Organic Mosquito Control Treatments for Homeowners
Pool days, backyard barbecues, outdoor concerts — there’s so much to enjoy as the weather gets warmer. But what’s the biggest buzz kill when trying to enjoy outdoor activities? Mosquitoes! These bugs thrive in warmer environments, so they usually peak mid-summer in the Carolinas, but they actually emerge much earlier when the temperature starts steadily exceeding 50°F. While we do have cold winters to (thankfully) keep these pests at bay for several months out of the year, our humid springs and summers provide them with ample time to disrupt pretty much all of our favorite outdoor gatherings. In fact, their presence is such a problem in the Carolinas that Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham ranked #9 and #10 on Orkin’s 2019 list of Top 50 Mosquito Cities. Because they run so rampant in this area, mosquito control isn’t so much of a luxury as it is a necessity. With that being said, it’s time to prepare yourself for the upcoming mosquito season. Continue reading to learn about the organic mosquito control methods you can use to protect yourself and your yard.
What Attracts Mosquitoes?
Before you can effectively start treating the problem, you should know what’s causing it. There are many things that draw mosquitoes to your yard and to you, so understanding them can help when looking for ways to eliminate these pests.
Warm bodies
Backyard parties aren’t just a feast for you and your guests, they are for mosquitoes, too! Mosquitoes drink blood to get the nutrients needed to lay eggs, so seeing a group of warm bodies looks like an endless buffet to them. And if you’ve ever thought you’re more prone to mosquito bites than other people, it’s not just in your head. Because mosquitoes need blood to survive, their eyes have adapted to have thermal processors that help them identify warm-blooded mammals. If you happen to be warmer than the person next to you, you will be their primary target. Pregnant women, people who are overweight, joggers, or someone consuming alcohol will be warmer than others, so they are more likely to be bitten.
Standing water
Undisturbed sources of water are prime breeding grounds for these bugs, including puddles, bird baths, wheelbarrows, clogged gutters, etc. When mosquitoes lay eggs they can lay up to a hundred at a time, so making sure your yard is dry is key to preventing them.
Tall grass
Tall grass and weeds provide mosquitoes with shade they need from the midday sun, so the longer the blades are, the better. Keep your lawn neat and tidy to maintain an environment that these bugs won’t want to nest in. Check out our lawn care services if you need help taking care of your yard!
Flowers
Both male and female mosquitoes are known to feed on nectar as well as blood, so yards that have lots of flowers growing will surely attract them.
Organic Mosquito Control Tips
Now that you have a better understanding of what may be causing the presence of mosquitoes in your yard, let’s explore the organic methods you can use to repel them.
Coffee grounds
Coffee grounds, especially burnt coffee grounds, drive mosquitoes away fairly quickly — they can’t stand the smell. Place them in a bowl on the ground in heavily affected areas and burn them as you would burn incense to drive them out ASAP. Adding coffee grounds to standing water that you can’t get rid of will also prevent female mosquitoes from laying eggs there.
Essential oils
Mixing your own essential oil mosquito repellent is a great alternative to chemical bug sprays! Organic Aromas has a great recipe for taking care of the problem. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Spray bottle
- 12 oz of witch hazel
- 15 drops of citronella oil
- 15 drops of lemongrass oil
- 10 drops of peppermint oil
- 10 drops of tea tree oil
Mosquitoes don’t like the smell of these essential oils and will stay far away from you if you spray yourself with this DIY solution. Bonus — you probably will like the smell.
Mosquito-repelling plants
Many plants have properties that naturally repel mosquitoes, so adding them to your garden is a great way to keep the bugs at bay. Stick to plants and herbs that have a strong scent such as lavender, peppermint, rosemary, garlic, basil, or citronella to drive them away with the harsh smells. For a closer look at mosquito-repelling plants read our blog,7 Plants You Should Grow to Naturally Repel Mosquitoes.
Let the Experts Help
Having trouble ridding your yard of these pests but don’t want to resort to harsh chemicals? At Killingsworth Environmental, we have a comprehensive pest control management system that is both effective and eco-friendly. Our affordable organic mosquito control program is designed to reduce the mosquito population on your property by targeting the nesting and breeding sites, eliminating the problem before it even arises. Because we live in a particularly warm and humid climate, consider implementing a long-term mosquito control plan to make sure they stay gone. If you’re done with letting these pesky insects ruin all your favorite spring and summer occasions then schedule an appointment with us today.
