Say Goodbye to Mosquitos: Take Back Your Yard
Mosquitoes can be annoying at best and unhealthy at worst due to the diseases they can carry and transmit to humans. That’s why learning how to prevent mosquito infestations around your Oklahoma City home or business can help you reclaim the outdoors and keep your loved ones protected from their bites.
This article covers preventive measures you can take to keep mosquitoes away, but if you’re already facing an active infestation and are tired of swatting away these bloodsucking pests, contact Moxie Pest Control for expert mosquito removal.
Drain stagnant water
Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so you can reduce mosquito activity by eliminating their breeding grounds. Empty water that collects in garden pots, trash can lids, children’s toys, tarps, grill covers, and other items that hold water after rain. Remove clogged debris in gutters so water can flow freely instead of becoming stagnant mosquito-breeding areas.
Introduce mosquito predators in ponds
Ponds in or around your yard can also serve as mosquito breeding grounds. Since it’s not always feasible (or desirable) to drain all the water in a decorative water feature, consider introducing a natural mosquito predator into the pond such as koi or mosquito fish (Gambusia). The fish will eat the mosquito larvae growing in the pond and therefore lower the adult mosquito population. For water features that can’t house mosquito-eating fish, try installing a foundation or bubbler that will keep the water moving and prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs.
Seal gaps
Mosquitoes can invade your home through gaps or openings around your house. Remember that these insects don’t need ample space to enter your house because of their tiny size. Patching up cracks and crevices in your walls can keep mosquitoes outdoors. Installing or repairing broken window screens, weather stripping, and door sweeps in your house are great places to start.
Clear vegetation
Overgrown bushes in your yard or tall weeds in your garden can harbor mosquitoes without your knowledge. These insects tend to reside among vegetation during the day, keeping them out of sight. One way to prevent a mosquito infestation is by performing regular landscape maintenance like trimming and cutting overgrown branches, grasses, and shrubs.
Update outdoor lighting
The color and warmth outdoor lights produce attract various insects throughout the night, including mosquitoes. Mercury vapor lamps and white incandescent bulbs are the most attractive to these pests.
If you have these types of lights outside your home or business, it’s easy to update the bulbs. Try sodium vapor lamps and halogen bulbs as alternatives that will attract fewer mosquitoes.
Use oscillating fans
Mosquitoes are weak fliers, so placing oscillating fans strategically at open windows and doors of the house can keep these biting insects out by simply blowing them away. The fan doesn’t have to be big or run at the highest speed to be effective. A simple breeze can make the difference between enjoying the outdoors and spending your day swatting away unwanted mosquitoes.
Burn scented candles
Burning candles or lanterns that contain mosquito-repelling essential oils is another preventive measure for mosquitoes. Scented candles with essential oils like citronella, lavender, peppermint, clove, lemongrass, rosemary, and eucalyptus can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many mosquitoes in Oklahoma City?
The weather pattern in Oklahoma City contributes significantly to the high mosquito population. The rainfall rate provides the necessary conditions for breeding to take place. The water collected in cans, gutters, puddles, and flower pots after rainfall are perfect spots for female mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Additionally, the abundance of vegetation provides various places for them to hide.
What months are mosquitoes most active?
Mosquitoes prefer warm weather, which means they are most active during the summer months. Mosquito season in Oklahoma City is typically from May to November.
Helpful FAQ
How often will you treat my property for mosquitos?
We typically treat every 21-30 days during peak mosquito season (March – October). Your technician will recommend a schedule based on your mosquito activity.
How long does each mosquito treatment take?
Depending on the size and layout of your property, most services take about 20 minutes. We aim to be thorough while minimizing disruption to your day.
Do I need to be home during service?
Nope! As long as we have access to your outdoor areas, we can complete the service and leave a service summary for your reference.
Are your treatments safe around pets and kids?
Our technicians apply treatments carefully and with families in mind. We recommend keeping pets and kids indoors during and for about 30 minutes after treatment as a precaution.
What’s the difference between Mosquito Maintenance and In2Care Maintenance?
Mosquito maintenance includes fogging, which targets adult mosquitos. In2Care Maintenance combines fogging with In2Care stations–eco-friendly traps that disrupt mosquito breeding cycles for longer-lasting control.
How do In2Care stations work?
In2Care stations attract female mosquitos and use a slow-release agent that they carry to breeding sites. It kills mosquito larvae and helps prevent future generations from developing.
What is fogging?
It is a mosquito control method where a fine mist of targeted treatment is applied to outdoor areas where mosquitos live, rest, and breed. This helps reduce the active adult mosquito population and creates a protective barrier around your yard.
What can I do to help prevent mosquitos between treatments?
Remove standing water (like birdbaths, buckets, or clogged gutters), trim overgrown vegetation, and keep your yard well-maintained. These steps will help minimize mosquito breeding grounds.