Enjoying a mosquito-free summer in the Peach State is possible. After all, mosquitoes aren’t just a bother; they are a public health concern, and getting rid of them is a matter of safety. Fighting mosquitoes requires a two-fold strategy: Controlling mosquitoes in your yard and protecting yourself from mosquito bites. Read on to learn how to get rid of mosquitoes in Georgia.
Control Mosquitoes in Your Yard
The first step in getting rid of a mosquito problem is controlling the mosquito population in your area. And how do you do that? We gathered a list of measures to help you:
- Eliminate standing water
- Install window and door screens
- Maintain your yard
- Fight adult mosquitoes
Eliminate Standing Water
The first and most important step in controlling mosquitoes is to eliminate any standing water sources that may form around your property. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, and since mosquitoes are weak fliers, they like to stay close to their breeding sites.
Guaranteeing these sources of water don’t exist is the first step homeowners can take to protect their homes and neighborhoods. Here’s how to eliminate standing water in your yard:
- Unclog gutters.
- Clean birdbaths and pet bowls weekly.
- Fill plant pots’ saucers with sand.
- Get rid of old tires or keep them in a sheltered area.
- Keep trash bins tightly closed.
- Drain any water that accumulates on furniture or gardening tools like wheelbarrows and buckets. Alternatively, store them in a covered area.
But what if you have a standing water source that you can’t drain, such as an out-of-use swimming pool or ornamental pond? If the water isn’t for human consumption, you can:
- Add mosquitofish to eat mosquito larvae as a natural mosquito control method. (Note: never add them to natural water sources, only artificial ones.)
- Treat the water with larvicides, such as mosquito dunks.
Install Window and Door Screens
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Ensure that all windows and doors have screens that are in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. Additionally, you can also use mosquito nets over beds so no mosquitoes bother you at night.
If you don’t have screens installed yet, keep the doors closed and use air conditioning or a fan to ward off the pesky insects.
Maintain Your Yard
A well-maintained lawn can go a long way in mosquito prevention. Mosquitoes love dense vegetation and organic debris (such as branches and leaves) as they are the perfect hiding places from the hot Atlanta sun. So remember to regularly:
- Trim tall grass, bushes, and shrubs.
- Get rid of waste, such as fallen leaves and branches.
Fight Adult Mosquitoes
There are a number of ways to fight the adult mosquitoes in your yard. You can use mosquito traps, repellent devices, foggers, and sprays to kill mosquitoes effectively.
- Mosquito traps: Between zappers and DIY traps, you have plenty of options. All of them work by the same principle of attracting mosquitoes to then get rid of them.
- Outdoor repellents: Besides mosquito traps, you can also keep mosquitoes away with outdoor mosquito-repellent devices, which can be installed in your yard.
- Mosquito sprays and foggers: Effective and easy to apply, mosquito sprays are a handy solution to handle adult mosquitoes. And if you need a more hardcore approach, mosquito foggers are also an option.
Another tip: Citronella candles and mosquito incense are also effective to repel mosquitoes. Keep in mind that mosquito incense is for outdoor use only.
Protect Yourself From Mosquito Bites
The other route to preventing mosquito bites is through protecting yourself. Here are the keys to preventing those itchy bumps:
- Use insect repellents: Apply EPA-approved mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin. (Most repellents can also be applied to clothing with one exception: DEET-based repellents can damage synthetic fibers.) Always follow the instructions on the label.
- Wear protective clothing: When spending time outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes. Mosquitoes are less attracted to light-colored clothing.
- Avoid floral smells: Keep away from floral-scented perfumes or lotions, as mosquitoes love them.
- Avoid peak mosquito activity times: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. If possible, limit outdoor activities during these times.
FAQ
Mosquitoes are vectors of a number of diseases and are considered the world’s deadliest animal. The most commonly reported mosquito-borne disease in Georgia is the West Nile virus, carried by the Culex mosquitoes. But there are other locally transmitted mosquito-borne illnesses in Georgia, such as:
• Eastern Equine encephalitis
• La Crosse encephalitis
• Saint Louis encephalitis
While traveling abroad, Georgia residents could be in danger of various other diseases spread by Aedes mosquitoes. Here are a few examples of these illnesses:
• Malaria
• Chikungunya
• Dengue
• Yellow Fever
• Zika virus
And if you are traveling to another state or country, remember to check the CDC’s Travelers’ Health page to guarantee a safe trip.
Georgia’s mosquito season begins in March and usually ends in September. The mosquito populations start to increase in late spring when the temperatures rise and rain creates puddles and other stagnant water sources. Mosquito infestations peak during summer and lower again by early fall. Variations may occur based on your area’s climate.
Female mosquitoes drink blood to be able to reproduce. Male mosquitoes do not need blood and feed only on plant nectar. Females, on the other hand, bite humans, mammals, and even other insects because they need the protein contained in the blood to lay eggs and complete the mosquito life cycle.
A curious note: Did you know mosquitoes also bite dogs? And sadly, they can transmit heartworm disease to our furry friends. North Georgia is considered a high-risk region for this problem. Luckily, there are dog mosquito repellents that can help protect our four-legged friends.
Another Way of Dealing With Mosquitoes
If the mosquitoes on your property are driving you mad, there is yet another solution: Consider hiring a pro. Luckily, Pest Gnome connects you to the best pest control experts in Georgia. Don’t wait until you get bitten; get in touch with a pro today.
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