Most Effective Way to Get Rid of Mosquitoes
When you have mosquitoes in your yard, you likely want to get rid of them as quickly as possible—and without worrying about their return. There are many DIY methods advertised online that claim to get rid of mosquitos without an exterminator, but do they work? Here’s are some of the most commonly advocated forms of mosquito repellent, and how effective they actually are:
- Citronella candles, which only repel mosquitos from a very close radius.
- Ultrasonic repellents that claim to emit a frequency that irritates bugs. Multiple studies have been unable to confirm this.
- Certain bath oils, some of which may be effective for roughly ten minutes.
- Wristbands treated with DEET or citronella, both of which offer little to no protection.
If none of these methods work, how else can you secure your property from mosquitos? DEET has been proven to be one of the most effective mosquito repellents since it was first developed by the U.S. Army in 1946, but it’s meant to be applied to specific persons. It can’t treat an infestation of mosquitoes around your property – so what can?
Stop Mosquitos in the Yard
The most important thing you can do to get rid of mosquitoes around your property is to eliminate any source of standing water. Mosquitos love to lay eggs in bodies of still water, which could be found in anywhere from puddles left after the rain to birdbaths and buckets.
If you have a water storage container on your property, like a cistern or a rain barrel, you should always keep it tightly covered. This could be done through a sealed lid, or a layer of mesh with holes small enough to block out an adult mosquito. And for larger containers of water that cannot be covered or regularly emptied, you should be sure to treat the space with a quality larvicide.
Get Mosquitoes Out of the Home
Have you noticed mosquitos in the home? If you have an infestation outside your property, it’s only a matter of a time before these irritating pests make their way into the household. So what can you do to kick them out?
Much like treating your yard for mosquitos, the best way to keep these pests from getting inside is to make sure your home is properly sealed. You should already have screens on your doors or windows, with mesh fine enough to block out adult mosquitos. Don’t leave your doors propped open, especially in the summer, and keep the air conditioner running as often as possible. With a cooler environment, mosquitoes will be less tempted to invite themselves inside.