No Uninvited Guests: Keeping Mosquitoes Out While Maintaining Your Home’s Charm
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The arrival of warm weather brings about more time outside enjoying the Vitamin D! Unfortunately, warm weather means allllll of the bugs, both friend and foe, come out to play, too. The not so friendly variety, such a mosquitoes show up uninvited every year, however, this is the year we are fighting back harder than ever against them. I have been told by multiple pest experts, that Spring is that time to begin treating for mosquitoes as some species are leaving hibernation for the warm weather and other species of mosquitoes are emerging from their eggs. Let me share my somewhat tried and true method. (Note: The “somewhat” comes from adding in a new method we have not tried yet, which I will elaborate on below)
The “Miracle” Spray: When we lived in San Antonio, we had a pool in our backyard, which we loved, but so did the mosquitoes! We tried most every product out there, but the one thing that made the most noticeable difference was this spray we hooked up to our gardening hose. We did need to reapply after a good rain storm, but it was worth it! It is also safe to use around kids & pets, and does not harm the beloved garden pollinators such as butterflies and bees!
The Better Known Mosquito “Tubes”: These tubes that you just add water to can be quite helpful IF you place them in your yard starting NOW. Do not wait for the mosquitoes to show up because it will be too late for these tubes to be effective.
The Method We Are Trying For the First Time: Our pest control expert suggested we use buckets this year filled with water and mosquito larvae killing chemicals to stop the breeding of these pests. The professional grade chemicals are quite pricy, so this year I am going to try a DIY method that has great reviews! These mosquito dunkers can be placed in bird baths, ponds, or even crushed into soil where mosquitoes are known to breed. I am going to try them in discreet buckets with water and dried leaves, so I will be sure to report back! They are also non-toxic to humans, pets, and other wildlife.
When the Flies and Other Flying Variety Sneak In Your Home: I have shared these many times before and it is because they work! We have had ours for about 2 years, and I am just now having to replace the bulb in it. Place one of these plugs near your back door, and you are sure to wake up every morning (for sure in the summer) with a caught horse fly or other smaller fly or mosquito.
Remove Opportunities For Standing Water: We quickly learned what areas around our home do not have the best drainage which means we have the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes in those areas. We are planning for a French drain to quickly remove the standing water. Until that is installed, we can also use the “mosquito dunkers” in this area.
Starting long before you see your first mosquito is going to save you a headache and lots of bites. Your future summer self will thank you for being proactive versus reactive. Wishing you a sunny, bite-free Spring!
Spring is coming! Are you looking for a paint refresh in your home? We offer hourly paint consultations through our newly named Design Q&A service! We will bring our paint fan, along with our binder of larger paint samples to your home and recommend colors. Have other design questions about your home you want us to look at it? We include verbal guidance and direction as part of this service! Contact us here to inquire.
Are you already getting the Spring Cleaning bug? We offer organizing services that can get your home in tip-top shape to serve your family well . Are all the days inside wreaking havoc and creating an explosion of toys? We can help organize that playroom! Check out some of our previous projects with before & after pics here.
