How Shady Areas in Faribault Backyards Attract Mosquitoes

A big shade tree can be one of the best features in your backyard. It gives you somewhere cooler to sit on a hot Minnesota afternoon, keeps the patio from baking in the sun, and makes spending time outside a little more comfortable. Unfortunately, mosquitoes really enjoy that shade, too. While standing water is where mosquitoes get their start, adult mosquitoes need places to rest once they're out flying around. That’s why shady, damp corners of the yard can give them exactly what they're looking for.

Mosquitoes Take a Break from the Heat

Mosquitoes aren't usually flying around an open, sunny yard all afternoon. That hot, dry weather can be tough on them, which is why they tend to spend that part of the day resting somewhere cooler. Around a Faribault backyard, that could be underneath shrubs, among tall plants, or in landscaping that doesn't get much direct sunlight. The space beneath your deck can work pretty well, too. Once the day starts to cool down and you're ready to head outside for dinner, the mosquitoes that were resting nearby can start getting active again.

Some Parts of the Yard Stay Damp Longer

Along with keeping areas cooler, shade can also slow down how quickly moisture dries up. That’s why an open patch of grass that gets several hours of sunlight may dry up quickly, while soil underneath thick shrubbery can stay damp for much longer. That doesn't necessarily mean mosquitoes are breeding there, but that extra moisture can make a shady spot more comfortable for adult mosquitoes during the day.

Thick Landscaping Offers Plenty of Cover

There's no need to start cutting down trees or pulling out all your landscaping. Just a little routine upkeep can help make a big difference. Shrubs that haven't been trimmed in a while can become very thick by the middle of summer. Tall grasses and other thick plants offer similar cover, perfect for mosquitoes looking for less sunlight and airflow. So, if your patio is surrounded by heavy vegetation or plants are growing thick around your backyard, those spots may deserve a little extra attention.

Don't Forget What's Hiding in the Shade

Shady areas can also mask standing water that you might not notice right away, like an old flowerpot or a wheelbarrow parked behind the shed. Kids' toys, buckets, tarps, and other items can collect rainwater, too. And since they're sitting around somewhere you don't visit every day, that water may stay put for a while. That’s why it helps to walk through the less-used parts of your yard and have a look around periodically.

Wooded Areas Can Add to the Problem

Some Faribault properties sit close to woods or other natural areas. These spaces tend to naturally provide plenty of shade, vegetation, and moisture perfect for mosquitoes to thrive. Even if mosquitoes develop outside your property, they aren’t going to stay put. In fact, once they're ready to fly, they can make their way into neighboring yards and settle into whatever shady cover they find. That’s why getting rid of standing water on your own property is important, but it won’t always take care of all the mosquitoes you're seeing.

Recurring Services with Mosquito Squad

When mosquitoes are coming from surrounding areas, yard maintenance can only go so far. Mosquito Squad of Minneapolis offers recurring mosquito management based on the layout of your property. During each service, our technicians take a look around the yard and focus on the places mosquitoes are likely spending their time. For Faribault, MN mosquito control, call Mosquito Squad of Minneapolis at (763) 310-8960 for a free quote and learn more about our recurring mosquito treatment options for your property.