Mosquitoes are a particularly annoying outdoor pest.
Mosquitoes can be found in many regions around the globe and are among the most irritating of the biting insects. These tiny, winged insects require blood to feed and reproduce, and have been known to transmit several diseases. Since humans lack a thick protective coat of fur, we are a favorite target of mosquitoes. The mosquito will reproduce in virtually any area with standing water, and unfortunately this means that many people’s yards are among the mosquito’s favorite breeding grounds. Does this Spark an idea?
Reproduction
When mosquitoes reproduce, they lay several hundred eggs at a time in standing water which is at least semi-permanent, stagnant and exposed to the sun. When the eggs hatch, the larvae live an aquatic existence while going through several molts until they develop into adult mosquitoes. While swamps, bogs and marshland are ideal places for mosquitoes to reproduce, many yards offer equally appealing locations. A rain barrel, discarded tire or other water-collecting item suits the mosquito larvae just as well.
Breeding Grounds
If the density of mosquitoes in your yard appears to be particularly high, there is a good likelihood that mosquitoes are reproducing somewhere near your home. The most efficient way to reduce the numbers of mosquitoes is to attack the larvae, and the best way to do that is to eliminate any places where they may be reproducing. Items such as rain barrels, neglected flower pots and other such rain-collecting items are ideal spots. Often, the mosquito larvae may be observable as tiny, comma-shaped worms submerged and hanging from the surface of the water. When possible, discard or place screens over these items to prevent mosquitoes from entering and laying eggs.
Wet Areas
Lawn treatment for mosquitoes also entails examining your lawn to identify natural areas where rain water may collect. Landscaping choices which create hollows in the ground will tend to create temporary pools in which mosquitoes may breed. Similarly, thick hedges and shrubs may shelter standing water which may not be easily noticed. Adult mosquitoes also will often take shelter in these damp, cool locations.
Treatments
Depending upon your location and local laws, there are a range of chemical and biological products which may be purchased to kill both adult and larval mosquitoes in your lawn. Adult mosquitoes can be targeted with sprayers, foggers and residual pesticides which may provide limited relief. However, care should be taken that no people nearby are sensitive to such products. Some types of larvicides are also available to be applied to standing water; however these may be ecologically damaging and must be applied at the right time to have the desired effects. A few drops of cooking oil applied to standing water may have better results, as it will coat the surface and drowns the larvae without harming the environment.
Considerations
It is important to note that lawn treatments for mosquitoes will only have limited effects, and will not entirely eliminate the nuisance of mosquito bites. Nearby properties may be going untreated, and mosquitoes will travel some distance to find a meal. Many jurisdictions implement a coordinated treatment program against mosquitoes every year, and in this context lawn treatments are a small but important piece of the strategy.
Tags: standing water, Adult mosquitoes, applied standing, applied standing water, lawn treatments, mosquito larvae, mosquitoes also