It’s summertime! The weather is warm and the sun’s shining. It’s time to break out the grills and invite all your friends and family over for summer parties.
Unfortunately, along with friends and family, come those pesky uninvited guests that you wish would just go away – forever! No I’m not talking about your crazy Aunt Georgina or that neighbor who shows up with empty hands and stays way too long. I’m talking about mosquitoes. Although it’s almost impossible to get rid of all mosquitoes from your property, here are a few steps you can take to help limit the amount of mosquitoes that will show up to party with you and your guests.
Limit Still Water On Your Property
The first thing you should do to cut back on mosquitoes is to eliminate their breeding grounds. Mosquitoes need water to breed. Stagnant water or moist soil is where adult mosquitoes lay eggs. By limiting water on your property, you’ll be less likely to be bothered by these pests. After a heavy rain walk around your property and make sure there isn’t any obvious standing water. If you have an area with standing water (more than a day or so after it rains) consider leveling off that area so the water drains. If you find your lawn being used as a delivery room for your next round of mosquito bites, Livingston Farm can help with all of your drainage struggles. Livingston Farm Excavation services can help with all of your earth moving needs. It’s important to make sure your lawn has proper drainage after rain storms, melting snow, and unknown runoff zones. Proper drainage supports the health of your lawn and your sanity of limiting your mosquito interactions.
Keep Your Things Under Cover to Eliminate Water Build
Up Keep all containers, such as recycling bins, garbage cans and other storage containers dry. Make sure to put holes on the bottom of the containers for drainage and not on the sides. Check your gutters to make sure they are free from debris so water does not build up in them. Also make sure the gutter drain is free from debris and standing water cannot build up around the drain. Check flower pot bases; water sitting in the bases is an often overlooked mosquito paradise. Change water in animal dishes outside and birdbaths at least once a day. If you find yourself with extra pots, gardening tools, and other odds and ends that collect water, Livingston Farm has outdoor structures that can hide all of your belongings away from your neighbors and pesky mosquitoes looking for a nest.
Earth Friendly Ways to Limit Mosquitoes
You might think of sprays and poison when it comes to keeping mosquitoes away, but Mother Nature has some remedies that can help the good fight against these pests. Plants like tansy, basil or marigolds are a great way to limit mosquitoes. The smell of these plants helps to keep mosquitoes from hanging around yards. Spraying Listerine around bushes and on the grass also helps to keep mosquitoes from joining the party. Garlic (in liquid form) is another item you can spray on your property to help deter mosquitoes. In addition, there are organic and natural mosquito sprays that connect to your garden hose. Be sure to read labels to make sure they are pet and kid friendly. If you prefer to leave the planting and sprays for another day, Livingston Farm can build you a beautiful screened in gazebo to create the safest line of defense for you and your family to stay out of reach for your unwanted BBQ guests.
Candles & Dimmed lights Can Deter Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes love light. So, changing out bright white lights to dimmer yellow lights is a quick fix to help cut down on mosquitoes. Citronella candles and torches are also easy ways to keep mosquitoes away.
Other Ways to Eliminate Unwanted Flying Friends
If you spend a lot of time outside and want to make an investment, mosquito traps or mosquito magnets are your top choice. These traps use propane and octenol to mimic human breath, which 
mosquitoes like, and it traps and kills them. However, these units can run up to $800, so bring your wallet if you choose to go this route.
Easing the Pain of Your Bites
Even if you follow these tips, unfortunately you’ll probably still end up with a few bites over the summer. Unless you decide to stay inside your gazebo or outdoor shed forever…Don’t worry; there are a few things you can do to help ease the pain. The best way to stop the itch is to use products with antihistamines. A good home remedy is using the peel of a banana on fresh bites. This helps to take away the swelling and itch. And finally, the quickest way to stop a mosquito bite from itching is cool water.
Last thing, remember that mosquitoes are usually more active during dawn and dusk. Hopefully these tips will help to keep away most uninvited guests from your party or backyard BBQ. Sorry Livingston Farm can’t help you with that crazy Aunt or unwanted neighbor from down the street.
