Preventative action can help keep mosquitoes away from your yard.
During warm months, yards become outdoor living areas with residents of all ages spending as much time outside as possible. Mosquitoes can ruin the atmosphere quickly, sending everyone indoors. Commercial mosquito repellents often contain harsh or hazardous chemicals that are not ideal for people, pets or the environment. Natural solutions and preventative maintenance can keep your yard as mosquito-free as possible. Does this Spark an idea?
Stagnant Water Removal
Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Old tires, inverted trash can lids, unused kiddie pools and sandboxes can all collect water. This water, over time, becomes stagnant -- the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Dump out any water that has collected in outdoor receptacles. If you have a birdbath or water feature outside, be sure to dump out and replace the water with fresh water or add a pump so the water does not stagnate. Remove any unnecessary items from the yard that may collect water, such as old tires, buckets and cans without lids.
Citronella Candles
Citronella candles emit a lemony citrus scent that mosquitoes do not like. Place them around the perimeter of your outdoor living areas at dusk as mosquitoes are most active at that time. Place the most candles in areas where you and your friends congregate and keep them lit as long as you are outdoors.
Maintain Your Lawn and Yard Plants
A well-maintained lawn is less likely to harbor mosquitoes and other hiding insects. A lawn that's left to grow 8 inches tall can hide all sorts of things that you won't notice until you tromp through the yard. Trim back any weeds or overgrown plants around the perimeter of your yard or fence as these can be safe havens for insects.
Insect-repellent Plants
Some plants naturally repel mosquitoes and other insects because of the scents they emit. Lemon balm and lemongrass produce lemon-like scents as their names imply. Mosquitoes do not care for these plants and will avoid them. Basil and rosemary also repel mosquitoes and can be used for culinary purposes as well. Catnip also repels mosquitoes, but it may attract neighborhood cats. Any of these plants can be purchased at garden shops and transplanted into your yard. You can also grow them in pots placed strategically around your outdoor living areas.
Tags: your yard, living areas, outdoor living, outdoor living areas, around perimeter