Beat the Houston mosquito mayhem this summer! Discover DIY tips and how a professional mosquito barrier and in2care treatment can provide sweet relief for your outdoor festivities.
July in Houston means one thing for sure: heat, humidity, and often, a whole lot of rain. While we all love those summer evenings, the combination of these factors creates the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, turning your backyard into a buzzing battlefield. If you’re finding yourself constantly swatting away these tiny invaders, you’re not alone!
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ToggleWhy Are Mosquitoes So Bad Right Now?
It’s simple science. Mosquitoes thrive in warm, wet conditions. Our consistent high temperatures, coupled with the frequent summer showers, mean more standing water – their ideal nursery. Each puddle, overturned bucket, or even a forgotten toy can become a breeding ground for hundreds of mosquitoes in just a few days. This surge in population leads to increased activity and, unfortunately, more bites for us.
DIY Prevention: Your First Line of Defense
While professional help is crucial for comprehensive control, there’s a lot you can do to make your property less inviting to mosquitoes:
- Eliminate Standing Water: This is the golden rule! Mosquitoes only need a bottle cap’s worth of water to lay eggs. Regularly check and empty:
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- Bird baths
- Flowerpot saucers
- Old tires
- Buckets and toys
- Pet water dishes
- Pool covers with puddles
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- Clean Your Gutters: Clogged gutters trap water, creating hidden breeding spots. Make sure they’re clear and draining properly.
- Maintain Your Pool: Properly chlorinated and filtered pools are generally not a breeding ground, but stagnant, unkempt pools can be a major source.
- Use Repellents & Leverage Mosquito-Repelling Plants: When heading outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk (peak mosquito activity), always use EPA-registered mosquito repellents on exposed skin. These provide a reliable layer of personal protection.Beyond sprays, consider incorporating certain plants into your landscaping that naturally deter mosquitoes. While not a standalone solution, they can offer temporary, localized relief and add beauty to your yard:
Photo Credit: Prevention.com
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- Citronella Grass
- Lemongrass
- Marigolds
- Catnip
- Rosemary
- Basil
- Lavender
- Mint
Remember, while these plants can offer some deterrent effect, they generally need to be physically disturbed (crushing leaves, walking by) to release their repellent oils, and their effective range is quite limited. They work best as part of a multi-pronged approach to mosquito control, not as a complete solution on their own.
Beyond the Bite: The Health Risks
Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying; they’re vectors for serious diseases. In Houston, we’re particularly vigilant about West Nile virus, which has seen cases reported in our area. While less common, Zika virus is another concern, though there have been no locally acquired cases in the US since 2018. Professional mosquito control significantly reduces your family’s exposure to these potentially dangerous illnesses, offering peace of mind along with outdoor comfort.
Greengate Turf & Pest: Your Professional Mosquito Barrier Solution
While DIY efforts are important, they often aren’t enough to tackle the sheer volume of mosquitoes in our Houston climate. That’s where Greengate Turf & Pest comes in. We offer advanced, effective solutions to reclaim your outdoor living space:
- Effective Mosquito Barrier Treatments: Our targeted barrier treatments create a protective zone around your property, significantly reducing adult mosquito populations. These treatments are designed to adhere to foliage where mosquitoes rest, providing long-lasting control.
- The Innovative In2Care System: For an eco-friendly and highly effective approach, we utilize the In2Care Mosquito System. This revolutionary trap uses mosquitoes themselves to spread a larvicide to other breeding sites, effectively disrupting the mosquito life cycle at its source – even in areas we can’t directly treat. It’s a “set it and forget it” solution that works continuously.
- Recurring Service for Continuous Protection: Mosquito control is an ongoing battle in Houston. Our recurring service plans ensure your property receives continuous protection throughout the peak mosquito season. This proactive approach keeps mosquito populations suppressed, allowing you to enjoy your patio, garden, and yard without the constant annoyance and worry of bites.
Photo Credit: In2Care
Don’t let mosquito mayhem ruin your Houston summer! Take control of your outdoor space and protect your family from disease. Contact Greengate Turf & Pest for a free quote and let us help you enjoy a mosquito-free backyard.