Mosquitoes may be hidden by tree-climbing ivy.
English ivy and mosquitoes are both considered irritating pests by some. Mosquitoes are so considered for their painful, itchy bites and potential to harbor infectious disease. English ivy has a bad reputation because of its ability to become invasive. However, many homeowners still select English ivy as a decorative plant, using it to cover walls and fences and serve as a groundcover. Does this Spark an idea?
Habitat
English ivy prefers shady locations, but will grow in full sun. The ivy grows in soils ranging from moist to dry, but it performs best in a moist soil. It won't perform well if the location is extremely wet. Many mosquitoes populate areas in which they have access to standing, stagnant water, but alternating periods of wet and dry or temporarily flooded areas serve some species of mosquitoes well, according to Rutgers University. Other mosquitoes lay their lay eggs on damp soil. According to the North Dakota State University Extension, mosquitoes prefer sites with shallow water that has vegetation above or right on top of the water's surface.
Disturbed Sites
English ivy grows in disturbed sites. Homeowners may select the ivy for use as a groundcover, to hide the scars and debris left behind from construction or home improvement chores. Such sites also tend to have uneven ground, some tightly packed soil and tire tracks or footprints that can collect rainfall or water used for irrigation. An overgrowth of ivy may hide these small pools from your notice and provide cover for adult mosquitoes.
On Trees
English ivy will also grow to cover trees in its immediate area. According to the Oregon State University Extension Service, the added weight causes the trees stress and renders them susceptible to disease. Disease, damage, pests, birds and animals can cause holes in trees. The thick growth of ivy may shade and cover these holes, hiding reservoirs in which water can accumulate and mosquitoes may breed.
Around Homes
English ivy growing on your home can clog your gutters, impeding the flow of water, creating standing water that mosquitoes can use for breeding sites. Mosquitoes will rest on exterior walls, notes the Cooperative Extension System. Adult mosquitoes prefer to rest on vegetation over their breeding sites. The Colorado State University Extension recommends reducing resting places for adult mosquitoes by cutting down weeds near your home's foundation. Unfortunately, if the walls of your home are covered in a thick growth of English ivy, mosquitoes may choose to rest on its foliage instead.
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