Declare right now that your Labor Day cookout is going to be perfect. Instead of standing idly by and putting up with mosquitoes, consider using the following tips to reclaim your deck and backyard.
Make Yourself Less Attractive
To prevent an invasion, you have to understand what captures the attention of mosquitoes. Anything with a strong scent can be an allurement. If you like to cover your body with sweet-smelling perfume or cologne, it may be in your best interest to wear an unscented lotion. Also, it would be best if you put on light-colored clothing; mosquitoes are really fond of dark shirts and pants. In fact, black and navy blue excite mosquitoes the most because they retain more body heat and carbon dioxide.
Safeguard Yourself and Your Backyard
Using repellents and deterrents is the most efficient way to protect yourself and your backyard. Products that contain DEET are safe for adults and children, and they have an excellent reputation for warding off mosquitoes. Just be sure to follow the instructions when you’re applying the repellent.
To keep mosquitoes from invading your backyard, you can place geraniol or citronella candles in the area. While the geraniol type is proven to be an effective mosquito deterrent, the citronella type is good at sending mosquitoes into a frenzy. All you have to do is place the citronella candles near an electric fan that’s turned on. The constant flow of air and the scented smoke will go a long way toward stopping mosquitoes from biting you.
Even without the candles, the electric fans will help keep mosquitoes away from you and your guests because they will quickly dissipate the carbon dioxide that’s in the air. These flying irritants can detect body heat, CO2 and perspiration.
Tidy up Your Yard in Advance
Mosquitoes like shaded areas that have tall grass and shrubs, so lawn maintenance is highly important. If you don’t have the necessary equipment to tackle the job, it’s in your best interest to hire a professional company that specializes in lawn care. The company’s team will cut and spruce up your backyard so that it’s ready for your Labor Day cookout. While the results will be satisfactory to you, they will surely disappoint those uninvited visitors who just want to breed and feed.
Once your lawn is in a good condition, you should invest in a reliable netting. You need to place the netting over the deck, or you could put up a tent that’s specifically designed to keep mosquitoes out.
Eliminate Potential Breeding Sites
Mosquitoes are always on the lookout for sources of stagnant water. Therefore, if you have a puddle or a birdbath in your yard, you need to take care of it. Emptying the birdbath and putting coffee grounds in the puddle will help to eliminate mosquito larvae.
Although these tips are very useful, you should keep in mind that nothing is more effective than hiring a professional exterminator who will treat your home for you. Contact MosquitoNix Houston to get the pest control assistance that you need.