While summers in Northeast Florida can be dry and hot, the weather can change to facilitate the breeding and swarming of mosquitoes once tropical moisture moves through an area. Considering June is the start of hurricane season, it’s best to understand what conditions exist that allow mosquitoes to thrive.
Before The Rain
Before it rains, it’s a good idea to go around your property and identify places where water can collect and not drain or remain still for long periods of time. These are the areas mosquitoes like to lay their eggs. Be on the lookout for spots like:
- Pool covers or tarps
- Bird baths
- Low points in the terrain
- Buckets, barrels, wheelbarrows, or other equipment
Even places that are supposed to drain like gutters should be inspected to make sure they’re not clogged.
Mosquito Prevent Tips
For each point, have a remediation plan. If the object can be moved in a way that prevents water collecting before it starts raining, go ahead and do that. For objects that cannot be moved but can still be manually drained like pool covers, you’ll have to wait until after the rain to act. When manual intervention isn’t possible like holes in the ground or low points in the terrain, that’s when you’ll want to think about chemical solutions.
Take note that when you purchase home mosquito control solutions, a lot of them will only kill mosquitoes through direct contact. They do not prevent more mosquitoes from showing up. For true prevention, consult with a pest service professional to discuss treatment options.
After The Rain
Once the sky has cleared up, it’s time to do another survey of the property. Any equipment or objects that were moved can be left alone if no water has accumulated, unless they have specific storage requirements. Lift any covers or tarps that collected water so they can drain. Re-check all gutters to make sure they drained correctly. If you notice any water collecting in the yard you cannot drain yourself or will not drain for a few days, you’ll want to explore mosquito control solutions. Remember, mosquitoes can hatch into larvae within 48 hours.
Professional Mosquito Control Services
Before the tropical weather moves in, make sure you have a mosquito control plan in place for your property. Royal Pest Services conducts treatments every 3-4 weeks to ensure the best results. Start today with a mosquito services quote to prevent your yard from turning into a mosquito breeding ground.