9 Tips On How to Keep Mosquitoes Away While Sitting Outside
Mosquitoes are more than just annoying outdoor pests — they are carriers and prolific spreaders of deadly diseases. Oklahoma Health Department officials say West Nile disease has been present in Oklahoma for at least seven years and is most prevalent between May and November.
Protect yourself and your family, and enjoy your outdoor areas more with these tips for keeping mosquitoes at bay.
9 Tips for Outdoor Mosquito Prevention
Let’s face it, mosquitoes can keep you from enjoying the outdoor space, lawn, or landscaping you’ve worked so hard to create. The tips below can help you protect yourself and your yard.
1. Get Rid of Standing Water
This is the best way to eliminate or reduce mosquitoes in your yard. Mosquitoes only breed in standing water, so remove any standing water. Clean your birdbaths and garden ponds frequently, and check for hidden puddles around your yard. If you notice excessive or slow-draining puddles after heavy rain, you may want to check out other lawn services, like aeration, which can help with drainage and reduce mosquito breeding spots.
2. Dress Appropriately
Protecting yourself from mosquitoes doesn’t have to involve chemicals or sprays. One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent bites is simply by covering any exposed skin when you’re in an area heavily populated by mosquitoes. This isn’t always conducive to Oklahoma summers, but whenever possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors. Look for clothing made of light, breathable materials like linen and cotton.
3. Add Mosquito-Repelling Plants to Your Landscape
Mosquitoes are very sensitive to smells and odors, which is why they can zero in on human skin. There are many plants, like citronella, lemongrass, lavender, catnip, or marigold, that repel mosquitoes. However, for this to be truly effective, you have to do more than simply put the plants in the ground — you’ll need to crush the leaves of these plants to release the oils that will keep mosquitoes away.
4. Use Essential Oils or Candles
Just like using mosquito-repelling plants, you can also use essential oils or candles that release odors that repel mosquitoes. Some of these include:
- Peppermint
- Clove
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Citronella
- Cedar
- Lemongrass
- Eucalyptus
- Cinnamon
Often, you’ll find that a combination of scents or oils, such as citronella and eucalyptus, are the most effective. Burn a candle or use an oil warmer or diffuser whenever you’re outdoors to temporarily keep them away.
5. Put Out Traps and Repellents
If the natural remedies above aren’t working, or you’re just more of a gear person, there are plenty of gadgets and repellants you can try out in your yard. Mosquito-repellent devices are often battery-operated and can last for 40 hours or longer, depending on the space and the outdoor conditions. Electric mosquito traps use UV light and can mimic the CO2 content of human breath, which lures mosquitoes inside.
6. Use Mosquito Netting
Mosquito nets can be an effective way to keep mosquitoes out of a particular area. These nets are often coated with an insecticide to further deter mosquitoes. Just keep in mind that mosquito netting is most effective in smaller spaces, and if you intend to use it frequently, you will need to reapply the chemicals.
7. Clean Up Your Yard
A cluttered yard that’s full of debris can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, so a simple clean-up and decluttering can go a long way toward keeping the population down. Get rid of wood or brush piles and be sure to check for damp leaves on the lawn or in the gutter.
8. Set Up a Mosquito Zapper
Similar to traps, mosquito zappers attract pests with UV lights, then use electricity to zap them between metal grates. Read reviews on bug zappers carefully, as they may do more harm than good. They don’t always attract mosquitoes effectively, or they’re too effective and lure more than just mosquitoes. This can have a negative impact on the population of “good bugs” in your yard. Also, zapping diseased mosquitoes could potentially spread whatever viruses they’re carrying, so exercise caution and do your research before purchasing.
9. Hire Mosquito Professionals in Tulsa
This method uses insecticide to kill off mosquito larvae, which prevents them from continuing to breed. Though it’s the most effective method, understanding what types of insecticide treatments to apply and how often isn’t typically something you want to DIY. That’s why it’s best to trust a lawn care professional, like Green Group Oklahoma.
How to Get Started With Green Group Oklahoma
Our mosquito control services at Green Group Oklahoma can help make your yard more inviting — with less biting. View our wide range of lawn care services, we can help you get the outdoor space of your dreams. Contact us for a free quote today!