Mosquitoes need very little standing water to breed. Look for any places that water pools outdoors like containers, low spots, water features, and gutters.
The most effective mosquito control starts with the water, because that's where the next generation comes from. Walk the yard before it gets warm outside on a regular basis. This will give you a chance to get rid of mosquito breeding sites before the bites come in.
It takes so much less water than most people expect. The thing to internalize is how little water it takes. A bottle cap's worth, held for a few days, is enough for larvae to develop. So the walkthrough is really a hunt for small, overlooked pockets of standing water.
It helps to go zone by zone through your yard. Any kind of container, left facing up, can collect water if left outside. That’s why mosquitoes often choose for their breeding sites any of the following: buckets, kids' toys, planters and their saucers, tarps, old tires, and trash and recycling lids. Gutters and downspouts also tend to become huge problems when they’re clogged.
The ground itself can also become a source of standing water if you’re unlucky enough to have drainage issues. Check for low spots and ruts where puddles tend to show up after storms. A little regrading can help if you find this is the case.
Water features also deserve a close look, like birdbaths, ponds, and fountains. For things you can't eliminate, like a pond or a rain barrel, keep the water moving, screened, or refreshed.
A quick weekly walk to dump what's collected keeps the breeding sites from re-establishing as spring rains come and go. Even five minutes every week can go a long way here.
If you're tired of a mosquito problem that seems to come from nowhere, Mosquito Squad of Northern Westchester can help. Mosquito Squad can help you both identify the sources mosquitoes are using to breed and treat the problem. With barrier treatment service, you can expect an up to 90% reduction in mosquito activity on a recurring 21-day cycle.
