Pests Don’t Go Away in the Winter

With mosquitoes being responsible for diseases like the Zika and West Nile Virus, it's normal to be concerned about mosquitos when you see them around your home. Thankfully, there are things you are able to do that will keep the mosquitos away and keep those around your home safe. Try doing these things that can reduce the mosquitos that you see.

Keep Shrubs and Grass Trimmed

Mosquitos like to hide in various places in the daytime hours, and will seek out places that are dark and damp. This often means hiding in your grass, shrubs, and other outdoor plants. You can make these places not so appealing by frequently cutting your grass, as well as trimming shrubs that are nearby. This will prevent the local mosquitoes from having a place to go to get away from the sun, and may seek a home elsewhere. For the remainder that decide to stay, you can have a local pest company spray down the area to provide even more protection.

Clean Up Yard Waste

Mosquitoes will breed in places where you have yard waste for a similar reason; it is dark and has trapped moisture. This often happens with yard waste, like grass clippings and old leaves. You'll need to stay on top of removing your yard waste, which gives the mosquitoes fewer spots to breed around your property. The corners and fences of your home's yard is a place where yard waste tends to build up the most, so clean them out when you notice them getting bad.

Remove Standing Water

Mosquitoes tend to be attracted to standing water, which is another place they use to breed. If you happen to have a small birdbath on your property, mosquitoes could be using it rather than the birds. This can also happen if you leave small pools out for your kids in the summer, or water bowls outside for pets. You'll also want to make sure that your gutters are clean, since water can pool in there without you realizing it. If you own a swimming pool, always use the pool cover when it is not in use.

Light Citronella Candles

If you do spend time outside, it helps to invest in some citronella candles that you can light around your outdoor patio area. These candles act as a repellent to mosquitos, and will keep them away while you entertain outside your home.

For more tips, speak to a local pest control company like Mosquito Shield.