Nothing spoils a summertime barbecue more than spending that time in a fight to the death with a swarm of mosquitoes. While there are many insect repellents and sprays in local stores that can help keep these nasty pests away, such products can contain nasty chemicals and leave an unpleasant odor or residue. According to Bo McInnis of Advantage Home Solutions in Houston, Texas, the trick to keeping mosquitoes away is to be proactive. Take control of those pests before they take control of your yard.
One way to keep these pests away is by installing a mosquito misting system in your Houston backyard and taking a few preventative actions. McInnis installs many mosquito misting systems in the Houston area and suggests them as an effective, long-term, and safe solution to outdoor pest control.
These mosquito misting systems automatically spray a very fine mist of insecticides through a series nozzles installed on your property. The systems are designed to disappear into your yard, so you won’t even know they are there.
While purchasing one of these systems can drastically cut down on the amount of pests in your yard, McInnis says it is important to make sure that your contractor installs the equipment properly for it to be truly effective. Specifically, you don’t want too many nozzles, as these will waste chemicals and ultimately be less effective. The nozzles should be concentrated on mosquito-active areas and places like dense foliage and bushes, or anywhere else where mosquitos can breed in hiding.
In the fight against mosquitoes, being proactive helps as well, so check your property for any standing water, leaking faucets or taps. Also, remove any items that are lying around that could hold stagnant water such as tires or old containers.
Following rain storms or after you run your sprinkles, you should be sure to empty any birdbaths, potted plants or lawn decorations that could hold water. Bird baths should also be changed every 72 hours since it only takes mosquitoes a couple of days to lay eggs and start breeding in standing water. It’s also important to clean gutters regularly and get rid of any debris on your lawn where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
While mosquito misting systems are extremely effective, try adding double protection. When setting up your outdoor dining area, consider purchasing an insect trap or two to catch any strays that may have gotten past your misting system. Place them in strategic areas around where you dine. Also, prevent any pests from entering your home by doing regular inspections of your property and repairing any holes in your windows or door screens.
Enjoying the weather in your backyard is an important part of taking advantage of Houston living, and worrying about pests every time you step outside can severely hamper your freedom to enjoy your property. Installing a mosquito misting system in your Houston home and taking a few preventative measures can make your home more comfortable both indoors and out.