Many Americans hire a pest control expert when mosquito problems get out of hand. Since they are mainly a seasonal pest, a lot of homeowners decide to fight mosquitoes on their own. There are several mosquito control methods you can use in conjunction with professional services, some of which are more effective than others. Consider giving some of the following tips a try if you’re attempting to get rid of mosquitoes on your own:

Remove Standing Water From Your Property

Mosquitoes can only successfully breed in standing water. By removing these breeding areas from around your home you can greatly reduce the risk of a problem with these blood-sucking pests in your lawn. Some sources of standing water cannot be removed, but there are other steps you can take to treat these areas.

In addition to removing existing pools of standing water from around your yard, remove any item that could promote the likelihood of more. Get rid of any containers that may allow water to pool within them following rainfall. If you have a pool, keep it covered whenever it’s not in use.

Bacillus thuringiensis, commonly referred to Bt, can be a powerful tool for DIY mosquito control. This naturally-occurring bacteria is a common insecticide that has many uses and is not harmful to humans or animals. Putting a little bit of Bt in water can reduce your risk of mosquito infestation.

Consider A Bug Zapper

Bug zappers have been a popular choice for homeowners for many years. These devices may not be aesthetically pleasing, but mosquitoes are drawn directly into the devices. Once they or other pests fly into the light they receive a shock that kills them instantly.

Bug zappers used to be extremely popular, but unfortunately they tend to be loud and an eyesore. If these factors bother you, you’ll be glad to know that this device will still be effective if installed away from the house. You can hide the zapper near the edge of your lawn to keep it out of sight and to keep the zapping noise as muted as possible, just take care to ensure the electrical cord is properly protected from the elements.

Candles, Sprays and Household Remedies

Citronella candles are one of the most common mosquito repelling products found in the United States. In addition to candles there are many citronella-based sprays as well as other household remedies (including using garlic, dish soap or mouthwash) that allegedly keep these pests at bay. The problem with these solutions is that, oftentimes, mosquitoes are only repelled from the area directly around the repellent, but they’ll still be present in your lawn.

Admit When Enough Is Enough

If you’ve tried DIY methods and they’ve let you down, you should get in touch with a licensed pest control provider. These providers have access to industry-level tools and products that are generally much more effective than do-it-yourself methods. There are all sorts of problems that can be caused by these pests; in fact, many diseases have been linked to mosquitoes. Take a look at some of the most common mosquito-borne diseases:

• West Nile virus

• Malaria

• Dengue fever

• Heartworm

• Arboviral encephalitides

Get in touch with a pest control provider right away if DIY methods have not proved effective in your yard. Select a provider that has a history of controlling mosquitoes in your area in order to ensure you receive the best service available for your money.