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June 18, 2024
Summertime in Maine is a season of long days, outdoor fun, and unfortunately, mosquitoes. Most of us are familiar with the usual breeding grounds such as stagnant ponds, ditches, and birdbaths. However, there are several unexpected places in your yard where mosquitoes can thrive. Here are some tips to make your yard less mosquito-friendly and to address these unexpected breeding sites.
Unlikely mosquito breeding sites
Before we discuss how to make your yard less attractive to these biting pests, let’s look at a few places you might not expect mosquitoes to breed in and how to remedy them.
Wheelbarrows
Wheelbarrows left outside can collect rainwater, creating an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Even a small amount of standing water can attract mosquitoes.
Rather than let your wheelbarrow become a nursery, store it upside down when not in use to prevent water accumulation.
Canoes & Kayaks
Water vessels, such as canoes and kayaks, left uncovered in the yard can also fill with rainwater, providing mosquitoes with a perfect breeding site.
When stored outside, canoes and kayaks should be turned upside down. If they need to be right-side up, a tarp pulled taut should cover them securely.
Tarps
Tarps can be handy for covering items but may also collect water in the folds, creating small pools for mosquitoes.
Ensure tarps are taut and free from dips or folds where water can collect. Regularly check and adjust tarps to prevent water accumulation. When not in use, store tarps in the shed or garage.
Plant Saucers
While watering your plants, the saucers under pots can hold excess water, attracting mosquitoes.
Regularly empty water from plant saucers. Consider removing the saucers during mosquito season or adding sand to the saucers to absorb excess water.
Toys & Play Equipment
Children's toys, water tables, sandbox covers, and other play equipment can collect water after rain, creating additional breeding sites for mosquitoes.
Don't forget to drill small drainage holes in plastic toys and equipment to prevent water from building up. When not in use, make sure to empty water tables and other water toys, and store them in a way that won't collect water. Store other equipment indoors or in an area where rain can't reach them when they're not being used by your family.
Tires
Old tires leaning against the shed or lying flat on the ground can trap rainwater, becoming… you guessed it, another place for these biting pests to breed.
Haul off old tires to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. For tires that aren’t currently in use but aren’t ready to be thrown away, simply cover them or store them inside the garage or an outbuilding.
Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture with hollow sections or flat surfaces can collect water.
Dry your outdoor furniture after each rain and check it regularly to make sure water isn’t building up.
How to make your yard less mosquito-friendly
Now that we've identified some unlikely breeding sites and how to stop mosquitoes from breeding in those areas, let’s talk about other ways you can make your yard less friendly to the mosquito population and disrupt mosquito reproduction efforts.
- Maintain your gutters
Clogged gutters can trap water and provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Clean them regularly to ensure proper drainage. Also, make sure your downspouts divert water away from the foundation to prevent pooling. - Fix leaky faucets
If you’ve noticed an outdoor spigot dripping, now is the time to take care of it! Unfortunately, even that could create a place for mosquitoes to breed. While you’re at it, make sure your sprinkler works properly and your hoses aren’t dripping water. - Maintain your lawn
When mowing your lawn, it's important to find the right balance. You don't want the grass to get too long, as that can attract mosquitoes, but cutting it too short isn't good for the grass either. Experts suggest mowing your lawn once a week, keeping the grass at a height between 3.5 and 4 inches.
Other mosquito prevention tips to try
- Since mosquitoes are weak fliers, consider using fans on your porch, deck, or patio when you plan on spending time outdoors.
- Make sure windows and doors have screens that are in good repair to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.
- Sign up for seasonal mosquito control with Pine State Pest Solutions.
How Pine State keeps mosquitoes away
When property owners sign up for Pine State’s seasonal mosquito treatments, they can count on our locally owned and operated pest control company to drastically reduce the mosquito population and discourage breeding.
Our mosquito reduction program is available in Poland, Auburn, and throughout our multi-county service area. The program runs from May through September and includes an initial inspection to identify mosquito hot spots. After the inspection, we will perform a mosquito treatment every month, targeting areas prone to mosquito activity.
In addition to our monthly mosquito treatments, we offer our Tick Plus Mosquito Service, which combines tick and mosquito treatments and starts in April when tick activity starts ramping up and ends in October with a final tick treatment.
Don’t spend your summer covered in mosquito bites, contact Pine State Pest Solutions today to request a quote for your property. The summer will go by quickly; don’t waste another minute indoors!
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