If you want to avoid having a large population of mosquitoes on your commercial or residential property in the summer, then you should begin to prepare in the spring. The hot and humid weather in Alabama can lead to having numerous mosquitoes throughout the summer, and these insects can transmit several illnesses, including:
• Malaria
• Zika virus
• Yellow fever
• Western equine encephalitis
To protect everyone from these conditions, you can reduce the population of mosquitoes on your property in a variety of ways. Use the following mosquito control tips this spring and summer to protect your health.
Reduce the Mosquito Breeding Grounds
Reducing the potential mosquito breeding locations is one of the best ways to avoid having numerous insects as the weather becomes warmer. Female mosquitoes lay eggs on stagnant water surfaces, but you can eliminate pools of water on your property by removing any items where the moisture can collect. If you have old tires, wading pools or flowerpots on your lawns, then throw the items away immediately. Rainwater can also collect in rotting tree stumps, depressions on your lawns or in rain gutters that are filled with debris. You can remove the tree stumps, clean your rain gutters and fill the depressions on your lawns to reduce the mosquito breeding grounds on your property.
Plant Flowers or Herbs To Repel the Mosquitoes
Some herbs and flowers create fragrances that are repulsive to mosquitoes. Here are some of the plants that will help to repel mosquitoes:
• Geraniums
• Basil
• Rosemary
• Catnip
• Marigolds
• Lavender
Many of these plants provide a refreshing scent outside your home in addition to reducing the mosquito population.
Keep Your Property Clean
You will want to keep mosquitoes out of your home by making sure that you have window screens that are in good condition. Mosquitoes are attracted to trash and foul odors, so you must keep a building and its lawns clean. Make sure to have lids on your trash bins and wastebaskets to avoid mosquito infestations inside your business or home.
Hire a Professional Mosquito Control Company
Hiring a professional company that provides barrier systems is one of the best ways to avoid a mosquito bite that leads to an itchy bump on the skin or a dangerous disease. A spray barrier system will destroy adult mosquitoes and deter additional flying insects for several weeks.
Preparing To Go Outside In the Spring
If you plan to go outside, then you can avoid mosquito bites by wearing white or tan clothing, but you can also apply repellents to your skin. There are man-made repellents available, but you can also use natural essential oils to reduce your chances of receiving a mosquito bite.