Mosquitoes are a menace to humans and cause discomfort during the night when they buzz around trying to feed on you. Mosquitoes can also carry dangerous vector-borne diseases that might severely affect you and your family. However, mosquitoes are not easy to deal with and can be difficult to sight.
The best way to find mosquitoes is to understand where they live, rest, and breed. Examine these five locations frequently to find and deal with mosquitoes around your house.
1. Vegetation
Vegetative matter offers shade for mosquitoes during the day. You can find mosquitoes either in live or dead vegetation.
Live Vegetation
Live vegetation — such as trees and shrubs — offers protection from sunlight and wind. Mosquitoes can rest under these trees and shrubs until night falls and they invade your home again. Even tall grass can offer sufficient shade and give mosquitoes a cool place to relax until nightfall. Trim vegetative matter near your house or call an exterminator to spray these areas.
Dead Vegetation
Dead leaves, sticks, and wood can create a dark and cool area where mosquitoes can relax for the day. Dead tree stumps can also offer hollow regions where water can accumulate. These conditions will generate a suitable breeding ground for mosquitoes. Clear any dead vegetation on your property as soon as possible to remove hiding places.
2. Hollow and Waterproof Items
Small puddles and ponds can form after a rainy season or a sprinkler cycles in your yard. Mosquitoes procreate over still waters such as puddles and ponds. Also, they can use these areas to hide from prey during the day.
Items with troughs or deep spaces can collect water over a rainy season or melted snow after winter. Flower pots, old tires, tire swings, wheelbarrows, and other hollow and water-proof objects will form small puddles and ponds. They also provide good cover against sunlight, especially if the light angle does not hit the deepest sections.
If you notice any accumulated water in hollow regions, drain them immediately. Also, cover items during the rainy season to ensure water does not pool inside them.
3. Decks
Decks have a good space to pass through and still offer good shade. Also, the shade can make the place moist and puddles that form here cannot evaporate quickly. Fill puddles under your deck with sand and check for any mosquito activity regularly.
4. Attic
Roof cracks and gaps can offer sufficient space for mosquitoes to fly into the house. Your attic is dark and warm. The temperature creates a comfortable place for mosquitoes to settle during the day.
You can seal your roof to prevent further mosquito infestation. Seals can ensure you deal with most mosquitoes if you use an aerosol. The sealant prevents the escape of air to the outside so the insecticide can circulate within the attic.
5. Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts drain water away from your home into an external sewer or outlet system. However, debris and fallen leaves can clog these drainage systems. This clog will cause water to pool and settle, forming a good breeding ground for mosquitoes. You should regularly check and clean your gutters and downspouts for clogs.
Mosquitoes are sneaky. They use their survival instincts to hide when you’re active during the day. And wait until they can comfortably feed on you at night. However, they all have these common areas where they rest and breed during the day or after wet seasons. Remain vigilant against them and properly maintain your yard and house to discourage them from settling there.
However, the best kind of protection against these pests is extermination. Consult the services of an insect extermination service like The Mosquito Masters. Book an appointment with us today to get rid of mosquitoes in your home.