Mosquitoes are the single most dangerous pest that we run into on a regular basis around our homes, and getting rid of them can seem overwhelming. After all, they are so tiny how would you ever know where they are? Killing mosquitoes seems like a never ending task. The truth is, if you understand the life cycle of the mosquito, they are rather easy to eradicate.
Mosquitoes are carriers of disease and sickness, and are much more than a basic summer pest. They kill millions of people all over the world, and are not exactly the type of pest you can ignore. When you have a mosquito problem, not much else matters. You can not enjoy family, friends, cookouts, or any other type of summer fun. Bug spray only does so much. So what exactly is the key to getting rid of them for good?
Mosquitoes need water. Period. Without standing water, mosquitoes can not breed. When they have standing water, the reproduce a whole new generation about once a week. That gives the mosquitoes fantastic odds at survival. You can eliminate those odds by getting the water gone. Here is how to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
First, you must understand that this is an ongoing maintenance. You can not do it once and expect to be mosquito free. Every time you water the lawn, it rains, or any other water source gets near your home, you will need to go through and do this all over again. Rainwater is the most common culprit.
The first thing you should do is check all of your outdoor water faucets. If they are leaking in the least, then you are providing standing water for the mosquitoes in the area. Fix any leaky faucets or problems of that sort.
Next you should eliminate any abandoned toys, swimming pools, cans, tools, or other sources where rainwater can pool up. Notorious areas for this are old swimming pools and abandoned cars or boats. Mosquitoes will take up residence in a second and start breeding.
Other dangerous areas for mosquito breeding include flower beds, bird baths, and gutters that have not been cleaned. Get up and clean all of these items completely after every rainstorm. The effort is well worth it if you hate mosquito bites as much as I do. Gutters in particular tend to be ideal for the mosquito. The reason? Many people simply will not take the time to clean them. This makes for an ideal puddle or twenty for the mosquitoes to breed in undisturbed.
Water is the key to getting rid of mosquitoes, and you do have some control. If you are willing to do the simple steps outlined in this article, and keep them maintained, then you will be mosquito free in no time.
