Mosquito bites are itchy and annoying, and what’s worse, mosquitoes also carry a variety of diseases that can harm you, your family, and your pets. Mosquito breeding season lasts from early spring to late fall, but populations are at their peak during the heat of summer, a time when most Iowans want to be out enjoying their backyards. In this article, we’ll share how to kill mosquitoes and keep your yard comfortable and safe all summer long.
Why is Mosquito Control Important?
Mosquitoes in Iowa already carry dangerous diseases like West Nile Virus, La Crosse Encephalitis, and Saint Louis Encephalitis. There is also concern that, in hotter- and wetter-than-average years, tropical diseases like Dengue Fever and Zika Virus might make their way north to Iowa. These diseases are serious and can even be life-threatening for humans and pets! Wearing insect repellent is one way to reduce your risk of infection, but reducing the mosquito population is the most important way to keep you, your family, and your neighbors safe.
How to Kill Mosquitoes in Your Backyard
The most important mosquito control step you can take is to reduce standing water in your yard, as this is where mosquitos breed. Kiddie pools, empty plant pots, and old tires commonly hold standing water and should be stored in such a way that water cannot accumulate (such as keeping them upside-down or indoors). Overwatering your yard can also cause standing water to accumulate, so carefully monitor your sprinklers. Malathion and permethrin are commonly used for this purpose. (Both chemicals are nontoxic to humans, but permethrin can harm fish and bees.)
When to Call the Professionals
Everyone can take steps to remove standing water and other breeding grounds from your property, but long-lasting treatments like barrier control spraying are best left to the experts. Nice & Precise Lawn Care Services offers comprehensive mosquito control in the Ames, Iowa area! Visit www.niceandprecise.com to learn more.