Mosquitoes are among the most annoying of garden pests. They deliver vicious bites without the slightest provocation, and destroy the peace and quiet of your backyard with their annoying buzz. Mosquitoes are also dangerous pests. They transmit numerous infectious diseases like West Nile Virus, Malaria, Yellow Fever, and Elephantiasis. Moreover, mosquito bites can cause allergic reactions ranging from red, itchy, localized swelling, to anaphylactic shock which can be life-threatening.
Clearly mosquitoes are uninvited guests and any self-respecting homeowner will want to rid their yard of these troublesome insects. Here are 5 helpful tips to combat mosquitoes in your yard.
1) Citronella oil
Burning citronella oil is a proven method for keeping mosquitoes at bay. Popular citronella products include outdoor citronella candles and citronella garden torches which can be mounted around the perimeter of the yard. These can be purchased online or from your local home improvement center.
2) Pesticides
Permethrin , Scourge, Malathion, and Anvil are common synthetic pesticides used for mosquito control. Natural pesticides such as Pyrethrin and Bacillus thuringensis (BTI) also do a good job of destroying mosquitoes. Bacillus thuringensis (BTI), commonly known as “mosquito dunks”, is a natural soil bacterium that can be placed around your yard. Mosquitoes feed on the BTI which kills them within days. You can also consider installing an automated misting system which sprays your yard with pesticide at intervals throughout the day.
3) Water control
Treat or drain all sources of standing water in your yard. Flower pots, plant saucers, dog bowls, and blow-up pools should be overturned if possible or regularly emptied of any stagnant water. Even objects like kids’ toys or old tires can collect water. Refill birth baths and water fountains frequently to keep the water fresh, and keep gutters clean so that water does not accumulate in them. Other moisture-retaining culprits are loose tarpaulin, uneven lawns, and organic debris such as leaves and sticks.
4) Mosquito predators
Certain animals, like toads, guppies, and gold fish prey on mosquitoes. If you have a garden pond, having these animals in or near your pond can help control the mosquito population in your yard.
An automated misting system, also known as a mosquito misting system, is a pest control solution whereby pesticide is automatically sprayed onto an insect-infested area through self-operating nozzles at specific times of the day. A typical automated misting system includes things like timers, spray nozzles, tubing, a control board, a remote control, and a pump. These systems allow homeowners and commercial property owners alike to eliminate or significantly reduce the population of irritating mosquitoes, flies, and other insect pests on their premises.
Types of automated misting systems
There are a wide range of automated misting systems currently available on the market. You can choose from battery-powered, motor-powered, and electric-powered models. You can also decide if you want a drum-based or tankless system. Some systems require fixed installation, while others are portable. The prices of these systems vary, ranging from $1,500 to $3,000.
Installation
Installing an automated misting system is usually a straightforward process that you can do yourself. There are also pest control companies that install these systems on commercial and residential proprieties. Setting up the system involves placing the spray nozzles around the perimeter of your property and running the mist lines (tubing that supplies the mist formula to the nozzles) along fence lines or under eaves.
Benefits
Automated misting systems have many benefits. They eliminate the grunt work of having to walk around a property and apply pesticide manually. They also make pesticide delivery more precise and consistent. Moreover, they require minimal maintenance. Most systems use a natural pesticide called pyrethrin. Pyrethrin is a highly effective pesticide that has low toxicity in human and mammals. This allows you to use your automated misting system safely without worrying about pollution and adverse effects to your family or employees.
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