Start by eliminating standing water, since mosquitoes need it to breed. Then eliminate resting sites by cleaning up debris and trimming vegetation. If you’re working with a professional, book a treatment before mosquitoes become a visible problem.
Mosquito season in West Michigan doesn't announce itself with a single dramatic swarm. It builds gradually, starting often with just a few bites in May, more in June, and by July you're wondering why you didn't do something sooner. Preparing your yard before that buildup starts is the most effective way to stay ahead of it.
If you do nothing else, remove as many sources of standing water as you can. Walk your property and dump or drain anything that’s holding water. Clogged gutters, plant pot saucers, tarps, old tires, toys, birdbaths, wheelbarrows—all of these are great places for mosquitoes to lay eggs and start the next generation. Female mosquitoes only need a tablespoon of standing water to lay eggs that become biting adults within 7–14 days.
Once you do that, it’s also a good idea to check drainage. Low spots that hold water after rain need to be filled or regraded. Downspout extensions that dump water into areas that don’t drain well should be redirected.
Mosquitoes dry out in the sun, and they seek shaded, humid microclimates during the day. This is why it’s a good idea to trim back overgrown vegetation such as shrubs that have grown into thick masses. The same is true for any ground cover spreading unchecked, as well as tall grass along fence lines.
Once you’ve addressed the physical conditions, it’s a good idea to schedule your first professional treatment. Timing it for late April or early May targets the first generation of mosquitoes before they have a chance to reproduce.
If you want help getting your West Michigan Lakeshore property ready for the season, Mosquito Squad of West Michigan Lakeshore can help. Mosquito Squad treats your yard's resting and breeding areas and can set up a seasonal schedule to keep mosquito numbers low all summer.
