Common Mosquito Breeding Sites

Mosquitoes are commonly considered to be one of the most aggravating pests of spring, summer, and even fall. With the threat of many mosquito-borne viruses increasing, it is important that you know how to avoid these pesky insects.

Do you know how many potential breeding sites are around your home?

Potential Mosquito Breeding Sites

1. Clogged Gutters:
   Clogged leaves in the roof gutters can affect the drainage system and cause stagnant water to collect. Prevent this by cleaning your gutters regularly.
   Along with being a mosquito breeding site, clogged gutters will prevent water from draining properly and can create a pool around your home’s foundation, attracting pests, including termites.

2. Garbage Bins/Trash Cans
   Most people know that garbage will attract bugs. Open trash cans may cause rainwater to collect on top of trash bags or in the bottom of the can.

   This provides mosquitoes with another breeding site and gives other pests a feast.

3. Outdoor Pet Bowls
   Stagnant water in pet bowls makes for an excellent mosquito breeding site. Make sure to empty, clean, and replace the water at least once a week.

4. Bird baths are common breeding sites because many homeowners don’t clean them. You should empty the bird bath once a week or place “mosquito dunkers” into the water.

   These small, round products are made to be dropped into small pools of water and kill mosquito larvae.

5. Kiddie pools are shallow and can become common breeding sites when left unused. There are a few options to consider to keep them from breeding here.

   Emptying the pool when not in use is probably the best option; however, we understand refilling daily could be aggravating. So the best recommendation is to keep the pool clean, chlorinated, and covered when not in use. If you choose to keep the pool full, we highly recommend emptying, cleaning, and refilling it at least once a month, if not more often.

6. Old tires and tire swings are extremely common breeding sites for mosquitoes because they collect rainwater. In reality, it’s best not to store unused items like this in your yard because of the clutter. Pests love clutter.

   If you store tires in your yard, empty them after every rain to prevent them from attracting mosquitoes.

7. Kids Toys
   We understand you don’t want to bring your kids’ toys inside after they’ve gotten them covered in mud and dirt.

   However, even the smallest toy could potentially be a breeding site for mosquitoes. If you must store these items outside, empty them after each rainfall.

8. Planters
   Flowers need water to survive. However, the saucers that many people store under their plants hold the perfect amount of water for breeding. Simply empty and clean these weekly, and you should be fine. 

Extra Mosquito Protection Tips

A) To keep mosquitoes and other pests out, make sure that you have screens over all your windows. Check them occasionally to make sure there are no tears that would allow mosquitoes to access your home.

B) Mosquito tiki torches and citronella candles are commonly used during BBQ’s all over the country during the summer to repel mosquitoes. However, keep in mind these are only effective in the immediate vicinity.

Make sure that you have followed other precautions, such as applying insect repellent, before spending time outdoors. 

C)  Place grills in a sunny location away from trees and tall grass. This will not only deter mosquitoes but also other insects.

If your grill uses gas or propane, consider keeping a citronella candle nearby.  When the grill is cool and in storage, you could place some mosquito deterrents in a bowl inside the grill.

Do not place it directly on the grill as this may affect the flavor of your food the next time you BBQ. 

D) Make sure that you are taking precautions to protect your pet from these pests, and ask your veterinarian for their recommendations. 
Four-legged family members tend to spend a lot of time outdoors. Unfortunately, they could also get itchy mosquito bites and even contract heartworm disease.

E) We understand that eliminating all of the potential breeding sites around your home may seem like a lot of work. So, contact us today, and let us take some of that stress off your shoulders.

Our mosquito and tick control program is an excellent way to take back your yard. Not only will it protect you from mosquitoes, but it will also protect you from ticks that carry their own collection of diseases like Lyme disease. Call us today, and let us help you.