How to get rid of mosquitoes

No one wants to be out in their yard and find themselves being bitten by mosquitoes. If you find you have mosquitoes in your yard or around your property, there are things you can do to get rid of them. The best way is to contact your local Western Exterminator office and ask about our mosquito control services. Our experts can help you reduce mosquito populations and prevent reproduction so that your problem doesn’t come right back.

How to prevent mosquitoes in the yard

One of the best ways to get rid of mosquitoes is to prevent them from laying their eggs on your property in the first place. This means doing some property maintenance. There are six main ways to prevent mosquitoes from making a home in your yard:

• Eliminate standing water on your property - Mosquitoes only need a tablespoon of water to breed and lay their eggs. Turn over objects that can collect water. If you have a pond, get an agitator to keep the water moving. Even a small current is enough to get mosquitoes to find somewhere else to lay eggs.
• Prevent stagnant water from collecting in objects outside - Common spots for water to collect are flower pots, watering cans, wheelbarrows, birdbaths, and garbage cans.
• Check your gutters - Make sure that water is draining properly and all wet leaves are removed. This will prevent pools of water from building up where mosquitoes can breed.
• Keep your lawn trimmed - Adult mosquitoes hide and rest in tall grass. Make sure they have fewer areas to hide in during the afternoon hours.
• Move play equipment and patio furniture - Move all equipment and patio furniture away from dense foliage areas. Mosquitoes like to hide in these areas, and being close to them will make it easier for mosquitoes to bite you.
• Use fans outside - This will help keep air circulating. Mosquitoes are such weak flyers that installing an overhead fan or 1-2 portable fans in areas where you want to congregate is enough to keep them from flying to you.

How to get rid of mosquitoes in the house

If you take a moment to do the prevention methods listed above, you can get rid of mosquitoes around your property. Make sure you do not end up with mosquitoes inside your house by following these three tips:

• Ensure windows have screens. If you have windows open, make sure they all have screens and ensure the screens do not have holes in them. Mosquitoes are small and will use any opening to get inside.
• Be careful opening doors. The best thing to do is not open and close the doors during dawn and dusk hours, as mosquitoes will fly in while you are trying to get in or out. Also, ensure your doors have sweeps that go all the way to the ground.
• Use fans inside. Remember, mosquitoes do not fly well in heavy winds or even slightly disturbed air. If you have doors open, keep fans running inside.

How to prevent mosquito bites

Although you may have taken steps to protect your property, you still may be exposed to mosquitoes if you spend time outside. In order to fully enjoy the summer months, there are ways you can personally protect yourself to prevent mosquito bites:

• Wear insect repellent - Use an insect repellent that has an EPA-registered active ingredient such as DEET. Apply the repellent to your ankles and other exposed areas of skin. The higher the percentage of active ingredient, the longer the repellent will last. For maximum protection, apply sunscreen first before applying insect repellent.
• Avoid being outside at dusk and dawn - Plan your activities accordingly. Dusk and dawn are peak feeding times for mosquitoes, which increases the likelihood of getting a mosquito bite.
• Wear mosquito resistant outfits - Long sleeved shirts and pants that are light in color are ideal clothing if you have to be out at dusk or dawn. Mosquitoes are attracted to darker clothing. Also, avoid wearing heavily scented lotions, shampoos, and perfumes.

Western Exterminator gets rid of mosquitoes

Western Exterminator Technicians can treat your backyard so that you can enjoy the outdoors at all times of the day without having to worry about mosquito bites. Our solutions get rid of adult and larval mosquitoes, and their eggs, too.

The first step is to contact your local Western Exterminator office and speak to one of our Technicians. We'll do a property inspection and provide you with the mosquito treatment necessary to get rid of mosquitoes and to prevent them from returning.

*Offer expires 3/31/2023. Offer available to residential customers who purchase a new mosquito service plan. Only one discount per mosquito service plan per customer. This offer does not apply to commercial pest plans. The $25 discount will be deducted from the initial service. Cannot be combined with any other offers or coupons. Offer details subject to change.