It is impossible to relax and enjoy your outdoor spaces if you’re constantly swatting at mosquitoes and scratching at bites. Whether you’re hosting a party for your friends and neighbors or trying to unwind with a cool drink at the end of a long day, mosquitoes are a sure way to end your relaxation. Knowing what is bringing them to your yard is the first step towards reclaiming your space. Here is what commonly attracts mosquitoes in outdoor spaces.
Tall Weeds and Grasses Attracts Mosquitoes
Most mosquitoes are active during the early evening and early morning hours. While resting, mosquitoes prefer to hide within tall weeds and grasses. Keeping the lawn cut and gardens clipped back will force mosquitoes to look elsewhere for a place to sleep during the day and rest overnight.
People Attract Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are attracted to people because that’s where they find their food. Carbon dioxide pulls mosquitoes in like a magnet, and unless you plan on holding your breath while you’re outside, there’s not much you can do about that. Mosquitoes can also detect body heat and odors from sweat and bacteria in many body areas. Because everyone’s body chemistry is different, mosquitoes will seem to enjoy some people more than others.
Standing Water Attracts Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes love to lay their eggs in stagnant water, so eliminating any standing water is crucial to keeping their populations in check. Here’s a list of common places in the yard to look for standing water.
Consider Standing Water in Trash Cans
Make sure that trash cans are tightly sealed so that water cannot get inside. Or, drill a few holes in the bottom to allow any accumulated water to drain out.
Consider Standing Water in Decorative Features
Shallow pools, birdbaths, and other decorative elements in the yard should always have moving water to keep mosquitoes away. Small ponds and pools can also be stocked with goldfish, guppies, or mosquito fish that will eat mosquito larvae.
Consider Standing Water in Swimming Pools
If you’re chemically treating your swimming pool, you shouldn’t have any trouble with mosquitoes, however, be careful that the cover doesn’t collect water after it rains. If so, drain it within a day or two to stop it from becoming a breeding haven.
Consider Standing Water in Rain Gutters
If your gutters become blocked, water can pool inside them instead of draining away as it should. Make sure they are always kept clean and free from leaves and debris.
An Ounce of Prevention
Once you can eliminate the places where mosquitoes like to rest and breed, you’ll be on your way to enjoying your outdoor spaces again. To keep them from becoming attracted to you, wear loose, light clothing and a repellent that contains DEET. If you prefer not to apply repellent directly to your skin and clothing, an outdoor misting system can spray your yard with insecticide to keep mosquitoes at bay.
