Mosquito Control
Helping Austin Homeowners with Mosquito Control
One of the reasons homeowners have such a hard time controlling mosquitoes on their own is that these pests reproduce so quickly. Mosquito eggs can develop into larvae in only 24 to 48 hours, and not all species require standing water to breed. In addition, your yard provides these blood-sucking insects with many places to rest during the day so that they can attack you when you are most likely to be outside—at in the late afternoon, and to a lesser extent, during the early morning hours.
Chem-free’s mosquito control protocol is designed to address all stages of the mosquito life cycle, from egg to adult, by identifying and targeting both breeding grounds and resting areas.
Identifying Mosquito Breeding Sites
After our inspector has come to your home to do a preliminary assessment to advise you on which types of treatment will work best for you, a Chem-free technician will conduct a comprehensive survey of your property to identify key breeding habitats. Some of the places where mosquitoes may lay eggs include:
- Storm drains at your curb which collect water after it rains
- Potted plants and saucers near your entryways and on patios and decks
- Trash and recycling containers, rain barrels, wheelbarrows, children’s wading pools, pet bowls and tires which can hold standing water
- Ornamental ponds with no aeration or without larvae-loving fish
- Rain gutters which are clogged with leaves and other debris
- Areas with dense vegetation, including tall grass and shrubs which can serve as a harborage area
- Holes in trees where standing water can pool after rainfall or when your sprinklers run
Keeping these areas free of excessive moisture can help keep your existing mosquito population from growing.
Using Natural Repellents To Keep Mosquitoes Away
Our customers count on Chem-free to suggest natural methods to keep mosquitoes at bay. Our technicians can recommend the use of citronella candles, “bug lights” and porch screens to control mosquitoes without harmful chemicals. We can also suggest certain plants to add near your entryways which can repel these pests, including rosemary, basil, catnip, geraniums, marigolds and lavender.
Low-Impact Treatment Options
Homeowners choose Chem-free’s low-impact treatments to reduce the mosquito population around their homes. While we can’t completely eliminate mosquitoes from your property, families notice a significant improvement for several weeks after a service.
Fogging Applications
While there’s no permanent solution to mosquitoes, there is certainly something that can be done. We recommend fogging the yard on a regular basis. Chem-free’s lawn fogging treatments can significantly reduce the mosquito population on your property for up to a month. The way this service works is that a technician sprays your front and backyard using a backpack-based fogging device. These devices allow our pest pros to target all the harborage areas on your property and significantly reduce the mosquito population keeping you from fully enjoying your yard.
Chem-free customers can sign up for recurring fogging applications (approximately every 30 days) and with regular applications, the mosquito populations can be reduced for you, your family and your pets. Remember: most mosquitoes come out early in the morning and late in the evening – just before dark. Those are the times you’re most likely to encounter problems. So, make sure to apply mosquito repellent and/or wear long sleeves and pants.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no scientific consensus about what attracts mosquitoes to certain people more than others. A few of the theories are that mosquitoes respond to changes in heat, movement, moisture and chemicals in the air, including lactic acid and carbon dioxide. Since dark colors retain heat and mosquitos prefer warm conditions, researchers claim that people wearing lighter colors are less likely to get bitten. Scented products, including clothes detergents and fabric softeners, can also attract these pesky pests.
- Once a week, remove all standing water around your property, including that might be hidden in rain gutters, buckets, grill and pool covers, tires, watering cans, outdoor toys and lawn equipment.
- At least weekly, empty or replace water in fountains, children’s plastic swimming pools, bird baths, rain barrels and planter trays at least weekly.
- Treat your swimming pool regularly and keep the water in it circulating regularly.
- Fill temporary pools of water with dirt or address any drainage issues on your property.
- Repair or replace any leaking sprinkler heads that may cause water to collect.
- Wearing pants, long socks, shoes and long sleeves when outside.
- Replacing your porch and outdoor lights with “bug lights”.
- Applying insect repellents, following the instructions on the label.