Summer backyard barbecues and patio hangouts with friends and family are fun, but not when mosquitoes ruin the party.
From backyard sprays to treatments, there are DIY and professional solutions for repelling nuisance mosquitoes.
Keep mosquitoes at bay this summer with these expert tips.
Reasons why mosquitoes are more common in summer
Summer days are long, the weather is warm, and the humidity is high, creating perfect conditions for mosquitoes to breed. Rainfall and standing water in wading pools and buckets create a breeding ground for mosquitoes, making them a real nuisance.
“Mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs, and heavy rain can create breeding grounds all over your garden. Rain and heat are two factors that cause mosquito swarms,” says entomologist Emma Grace Crumbley of pest control company Mosquito Squad Plus.
Not to mention, it’s also the time of year when we spend more time outdoors in shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops, making our skin more susceptible to damage.
How effective are summer mosquito control measures?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 200 types of mosquitoes in the United States, and 12 spread dangerous bacteria. Crumbley said leaving mosquitoes on your property can leave your family and friends unprotected from mosquito bites, diseases like West Nile, dengue and Zika, and parasites like malaria.
Depending on your mosquito infestation and the treatment you choose, mosquito treatments can help keep the pests at bay.
“Summer mosquito treatments are effective at deterring active mosquito infestations and preventing mosquitoes from taking over your garden in the future,” says Crumbley. “Consistency plays a big role in maintaining an effective mosquito management plan.”
The best treatment to get rid of mosquitoes
Summer is peak season for mosquitoes and their itchiness, but there are several mosquito treatments available to control the pests.
There are three main types of mosquito treatments that vary in purpose and longevity. Working with an experienced pest control service can help homeowners decide on the best option for their situation.
Mosquito barrier treatment: perfect for quick results
Mosquito barrier treatments are exactly what the name suggests. When sprayed directly onto surfaces such as your lawn or around your home, chemical treatments form a protective barrier that lasts for several weeks.
Mosquito barrier treatments work quickly and kill adult mosquitoes on contact, so you can get back to enjoying your summer. Barrier treatments last two to four weeks and provide quick but temporary mosquito relief.
Larvicide: Ideal for long-term mosquito treatment
Insecticide treatments target mosquito larvae in standing water. This option provides a long-term solution to treating mosquito populations using bacteria, as it stops the bacteria before the mosquitoes hatch and become adults.
Once applied, this mosquito repellent typically lasts about 30 days, but is only effective in standing water such as gutters, birdhouses, and ponds. If all breeding sites can be found and addressed, it can be an effective treatment.
Mosquito mist spraying system: ideal for large numbers of mosquitoes
Another option is to install a mosquito fogging system that operates at scheduled times to treat more intense mosquito infestations.
Mosquito populations tend to emerge at dawn and dusk, so you can schedule spraying with insecticide mist to directly target mosquitoes. This option is perfect for those who live in properties with large acres or who regularly have mosquito problems.
Mosquito mist systems provide an uninterrupted supply of mist as long as the mosquitoes have a problem.
How often mosquito treatment is needed in summer
To control mosquitoes, regular mosquito treatments are required throughout the summer. For example, Mosquito Squad Plus sends a technician to treat a customer’s yard every 21 days, Crumbley said. Other companies may differ depending on the product they use.
Best Mosquito Repellent Option for DIY Enthusiasts
Professional mosquito control companies are effective and provide long-term mosquito control all year round. But there are some DIY options that can give you relief from those pesky mosquitoes.
“Nature helps control mosquitoes. Many aquatic animals eat mosquito larvae, including amphibians, fish, and other insects,” Crumbley says. “Planting native aquatic and wetland plants near natural bodies of water can increase the number of beneficial animals in the area.”
Cost of mosquito extermination
According to third-party review sites like Angi and Reddit, mosquito treatments cost an average of about $350, but can range from $50 to $2,500 depending on the size of your yard and treatment method.
Installing a misting system can increase these costs. Consumers should compare the costs of mosquito treatment companies to find a service that meets their budget and needs. If you want to make it easy, a professional mosquito net company will give you a free quote.
How to prepare the garden for mosquito repellent
Once you have hired a professional mosquito treatment company, you will need to prepare your yard for mosquito treatment. This means removing all yard debris and removing toys, bicycles, pet accessories, and other items from the yard.
Be sure to remove the bucket and any standing water. Trim plants, bushes, and bushes and install screens on all windows and doors.
How to reduce mosquitoes during treatment
Keep your garden clean between treatments. This is important because you don’t want to give mosquitoes new breeding grounds.
“Mosquitoes can breed in clogged gutters, clogged downspouts, bird tanks, pet bowls, and standing or overflowing water in your yard. After a rain, walk around your outdoor space and look for standing water,” Crumbley says.
Are mosquito treatments safe for pets and people?
Before choosing a mosquito repellent company, ask if they use treatments that are safe for around pets and people. Different companies may handle things differently, so do your research.
“Pets and people should remain indoors during treatments. After each service, we strongly recommend waiting for the treatment to dry before allowing pets and children to play outside,” says Crumbley.
FAQ
When is the best time to get tested for mosquitoes?
May to August is peak mosquito season and the best time to test and treat mosquitoes.
Is annual mosquito testing worth it?
Yes, it is worth getting regular annual check-ups to prevent mosquitoes and their unpleasant bites. Regular inspection and treatment can keep your property free of mosquitoes.
What is the mosquito’s biggest enemy?
Pest predators are mosquitoes’ biggest enemies. These include birds, fish, turtles, and dragonflies. Planting emerging plants in your garden around your pond will help pest predators do the work for you and keep mosquitoes away.
Is it really effective in keeping mosquitoes away?
Yes, there are both professional sprays and DIY mosquito repellents that can keep mosquitoes out of your backyard. You can also get a barrier treatment to get rid of backyard pests quickly, or try a long-term larvicide treatment to stop the mosquito breeding cycle.
