How do I permanently get rid of mosquitoes?

The weather is warm, which for many of us means we are spending more time outdoors. Whether we are tending to our gardens, going for a run, or simply enjoying a summer bbq, mosquitoes can quickly ruin our outdoor fun. Not only are mosquito bites itchy and annoying, but these pests can also transmit diseases like West Nile virus, Zika virus, and Dengue fever.

Most of us have tried various mosquito repellents and home remedies in an attempt to keep these pests at bay. But let’s be honest, many of these solutions are only temporary fixes that need to be reapplied often or only work when you are actively using them. So what can you do to keep mosquitoes away all summer long? In this article, we will share with you some tips on how to permanently get rid of mosquitoes so you can fully enjoy your time outdoors.

What attracts mosquitoes?

There are a few things that can attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors like black and navy blue. They are also attracted to the carbon dioxide that we exhale. If you are wearing perfumes or lotions, you can be attracted to those as well.

 

Mosquito breeding grounds

Mosquito breeding grounds are typically found in stagnant water that is not subject to moving currents, such as ponds, marshes, and still areas of streams. Mosquitoes will also lay their eggs directly on moist soil where flooding is common. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on microscopic plants in the water and grow rapidly. In about 10 days, they develop into pupae, which eventually emerge as adults.

Adult mosquitoes typically live for about two weeks, although some species can live for up to six weeks. Females lay their eggs in batches of up to 300 at a time and can produce several batches during their lifetime. Each batch can contain up to 3,000 eggs!

 

Mosquito food sources

To survive, adult mosquitoes must feed on the blood of mammals, birds, reptiles, and even some amphibians. In doing so, they can transfer harmful diseases such as West Nile virus, dengue fever, and malaria.

For a female mosquito to lay her eggs, she must first feed on blood. Once she has had her fill, she will rest for a few days before seeking out a suitable place to lay her eggs, which can be anywhere from stagnant water to damp soil.

Mosquitoes are attracted to their hosts by a combination of heat, carbon dioxide, and smelly feet. The carbon dioxide is exhaled by all mammals as we breathe, but we also give off more when we exercise or are hot. This is why mosquitoes are more likely to bite us when we are running around outside or working up a sweat.

As for smelly feet, we all have different bacteria living on our skin that can produce different smells. Some of us just happen to be more attracted to mosquitoes than others!

 

How can I get rid of mosquitoes?

There are a few ways that you can get rid of mosquitoes. You can use a mosquito repellent, mosquito net, or bug zapper. You can also try some natural methods like using essential oils or planting citronella. Ultimately, though, calling a pest control company for mosquito removal is the best option. Let's take a look at some of these methods in more detail.

Prevent mosquito breeding grounds

One of the best ways to prevent mosquitoes is to get rid of their breeding grounds. Female mosquitoes need standing water to lay their eggs in, so eliminating stagnant water sources is a great way to drastically reduce the mosquito population in your area. Here are some tips:

-Drain any standing water around your property, including in potted plants, pet bowls, bird baths, and rain gutters.

-Change the water in your home’s outdoor fountains and birdbaths at least once a week.

-If you have a pool, make sure you are using a proper chemical treatment system and that the pool is properly maintained.

-Fill in any holes or low-lying areas of your yard that could collect water.

-Keep gutters clean and free of debris so they can drain properly.

-Limit the amount of time you spend outside during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

 

Remove mosquito food sources

The best way to get rid of mosquitoes is to eliminate their food sources. Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water, so eliminating any puddles, ponds or other stagnant water on your property is essential. If you have a swimming pool, be sure to keep it well-chlorinated so that it doesn’t become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. You should also regularly empty any birdbaths, kiddie pools or other containers that may hold water.

 

How can I keep mosquitoes away?

Use mosquito repellent

Many different mosquito repellents are available commercially. Repellents usually contain one of more of the following ingredients:

-diethyl toluamide (DEET)
-permethrin
-picaridin
-oil of lemon eucalyptus
-IR3535

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that repellents used on infants contain no more than 30% DEET. Repellents containing DEET should not be used on children younger than 2 months old. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children younger than 3 years old.

Picaridin and IR3535 are effective alternatives to DEET. In addition, two new repellents, AVAZA and PMD, are derived from oil of lemon eucalyptus and may be used on children older than 3 years old.

 

Wear long sleeves and pants

One of the best ways to prevent mosquito bites is to cover up as much of your skin as possible. Clothing that covers your arms and legs will help to keep mosquitoes from being able to bite you. If you’re going to be in an area where mosquitoes are present, it’s a good idea to wear long sleeves and pants. You can also buy clothing that has been treated with insecticide, which will help to keep mosquitoes away.

 

Stay indoors during peak mosquito hours

There are a few things you can do to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. One is to stay indoors during peak mosquito hours, which are dawn and dusk. If you must be outdoors during these times, be sure to wear long sleeves and pants, and apply an EPA-registered insect repellent. Keep in mind that mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing, so it’s important to use a repellent even if you’re wearing clothing that covers your skin.

Another way to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes is to eliminate standing water around your home, where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. Be sure to empty any containers that can hold water, such as buckets, flowerpots, and children’s toys.

Curious about hiring a pest control company for mosquito removal in Toronto? Call Secret Agent Pest Control today!