Mosquitoes and Standing Water

Standing water is the required habitat for mosquito larvae, making way for blood-sucking, disease-carrying mosquitoes to thrive. The best way to rid an area of mosquitoes is by making sure there is no standing water. There are several ways you can do that. First, drain any standing water in old buckets or trash in the yard, patio furniture, rain gutters, etc. In case the water cannot be drained frequently, like in a birdbath or ornamental pond, you can use bacterial insecticides to kill larvae and prevent adult mosquitoes. This may sound simple, but it is actually the most effective action you can take to eliminate the risk of mosquito bites in any season.

How can you make sure that there is no standing water around your house? How can you prevent mosquitoes from making your home their home? Homeowners can follow these tips to help make their homes mosquito-free.

Drain the Standing Water

Mosquitoes and standing water are like fire and fuel! Standing water is the best habitat for mosquito larvae to develop. And even a small quantity of standing water is dangerous since it can contain a huge number of larvae.

Check landscape ponds, fountains, and planters for mosquito larvae. Mosquito larvae look like wriggling worms attached to the surface of the water or swimming near the bottom. Swimming pools can also host mosquito larvae if the water is not circulated regularly. You should also drain all kinds of small containers around the house and the front and back yards, as well as rain gutters, birdbaths, pots, bins, baskets, and tools. Take care to clean downspouts and gutters, so water does not back up and create a mosquito habitat.

Use Bacterial Insecticide

Another effective method for mosquito control in places where you can’t drain water is bacterial insecticide. The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis, which is usually abbreviated as Bti, is highly effective against mosquitoes without harming other animals and plants. This is especially useful for stored water that cannot be drained frequently, such as ponds and fountains.

Bti comes in the form of granules or dunks (also called pressed cakes). Whether you use granules or dunks, all you have to do is apply it to the water, where it will dissolve and release mosquito-killing bacteria. If you have troughs for horses or other animals, make sure you put the mosquito dunk deep into the trough, away from the animals’ reach. The bacteria is not dangerous to the animals, but if they consume the dunk before it fully dissolves, it won’t be effective at killing mosquitoes.

Use Mosquito Spray for Your Yard

Before you spray, make sure to mow your lawn—the taller the grass, the more space for adult mosquitoes to hide and shade themselves in it. You could use a mosquito spray that you get from a store, but most sprays available in stores only work in small areas and are not as effective as professional sprays. For a real mosquito solution, call Mr. Mister. Our safe and biodegradable spray will create a barrier against these pesky insects.

Conclusion: Mosquito Treatment

Mosquitoes carry harmful diseases, some even fatal. Therefore, they must be stopped from growing or even being born at all! The average homeowner can easily take the preventive measures mentioned above. But you need to be thorough and consistent, which is difficult. If you want a guaranteed solution, consider professional mosquito control services from Mr. Mister, which come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.