Natural Barriers Against Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes thrive in Florida’s wet and humid climate, making them a prolific pest in the summer and fall. Mosquito bites are not only itchy and uncomfortable, but are the leading transmitter of dangerous diseases such as the West Nile Virus, malaria, and Dengue fever. After prolonged exposure, people can even develop severe allergies to mosquito bites, wherein bites become extremely swollen and last for weeks at a time.
The best repellents for mosquitoes exploit their highly attuned sense of smell, using strong scents to disrupt or distract their olfactory function. Continue reading to learn more about the methods of environmentally safe pest control recommended by our expert exterminators at Champion Termite and Pest Control!
Fire
Fire, or rather, smoke, is one of the most effective natural pest control methods you can use in your own yard. Smoke depletes oxygen from the air, making it difficult for mosquitoes to breathe—let alone smell! Mosquitoes are also repelled by the heat and harsh chemicals emitted by fire, making it a very effective method of pest control.
Fire can serve as a form of natural pest control on a small or large scale. Something as simple as lighting a candle can repel mosquitoes from your vicinity, while a classic campfire is able to repel mosquitoes across a much larger area.
Source Reduction
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water of any quality—they’re not picky! They can lay up to 100 eggs at a time and breed prolifically, with female mosquitoes laying eggs every two to three days. Aerate any ponds or rain barrels that collect water regularly to prevent mosquito larvae from developing. Removing all standing water from your property is the most surefire way to prevent adult mosquitoes from reproducing.
Our North Florida pest control company can help survey your property and pinpoint the source of your mosquito problems. Contact us today to learn more about our pest control services!
Predators
While mosquitoes are a hard pest to get rid of, they are far from immortal. Mosquitoes actually have a number of natural predators that might already live in your yard! Fish, small frogs, and dragonflies are known to eat larvae and eggs before they can develop into adult mosquitoes. Bats, frogs, and birds will often eat adult mosquitoes, making them predators that you would benefit from welcoming into your yard.
Stocking ponds with native fish is a great way to naturally limit mosquito population growth on your property. Another option is to encourage bird and bat species to visit by using bird and bat houses and feeders. Planting aquatic plants, wildflowers, and tall grasses will attract dragonflies, which are the mosquito’s largest natural predator.
Plants
It is a common myth that the citronella plant, also known as the mosquito plant, is an effective repellent against mosquitoes. While it is true that citronella extract can repel mosquitoes, the plant itself does not contain enough concentrated citronella oil to serve as an effective pest control. It is a better idea to plant lemongrass to repel mosquitoes; these plants contain a much higher concentration of citronella in their leaves.
As a general rule, plants alone will not be enough to repel mosquitoes from your yard—but they can help. Plants that have strong scents, such as lemongrass, marigold, and lavender, are somewhat effective at confusing a mosquito's sense of smell and masking the presence of humans. It is a better idea to focus on planting native plants that are known to attract predators, such as dragonflies, birds, or frogs to your backyard.
If you are struggling with mosquitoes in the North Florida area, our extermination services can help. Our expert exterminators are happy to guide you through the most cost-effective and natural ways to remove mosquitoes from your property. Contact Champion Termite and Pest Control today to learn more!
