If you’ve lived in Texas very long you’ve probably heard that the mosquito is the State Bird of Texas. Well, it doesn’t have to be that way in your back yard.

As we get further into the “dog days of summers,” many homeowners are noticing their lawns infected with mosquitoes, as well as other pests.

While the average mosquito lives for just 3 weeks on average, they can create a world of discomfort for families and their pets.

So, what steps can you take to eliminate and prevent these blood-sucking pests from taking refuge in your yard? Here are just a few.

Standing Water

First and foremost, it’s important to note that standing water is necessary for the mosquitoes breeding cycle. The female mosquito lays her eggs in water, at which point they spawn into larvae before turning into adults.

So if you want to evict these pests from your property once and for all, you need to remove all sources of standing water. This includes buckets (turn them upside down), watering pots, old tires, or any other water-holding objects.

If you notice standing water after it rains, take the necessary action to remove it!

Keep Your Yard Manicured

Another important tip to discourage mosquitoes from breeding in your yard is to keep it manicured. In other words, try to get into the habit of mowing the lawn, edging the driveway/sidewalk, and dealing with weeds when they first appear.

Allowing your yard to become overgrown with grass and brush will only make your mosquito problem worse. This is due to the fact that old, dead and dying brush tends to hold moisture, and moisture is the catalyst for mosquito reproduction.

If your yard it covered in leaves, rake and remove them in a timely manner; otherwise, you may notice an increase in mosquito activity.

Insect Repellent

Of course, you may also want to treat your yard with an insect repellent. According to the experts at PopularMechanics, a one-gallon jug of insect repellent costs just $30 bucks from most home improvement stores – and that’s more than enough repellent to cover most average-sized lawns.

Do-it-yourself insect repellent is made of a proprietary blend of oils that are gradually released over time, offering long-term protection without poisoning your yard.

And contrary to what some people may believe, they are generally considered safe for humans, as the oils are simply designed to repel insects (mosquitoes included).

So the next time you experience a mosquito infestation in your yard, try the tips listed here to kick them to curb and regain control of your environment.

The Woodsman Company offers tree planting, tree pruning and shrub trimming, tree removal and stump grinding as well as a tree wellness program.

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