Have you noticed that the mosquitoes in your yard seem to be worse than other places you regularly visit? If you get bit by mosquitoes every time you walk out your door it is possible that there is something in your yard that is attracting them. Many people are surprised to learn about the areas in their yard that provide ideal conditions for mosquitoes to multiply and thrive. Some of the surprising areas of your yard that may be attracting mosquitoes include drains, flower pots, bird baths, and low lying areas.
Drains, gutters, and downspouts
The systems in place to direct water away from your house have the potential to attract and provide cover for mosquitoes. If any part of your gutters, downspouts, or drains are damaged or ineffective it can lead to standing water. Inspect the areas where water comes out onto the ground from your gutter. It is common for the water to erode the area over time which allows for standing water to accumulate. If your gutters are filled with debris it can lead to a situation where the water cannot flow through effectively. Water can accumulate in the clogged gutters and provide an ideal place for mosquitoes to lay their eggs and stay close to the water they need.
Flower pots, flowerbeds, and plants
Mosquitoes do not need a lot of standing water to survive. If you have flower pots, flowerbeds, or plants that you are over-watering or ones that do not drain properly they may attract mosquitoes. Take a close look at the plants around the exterior of your home to determine if any of them regularly have standing water nearby. You can easily deal with this issue by watering less often or adding in elements to help with drainage such as mulch or pots with drain holes.
Bird baths
If you put a bird bath in your yard to attract birds you may also be attracting mosquitoes. If the water is stagnant it provides an ideal location for mosquitoes to lay eggs. You can minimize this possibility by adding a feature to your bird bath that prevents the water from staying stagnant for too long. You can get an agitator or add in a small waterfall feature to keep the water moving and prevent mosquito breeding.
Low lying areas
Any area in your yard where water accumulates is a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes. You probably already know if there are areas in your yard that are prone to having standing water. The best way to deal with this type of problem depends on a number of factors. If you find a way to put in proper drainage in the low lying areas of your yard you can significantly reduce your problems with mosquitoes.
Understanding the areas of your yard that can attract mosquitoes will help you fend off these annoying and potentially dangerous pests. You can get a professional inspection of your yard to ensure that you are not missing a possible problem area. Take action now so you will be able to enjoy your yard this summer without being constantly attacked by mosquitoes.
