What Attracts Mosquitoes to Your Yard?

Many people may have a mosquito problem in their yard and often get frustrated when they can’t get rid of them. Besides working with Mosquito Joe of West Chester PA for spraying mosquito barriers, there are several things you can do to help.
The number one thing that attracts mosquitoes to your yard is standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant, still water, which is necessary for their young to hatch and mature. That’s why is it so important to keep your yard free of standing water. Here are a few tips:

Keep the Gutters Clear

If water can’t drain out of your gutters, water will pool there, which is the most common area for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. This one is simple—just keep your gutters clean so that they can do their job of bringing water away from your home to the right draining location.

Clean up After the Kids

It’s so important to thoroughly empty kiddie pools, water tables, buckets and shovels, and cups and toys after the kids are done playing. The best advice is to dry them off and store them in a dry shed or garage so they are not left outside to gather water from the rain or sprinklers that may be set to go off at night.

Take a Walk Around after the Rain

If you have a chance to put your rain boots on and head outside after it rains, this is the best time to see where water may be collecting that you may not realize. Some often overlooked water-collecting culprits include:

• Old tires: if you have a gearhead in the family, don’t leave old tires laying around outside your home or garage. Water can easily pool and never drain from an unused tire left sitting on the driveway or propped against the garage.
• Tarps: if you have a tarp covering anything in your yard-a pile of firewood, yard equipment, or outdoor furniture, make sure it fits very snugly on the item it’s protecting. Any drooping or sagging in the tarp or cover will allow for water to pool.
• Pet Bowls: if you spend time outside and often have a bowl of water or food outside for your dog or cat to drink or eat out of, be sure to bring that bowl inside so water does not fill it up unintentionally and sit to wait for a mosquito to make it her home.
• Gardening tools: Make sure that empty flowerpots and tools like shovels are not left outside to collect water. Be sure to drain the hose after use, and check flowerpot saucers for signs of collecting stagnant water that could also be inviting to mosquitos.
• Keep a lid on garbage: dispose of old barbecue grills, car parts, etc. that may be tossed away on the side of the house or behind a shed. Be sure you have lids on your garbage cans, and make sure they are being used rather than left face up, collecting water, on the driveway next to said garbage can.
• Maintain your lawn: overgrown trees, brush, weeds and tall grass are things mosquitoes love. Keep your yard well-kept may help keep mosquitoes out!

Remember, almost anything that holds water — even a small amount — can turn into a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquitos can lay eggs just about anywhere water can collect. By taking the time to clean up and maintain your yard, you’ll be making it a nicer place to spend time for you, and not as inviting to the pesky mosquitos.