminate standing water. Mosquitos breed in standing water so check and clean any birdbaths, clogged gutters, flowerpots or any other places where water can collect and stagnate. This keeps mosquito population low, which lowers your chance of being bitten.
- Keep your lawn tidy. Undertaking basic maintenance like keeping grass mowed and trimming shrubbery makes your yard less attractive to mosquitos. You might also consider planting mosquito-repelling plants like citronella grass, lavender, and marigolds to deter them from taking up residence.
- Install mosquito traps: Traps will take care of mosquitos that do make their way into your yard. There are several varieties available including CO2 traps, UV light traps and a good, old-fashioned DIY sugar water trap.
- Use outdoor mosquito repellents. Citronella candles, outdoor ceiling fans, and bug zappers can help control nearby mosquitoes, too. These deterrents won’t keep every mosquito away, but they will help make your yard less inviting.
- Consider professional intervention. If your preventative measures aren’t effective, it may be time to call in the pros. Professional exterminators can provide long-lasting customized treatment that takes into consideration your distinct challenges.
Choose Bug Man Exterminating for Your Mosquito Control Needs
Bug Man Exterminating has helped hundreds of homeowners in the Roanoke and New River Valleys mosquito-proof their yards and get the most out of their outdoor spaces. Our mosquito reduction program reduces the adult mosquito population and eliminates eggs from becoming biting adult mosquitoes. If mosquitoes are ruining your summer, give us a call at 540-345-2200 and learn how Bug Man Exterminating can help.