If you think mosquitoes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are bad, you’re right! Dealing with mosquitoes here can be challenging, and they can carry diseases like dengue and West Nile, but there are steps you can take to address the issue. Here are a few tips on how to get rid of mosquitoes in your Dallas-Fort Worth yard.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Your Dallas Yard
This region of North Texas has consistently appeared on Orkin’s list of top mosquito cities, and mosquitoes are a significant problem here. The best way for homeowners to protect themselves and their pets is to eliminate mosquito breeding areas, control existing mosquito infestations, and avoid mosquito bites.
Eliminate Breeding Areas
Did you know female mosquitoes can develop their eggs in just one tablespoon of stagnant water? Even though you can kill mosquitoes in every stage of life, removing breeding sites is the best place to start in mosquito prevention. Check your yard for hidden water sources to stop these bloodsucking pests in their tracks.
- Empty standing water from plant saucers, flower pots, buckets, etc., once a week. If you have an old tire swing, drill a few holes for drainage.
- Prevent larvae in swimming pools by keeping them debris-free and chlorinated. Additionally, empty and clean wading pools and birdbaths every few days.
- Ensure tarps and pool covers don’t collect water by keeping them tight and secure.
- Keep pet dishes safe by cleaning them and changing the water daily.
- Maintain your yard by regularly mowing tall grass and trimming shrubs. Mosquitoes don’t sleep but like to rest in thick vegetation to stay cool.
- Prevent water puddles in your yard by not overwatering your lawn and garden.
- Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids and drill holes in the bottom for drainage if needed.
- Clean gutters regularly or install gutter guards and keep downspouts free of debris to prevent standing water.
- Install screens over rain barrels, water tanks, or cisterns to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs inside.
Control Existing Mosquitoes
If mosquitoes have already invaded your outdoor spaces, there are a few ways to eliminate them. You can use larvicides, treat your yard yourself, or hire a mosquito control expert.
- Use larvicides: Larvicides include an ecologically friendly bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti), which is found in mosquito dunks. These keep mosquito larvae from growing into adult mosquitoes in standing water, ponds, or rain barrels.
- Treat your yard: You can use yard foggers and sprays to eliminate adult mosquitoes. The best mosquito yard sprays and foggers kill adult mosquitoes on contact. However, use mosquito treatments cautiously, as some can harm wildlife and beneficial insects.
- Hire a Pro: Metroplex residents can significantly reduce the number of pesky mosquitoes by hiring a mosquito service. These professionals use adulticides, larvicides, and sophisticated equipment, often providing continuing maintenance and monitoring to control mosquitoes over time.
Prevent Mosquito Bites
To protect yourself, your family, and your pets, taking extra precautions to minimize mosquito bites is important. Mosquitoes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area can carry dangerous diseases like the Zika virus, so it is crucial to avoid mosquito bites.
Here are some tips for preventing mosquito bites:
- Stay inside or in a screened-in area when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. However, here in the DFW area, it’s recommended to use the best mosquito control products and repellents anytime you’re outdoors during mosquito season.
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Effective active ingredients include DEET or picaridin, and there are also natural mosquito repellents that contain oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants because dark or contrasting colors attract mosquitoes, or opt for insect-repellent clothing.
- Keep mosquitoes out of your house by fixing or replacing the screens on your windows and doors.
- Protect your pets from mosquitoes using repellent collars, topical treatments, or dog mosquito repellent sprays. Keep your pets indoors or in a screened-in location when mosquitoes are active.
- Screen off a portion of your porch or patio with mosquito nets. You can also use them to surround your bed, and they are effective at mosquito control while camping.
- Try mosquito traps that attract and capture mosquitoes with heat, attractants, or carbon dioxide. You can make simple DIY mosquito traps or buy some of the best mosquito traps online or in home improvement stores.
When is Mosquito Season in Dallas?
While mosquito season in Texas can vary, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, mosquitoes are most active from March to September when temperatures are warm. Heavy rainfall during this time can lead to a mosquito boom, making them even harder to control and putting more people at risk for contracting a mosquito-borne disease.
There are 85 species of mosquitoes in Texas, but the following are the most common in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
- Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus)
- Dark rice field mosquito (Psorophora columbiae)
- Eastern saltmarsh mosquito (Aedes sollicitans)
- Southern house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus)
- Upland floodwater mosquito (Aedes vexans)
Local Resources to Control Mosquitoes in Dallas
If you reside in the Metroplex area, various options are accessible to assist you in managing mosquitoes. Dallas 3-1-1, Dallas County, and Tarrant County Public Health offer information and resources to citizens. You may utilize the following local resources to obtain assistance with mosquito control:
Dallas 3-1-1: This free service connects DFW residents with city and county services and information, including mosquito control programs, in their area. If you need to report standing water in ditches, vacant lots, or on neighborhood property, dial 3-1-1 to speak with a representative or view the City of Dallas Mosquito Control page online.
This department also provides:
- Mosquito breeding ground inspections
- Enforcement of city codes
- Response to standing water problems
- Stocking of Gambusia (mosquitofish) or application of larvicide in standing water
- Treatment of storm drains in identified areas
Tarrant County Public Health Department (TCPH): Tarrant County oversees a program that monitors and controls mosquitoes. If mosquitoes test positive for the disease, the municipality where they’re found determines the necessary steps. Contact the department on the Tarrant County website to learn more.
Tarrant County Vector Control:
- Collects mosquito samples from all areas of Tarrant County
- Identifies the species and tests them for disease pathogens
- Records the locations where pathogens are found
- Educates the public on how to stop and control mosquito breeding
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Mosquito Safari is an interactive website that shows users where mosquitoes are likely to breed by taking them on a virtual tour of a neighborhood and house. This website also provides helpful tips for dealing with mosquitoes.
FAQ: Mosquitoes in Dallas
What Mosquito-Borne Illnesses Have Been Found in Dallas-Fort Worth?
Zika virus, West Nile, dengue, and chikungunya have previously been detected, while malaria has recently emerged in Texas. Taking measures to prevent mosquito bites and control mosquito populations in your yard is crucial.
Can Bug Zappers Help Keep Mosquitoes Away?
Most bug zappers are not effective mosquito control since mosquitoes are not primarily attracted to light. It is better to use mosquito traps that use other methods, such as carbon dioxide or Octenol, to lure and trap them.
How Can I Report Standing Water In My County?
You can call Dallas’ 3-1-1 service If you need to report standing water in your area. They will direct you to the appropriate service based on the location of the water. Additionally, you can obtain information about mosquito control programs for your community through this service.
When to Call a Pro
Professional pest control is an excellent option if you’re having trouble controlling mosquito populations at your DFW home. With natural treatment options, EPA-approved sprays, and specialized equipment, mosquito control services can eliminate mosquitoes before they bite you.
To find the best mosquito control services available in your area, contact Pest Gnome today.
Main Photo Credit: galitskaya / Canva Pro / License
