Standing Water Sources in Your Mission Yard That You're Missing

What Draws Mosquitoes to Homes Mission, KS?

The Turkey Creek watershed contributes to the growth of mosquitoes during the warmer months in Mission, KS. As typical rainstorms come through the area, the creek allows areas to overflow and pool with standing water. For mosquitoes, this creates the perfect breeding ground to lay between 100 and 300 eggs at a time. Once the 7 to 10 day hatching cycle ends, the areas around Mission experience a sudden influx of mosquitoes which continue to push the cycle forward.

Mosquitoes are drawn to outdoor spaces where damp soil, dense vegetation, and humidity contribute to their ability to nest and breed. When heavy rainfall happens, water can pool and stagnate around Mission homes and increase the areas where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. For example, spring brush and leftover leaf litter can become caught underneath porch and deck areas. This allows pockets of water to pool within leaves or piles where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. The protection from wind helps to insulate their ability to habitat underneath these areas, and the humidity contributes to prolonging their lifespan. 

As mosquitoes branch into local yards, parks, and wooded areas, they seek spots where nesting and breeding are ideal. In outdoor living spaces, this includes gutters, bird baths, backyard buckets, and even children’s toys or playsets. Mission residents can reduce mosquito breeding by dumping any standing water found around the home after a recent rainfall. Regularly check downspouts and gutters for leaf debris which can cause areas where standing water pools and stagnates. Check trash lids, covered patio furniture, and flower pot saucers for standing water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. Because female mosquitoes only need one teaspoon of water to lay their eggs, any of these small areas can contribute to the growth and spread of mosquito activity.

Limit Mosquito Activity at Your Home in Mission

Mosquitoes are attracted to the scent of CO2, sweat, the presence of body heat, and also dark clothing. For personal use, mosquito repellents can be used to mask the scent of sweat and create an artificial barrier which deters mosquitoes away. Citronella candles can also be used to deter mosquitoes through a combination of scents that affect their nervous system.

Trim the areas around your yard which border dense vegetation, creeks, or local parks in order to limit the transition zones into your yard. Promptly dispose of leaf litter or outdoor brush to reduce areas where water can pool unnoticed, and consider allowing grass and garden beds to dry out longer between waterings.

Mosquito dunks can be used in areas where standing water regularly accumulates, such as pails or bird baths. Mosquito dunks contain a bacteria which mosquito larvae feed on, ultimately limiting their ability to grow into adult mosquitoes. While mosquito dunks only work in the water they are placed in, they can still help to reduce the overall ability for mosquito eggs to hatch and move the cycle forward. 

For more ways to address mosquito activity, read The 7 T’s of Mosquito Control and check out the dedicated Kansas City blog.

Professional Mosquito Control Services in Mission

Our team at Mosquito Squad Plus is proud to offer comprehensive mosquito control treatments for Mission residents. Our traditional mosquito control treatment, Barrier Treatment Plus, is designed to reduce and control mosquitoes on a recurring 3-week basis. By using this potent insecticide with tailored targeting, we can reduce mosquitoes by 85-90% and control their presence for up to 21 days at a time. If you’re interested in learning about plant based treatments, we also offer a natural treatment blend of botanical oils which reduces and controls mosquitoes for up to 14 days at a time.

For Reliable Mosquito Control in Mission, KS Near You

Ready to take back your Mission yard from mosquitoes? Call Mosquito Squad Plus of Kansas City at (913) 421-8018 or contact us online for a free quote.