Mosquitoes are a nuisance all over the world and are known to spread a plethora of diseases in humans and harbor heartworms in dogs and cats. They ruin barbecues and camping trips and many people wonder if they have any benefits at all. Well, they do, but their bad qualities seem to outweigh the good ones when these pests are interfering with your outdoor activities. Mosquitoes are pollinators, and they serve as a food source for other animals in the environment. Male mosquitoes don’t bite mammals, but reproducing females will take a blood meal and then lay up to 300 eggs each time they feed.
Alpha Omega Pest Control provides pest control in Oklahoma City to help you enjoy the afternoons and evenings in your yard without getting bitten by mosquitoes. So, one piece of advice we’d like to share is that any kind of standing water may be attracting these insects to your yard.
Do Bird Baths Attract Mosquitoes?
Yes, birdbaths attract mosquitoes. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up birdwatching. Typically, mosquitoes are most attracted to your yard during the breeding season which occurs in the spring and summer months. These insects lay their eggs in still water where they will spend one-third of their life. Mosquito eggs look a little like specks of dirt floating on the top of shallow water.
We know that you want to be outdoors enjoying your yard and that mosquitoes in Oklahoma City are a real nuisance. But that doesn’t mean you have to dispose of your beautiful birdbath.
Three Things You Can Do To Keep Mosquitoes Out Of Birdbaths
There are a few natural ways to repel mosquitoes from your birdbath which may even enhance your whole yard’s aesthetics.
- Change the water in your birdbath periodically. Check on it once every few days, and change it after it rains and as needed.
- There are flowers that keep mosquitoes away. Marigold, thyme, catnip, rosemary, basil, and lavender keep mosquitoes away. If you plant some of these lovely flowers around your birdbath, they may repel mosquitos and other pests.
- Add a water agitator or aerator to the birdbath. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in still waters and an agitator will help keep the water clean and pest-free.
Your birdbath is only one small part of your yard. If you are concerned about mosquitoes, remember to check around your property for any other places they might like to breed. If you find standing water on your property here’s what to do:
- First, check your sprinkler system to make sure it’s not faulty. If it’s not the sprinkler system, soak up excess water with landscaping. A rain garden is a good option that can be placed at the bottom of a hill or in a valley that catches stormwater and prevents flooding.
- Plant native flowers, ornamental grasses, and shrubs that are found in swampy areas and lowlands. Look for plants that have complex and deep root systems but keep in mind where your field lines are, too.
- Small plants, shrubs, and grasses are less likely to disrupt any plumbing systems in your yard. Water-loving trees, like weeping willows, will definitely drink up excess water; however, their root system can have a 100-foot radius and they are powerful enough to disrupt your home’s plumbing system.
What Is The Best Way To Kill Mosquitoes In My Yard?
If you are overwhelmed, the best way to get rid of mosquitoes in your yard is to call Alpha Omega Pest Control. We won’t allow these pests to disturb your peace and comfort. We will work diligently to solve your pest problems, help you identify potential threats, and offer realistic solutions. Call us today for more information on our home pest control and commercial pest control services.