How To Keep Mosquitoes Away in North Carolina
As warm weather arrives in North Carolina, spending time outdoors becomes all the more appealing, especially when it’s in your own yard. But a mosquito problem in your yard or home can be more than a bother. Due to the risks of mosquito infestation, it’s best to know how to keep mosquitoes away from your property.
Proper practices and resources can keep mosquitoes out, allowing you to enjoy summer outdoor activities. In this blog, the Clegg’s Pest Control team will show you practical and effective ways to reduce or eliminate mosquito populations throughout your North Carolina yard and home.
Why Worry About Mosquitoes?
The first question that should be answered is why we worry about mosquitoes. After all, on the surface, they seem nothing more than a summertime nuisance. However, this is far from the case, as mosquitoes can pose a proper health risk with their ability to bite, feed on blood, and even transmit diseases.
According to the Center for Disease Control, mosquitoes can transmit several diseases to humans through their bites. These include, but are not limited to, Zika virus, West Nile virus, and malaria. These risks are why exterminating mosquitoes is needed when an infestation takes over your yard or home.
Common Mosquitoes in North Carolina
With around 60 known species of mosquitoes in North Carolina alone, some species are more prevalent and pose a more significant threat than others. Here are just three of the common mosquitoes to look out for in your North Carolina home and yard:
- Asian Tiger Mosquitoes. This type of mosquito likes to breed in containers such as flower pots and bird baths. Even though they are active day and night, this species is most aggressive bite-wise during the day and can potentially carry the Zika virus.
- Northern House Mosquitoes. Found across North Carolina, this type of mosquito is most common around ground pools and can potentially transmit the West Nile virus.
- Eastern Saltmarsh Mosquitoes. This mosquito type is most common along the North Carolina coast and is willing to bite a nearby host at any time. It gets its name from commonly being found in salt marshes.
Best Practices on How To Exterminate Mosquitoes
After you better understand the threat the many types of mosquitoes can pose, it’s best to take action to combat a potential infestation in your North Carolina home and yard. Let us guide you through proper mosquito control techniques you can utilize to help keep mosquitoes away.
1. Use Mosquito Repellents
Being a short-term solution, insect and mosquito repellents are great for when you plan to spend some time outside. Whether mowing your lawn or catching some sun, the best repellents will keep these pesky nuisances away. According to the EPA, there are certain ingredients to look for in adequate registered repellents, such as the following:
- DEET
- Catnip oil
- Citronella oil
- Lemon eucalyptus oil
- Para-menthane-diol
- IR3535
- 2-Undecanone
For your protection, apply insect repellents according to the instructions provided by the product.
2. Remove Standing Water
Since many female mosquitoes breed and can lay eggs in standing water, reducing and controlling any standing water found across your yard is essential. Inspect your yard for any puddles or pools of water accumulated. Remove any items that collect water, such as pet bowls, pots, and furniture. If you have a kiddie pool in your yard, ensure it is emptied and stored away after use, as these can be especially problematic if left unattended.
3. Yard Maintenance
Even though they feed on blood, mosquitoes require more to survive. They additionally need nectar and are drawn to tall grass and shrubs for places to live in your yard. Yet you can make your yard less appealing to mosquitoes by practicing proper lawn and yard maintenance. This includes cleaning up yard debris, utilizing natural repellents on plants, and frequently cutting your lawn and shrubs.
4. Stay Indoors at Peak Mosquito Hours
Although mosquito species can differ in activity, most are most active in the early morning or early evening. During these times, consider staying indoors and waiting out any risk of a mosquito issue. Even during winter, mosquitoes can hibernate until warm weather arrives again, so it’s best to maintain good indoor practices.
5. Wear Long-Sleeved Clothing
Although different kinds of mosquitoes are active at various times of day and night, it’s best to be protected against mosquitoes whenever possible. This includes wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants at cooler times of the day. Consider investing in long-sleeved sleeping clothes for added protection from mosquitoes during the night.
6. Get Professional Mosquito Control Services
While home practices and tactics can help prevent mosquitoes from entering your yard or home, they are not a surefire answer. Turn to professional mosquito control services to yield the best results. The ideal team of technicians, such as those through Clegg’s Pest Control, will be knowledgeable and action-oriented in taking care of your mosquito issue through preventive treatments.
Get the Best Mosquito Control Services Through Clegg’s Pest Control
Are you looking for optimal mosquito control services in North Carolina? Come to Clegg’s Pest Control! For over 60+ years, our professional technicians have served communities across North Carolina with all their mosquito and pest control needs. With thorough and frequent inspections, a plentiful amount of knowledge, and the right tools to get the job done, we won’t rest until the job is done. Find your nearest service area or contact us online to set up your free pest inspection today!