Start by getting rid of every source of standing water you can find on your property. Then schedule a professional barrier treatment. The water removal stops new mosquitoes from being born, and the treatment knocks down the adults that are already there.
Mosquitoes are ruining your evening. And you want them gone yesterday. So what’s the best bet for quick results?
Dumping standing water is the single most immediate thing you can do yourself. Walk your property and empty everything that's holding water. You’d be surprised what can collect enough water for mosquitoes to hatch. Everything from gutters to planters, toys to tarps, buckets to trash can lids can collect rain. Then come the mosquitoes that lay their eggs in the standing water. After 7–14 days, the next generation is born. Every source of water you remove is one more breeding site taken care of.
Removing standing water helps but usually takes a week or two to make a difference. For truly fast results, nothing beats a professional barrier treatment. Once applied to the vegetation and surfaces where mosquitoes rest, the treatment will start knocking down adults on contact. Most homeowners see a big drop in mosquito activity within 24 hours. The treatment will then last for about 21 days before it needs to be topped off again.
You may be tempted to use citronella candles, ultrasonic devices, or DIY sprays. These usually don’t work very well. Candles and devices create a tiny zone of mild deterrence at best. DIY sprays from the hardware store can knock down mosquitoes on contact, but they don’t have the same lasting impact that professional treatments do, which makes them ineffective against the broader population.
One more thing to try if you need a quick fix: fans. Mosquitoes don’t fly well in the wind, so a box fan by your seating area can make it harder for them to land. You can’t protect your whole yard with a fan, but it can help with a smaller area like a porch.
If you want fast, lasting mosquito reduction on your Chicago property, Mosquito Squad of Chicago can help. Mosquito Squad treats your yard's resting and breeding areas, reducing the mosquito population by up to 90%. Then a technician will come back every 21 days to make sure your protection stays steady.
