3 Easy Tips for Less Mosquitoes This Summer!
Tyler Brady
President, Sure Shot Pest & Weed Control
In Oklahoma, if you step outside in the summer, there is a constant risk of a mosquito bite or five! I’m going to break down some easy tips, or things to look for this summer to help you spend more time outside in your yard without getting eaten alive by mosquitoes.
1. Identify and Remove Standing Water
A thorough inspection of your property is important for effective mosquito control. Do a walk around the house and look for standing water or containers left outside that hold water, such as pots, dog bowls, bird baths, or trash cans. An easy solution for containers would be to drill drainage holes in the pots or trash cans at the bottom so water drains out completely. Why does this matter? Mosquitoes love stagnant water to lay their eggs in! If you have standing water around your home, you are likely breeding your own mosquito problem.
2. Eliminate Harborage Areas
Tall grass, overgrown shrubs, and trees are all areas where mosquitoes thrive. Keeping the lawn cut, shrubs trimmed, and trees cut back eliminates shaded areas for them to harbor and breed during the hot midday sun. Keeping your yard manicured is a very simple but highly effective way to reduce mosquito pressure on your property.
3. Use Patio Fans
Mosquitoes are weak flyers and will tend to avoid areas where the air is moving quickly, blowing them around. Installing a ceiling fan on your back patio is an easy way to repel mosquitoes from your seating area. Even something as simple as a portable box fan on the back patio will give you immediate relief! As a bonus, the fans will also help deter annoying flies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is mosquito season in Oklahoma?
A: Mosquitoes are most active from late spring through early fall, with June and July being the worst months. They're most aggressive at dawn and dusk.
Q: Where do mosquitoes breed around my home?
A: Any standing water is a breeding ground. Bird baths, clogged gutters, low spots in the yard, flowerpot saucers, and even bottle caps holding water can all produce mosquitoes.
Q: Can I treat my own yard for mosquitoes?
A: Store-bought sprays can knock down adult mosquitoes temporarily, but a professional treatment covers the full yard and targets the areas where mosquitoes rest and breed for longer-lasting results.
Q: How quickly can mosquitoes reproduce?
A: Fast. A mosquito can go from egg to adult in as little as 7 to 10 days, which is why consistent treatment through the season matters.