Your Guide to Easy Backyard Mosquito Control

Here in Illinois and Wisconsin, we’re lucky to have a nice, long break from mosquitoes every winter. What most people don’t know, however, is just how early mosquitoes start repopulating each year. What would you guess-- maybe in June or July? The correct answer is as early as April, and it extends long into the fall. Luckily, there are many things you can do around your home to help prevent mosquitoes from taking over your backyard. Here are our some tips and tricks for backyard mosquito control:

Use An Oscillating Fan

Did you know that mosquitoes can’t fly in wind above 1 mph? Luckily for us, that speed of wind can easily be replicated by household fans. If you’re looking for a quick fix to get rid of mosquitoes in your backyard, an oscillating fan is going to be your best option-- the rotations will help cover more space than other stationary options. Set them up close to the ground for most effective placement; mosquitoes tend to fly near the ground to avoid getting caught in the wind.

Plant Natural Deterrents

Although citronella candles are an easy option in the attempt to ward off mosquitoes, they’re not very effective unless their smoke stays directly between you and these tiny predators. A more long-term solution would be using biological alternatives. Great options of natural mosquito repellent include:

Plant a few of these around your outdoor space, and see the benefits flourish! Mosquitoes will be deterred by these plants and won't return to take over your space.

Remove Objects That Collect Water

Although it’s common knowledge that mosquitoes breed in standing water, it’s more difficult to determine exactly where standing water is collecting on your property.

• When it comes to things like children’s toys, it’s best to turn them over or cover them when they’re not being played with. This will help prevent rainwater from collecting in buckets, toy trucks, frisbees, and sandboxes.
• Objects that are harder to address may include old tires, gutters, logs, and bird baths. If possible, try your best to remove yard debris like tires and logs, or fill them in with sand if removal isn’t possible.
• With gutters, it’s important to make sure they stay free of dead leaves, mosses, tennis balls, and anything else that may cause water blockages.
• Lastly, birdbaths are always great accents in a yard, but remember to replace the water occasionally to prevent mosquito larvae from breeding!

Wear Mosquito-Resistant Clothing

Loosely woven fabrics may be best for staying cool during the summer, but they don’t offer much protection again tiny blood sucking mosquitoes. When you’re out shopping for clothes this summer, especially for your kids, try and find more durable clothing that is marked as providing “sun protection” -- this type of tightly woven cloth should do just the trick. Aside from that, anything with synthetic fibers is your next best option for clothing that will protect you from mosquito bites.

Don’t have time? Don’t worry!

Prepping your home against mosquitoes can be time-consuming, and sometimes feels plain out fruitless. If your family spends a lot of time in the backyard, getting professional mosquito treatments throughout the summer may be worth it to add a shield of protection around your property. At A-Action, we offer mosquito, flea, and tick control in Illinois and Wisconsin, so your family can enjoy a summer of fun outdoors, without worry!