Managing Outdoor Pest Control in Your OWN Backyard

When the weather warms and you want to spend more time in your backyard, pest control should become a major priority for you. Why? Because the most hated of summertime pests, mosquitoes, are coming for you.

 

Mosquito Prevention

 

To prevent mosquitoes from nesting in your backyard, clear up any standing water around your home. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in as little as ½ inch of water.  Keep an eye on your gutters and other places that collect water for a few days after getting any rain. If you can’t clear up the standing water use window screens to cover things like rain barrels and use mosquito dunks to safely kill and deter insects from your bird baths and pools. However, a well-cleaned pool will usually not attract mosquitoes due to high levels of chlorine and movement.

 

Protecting your Picnic

 

Try not to keep trash bins in or around your yard. The stench from the bins will attract a number of pests to your backyard. If you’re hosting a barbecue or other event with outdoor eating, make sure you effectively cover your food. Food tents can be found at a number of stores and act as a barrier between your food and a number of nasty pests.

 

Light up your backyard

 

Many homeowners will opt for Tiki torches as a way to prevent mosquitoes and other pests from annoying them at night. These lamps work well when used with essential oils like citronella or peppermint.

 

Plant a bug-repelling garden

 

There are many plants that can work as bug repellants in your garden. Plants like citronella grass, rosemary, catnip, and marigolds repel mosquitoes.  These plants can be a safe and effective DIY way to repel a variety of insects.