Mosquitoes, especially those that carry diseases such as the Zika virus, dengue, and malaria, pose risks to human health and safety. Taking preventive measures like mosquito elimination can help you protect your loved ones and achieve a mosquito-free yard. Here are some effective methods you can try:

• Remove Unused Containers and Discarded Tires From Your Yard

Stagnant water makes an ideal breeding site for mosquitoes, providing a suitable environment for their eggs to hatch and develop into larvae. It is crucial to eliminate any standing water around our homes and communities to prevent the spread of these pesky insects.

Remove all of the things that can hold water, such as discarded tires, buckets, and small plastic containers. These objects accumulate rainwater, which serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. 

• Change the Water From Bird Baths and Potted Plants Regularly

Replacing the water in birdbaths daily prevents mosquito eggs from successfully hatching. It is best to give these ornamental basins a good scrub too, once a week, to help reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.

Potted plants with water collection pans can also become mosquito breeding sites if the water remains undisturbed for too long. Emptying the pans and cleaning them afterward can prevent mosquito larvae from developing and potentially spreading disease. 

• Clean Debris From Rain Gutters

Clogged drains can cause water to stagnate. Regularly cleaning your gutters can prevent mosquito infestations from happening. Installing gutter guards can also help to prevent debris from falling into and clogging your gutters.

• Empty Ponds in Your Yard

A small pond in a backyard can also become one of the breeding sites for mosquitoes. If the water is undisturbed for several days, it creates the perfect condition for mosquito eggs to hatch and larvae to develop. Regularly cleaning and emptying the pond can help prevent mosquito-borne illnesses from spreading within your yard.​

• Mow Your Lawn Frequently

Maintaining a well-manicured lawn reduces the likelihood of mosquitoes using it as a refuge or resting place. It also increases visibility for identifying mosquitoes and removing any standing water sources. Although tall grass may not be a preferred area for mosquitoes to lay eggs, keep the grass as short as possible to ensure no swarm of mosquitoes can be found in your area.

Call Professionals From Wingate Pest & Lawn

The five abovementioned helpful tips can help you reduce the risks of mosquito-borne diseases and enjoy the outdoors without the annoyance and danger of mosquitoes. However, having the areas outside your home regularly treated by experts is still best. Contact Wingate Pest & Lawn for one-time or annual options for mosquito elimination. Call us for a free inspection or estimate in Mid-Missouri.