The Mosquito Breeding Checklist
Looking to keep mosquitoes away this summer? These pests aren’t just annoying because of their itchy bites. They are also disease carriers that can threaten the health of you and your family. Find out all the essential info on mosquito breeding. This checklist will teach you how to keep your family and property pest-free!
The Breeding Process
Before we get started, let’s take a look at how mosquitoes reproduce to understand how we can best combat these pests.
It all begins with water. A female mosquito will first try to locate a stagnant body of water when choosing its nesting ground. Next, the female lays its eggs on the surface of the water in a formation known as a “raft.” These rafts can produce anywhere between 100 to 400 eggs. Once laid, the eggs develop into larvae within two or three days.
Pest Control – How You Can Take Action
Now that we know how these pests operate, let’s look at how we can best deter mosquito reproduction around our homes and families. Here is a checklist with everything you need to know.
Step 1: Inspection
Walk around your property and scan the area for any potential danger zones. For many, these zones may be obvious with objects like pools and bird baths. Yet, there are many areas that often go unchecked. Take the time to examine all hidden and hard to reach spots on your property.
Step 2: Check the Gutters
Make sure to maintain your home’s gutters. An unclean gutter leads to stagnant water, which eventually turns into a breeding ground for pests.
This particular area can be tricky because it often requires professional gutter cleaning and service. However, the extra effort is worth it. Investing in gutter maintenance will save a lot of headaches in the long run.
Step 3: Tame the Yard
Similar to stagnant bodies of water, mosquitoes also gravitate toward air pockets created by the vegetation and plants in your yard. To keep the pests at bay, try your best to tame your front yard. Luckily, this can be great motivation to keep your landscaping in great shape.
Step 4: Mosquito-Proof Rain Collection Systems
For those who have rain collection systems, it is imperative that you take the correct pest control measures. There are specialty screens that you can place over barrels of collected rain water to keep out mosquitoes when the weather is rainy. Make sure that your system is safe and truly mosquito proof.
Step 5: Bring in the Pet Dishes
Objects like pet food dishes or children’s outdoor toys can quickly become mosquito hot spots. If your pet has an outdoor bowl, bring it inside or leave it turned over when not in use.
The same goes for children’s toys. Bring whatever you can inside when not in use. These small steps can go a long way in the fight against pests.
Step 6: Drain the Garbage Bin
Objects like trash cans and recycling bins pose a unique threat. While you have to leave them outside, they often collect a large amount of stagnant water.
One way to combat this is by drilling a hole in the bottom of these containers to let the water drain.
Step 7: Maintain the Pool
Pool owners must be extra cautious. Maintain the pool with BTI treatments, which are toxic to mosquito larvae. This method is the only way you can guarantee a mosquito safe pool.
Step 8: Check the Plants
Keep an eye on all potted plants make sure to drain them of any extra water after any rain and consider looking into mosquito repellent sprays.
The Takeaway
It is possible to reduce the likelihood of a mosquito infestation in and around your home, but it requires diligence. Use this checklist to keep these pests at bay!
