Mosquitoes can introduce heartworm to dogs.
If mosquitoes bother your pets every time they step foot in the yard, you may want to take steps to deter the pesky insects. Aside from being a nuisance, mosquitoes carry many diseases that can affect pets. Although insect repellents are effective, the chemicals in them can be very noxious to dogs and cats. Your best bet is to keep the mosquitoes out of your yard using non-toxic methods. Does this Spark an idea?
Standing Water
Mosquitoes require stagnant water to breed. The best way to eliminate mosquitoes from your yard is to destroy their breeding grounds. Begin by looking for any puddles that may have formed in your yard. This is very common around the deck and under gutters. To keep water from pooling in these spots, pour a little sand on them. Next, get rid of any unnecessary items that could collect water, including an unused swimming pool, tires, cans, garbage bags and buckets. Finally, replace the water in pet dishes, wading pools, bird baths and decorative fountains once every day or two.
Bacillus Thuringiensus and Fish
There are several options to keep mosquitoes from breeding in your pond or decorative fountain. Bacillus thuringiensus (BT) is a safe, non-toxic bacterial solution that attacks mosquito larvae. It is not harmful to humans or animals and can be found at almost any home and garden store. Sprinkle a little into the water to destroy mosquito breeding grounds. Another alternative is to stock the pond with minnows that eat mosquitoes and their larvae. These fish will quickly dispose of any breeding grounds that encroach on their watery territory.
Sprays
Mosquitoes hate the smell of citronella, making it an excellent method for repelling them. Fill a spritzer with citronella oil and spray your grass, fence, deck and shrubbery with it every few days. Citronella is non-toxic and safe for both humans and animals. When you are outside with your pets, consider lighting some citronella scented candles as well. Garlic-based sprays will also drive away mosquitoes, but can be harmful to your animals.
Sound Repellent
Some manufactures produce devices that release sound waves into the air, disrupting mosquitoes' internal anatomy by causing their bladder to vibrate. While most mosquitos will retreat from the sound waves, those that stick around will quickly die. Although sound repellent is somewhat expensive, placing one of them in your yard will definitely reduce the mosquito population and keep it small.
General Maintenance
A well-groomed yard is less hospitable to mosquitos than a poorly tended one. Keep your lawn well trimmed as this will eliminate mosquito roosting places. Always trim any hedges or plants that you have in the yard as well. Further, gutters collect water, leaves and other debris that make them perfect for mosquitoes. Clean them at least twice a month to make them inhospitable to mosquitoes.
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