Manage Mosquitoes this Spring
As the last patches of snow start to melt, it is the perfect time to start thinking about how to protect your home and family from mosquitoes. These tiny pests are more than just a nuisance. Mosquitoes can carry serious diseases like West Nile virus, which has become more common in the Chicago area in recent years. If you have family or friends in the southern United States or Hawaii, they might already be dealing with mosquitoes. As soon as temperatures reach around 50 degrees or higher, mosquitoes begin to appear and settle in, so taking early action is a smart move.
How to Manage Mosquitoes
One of the most effective ways to keep mosquitoes away is by getting rid of any standing water around your home. Mosquitoes need water to breed, and even a small amount can be enough. Take a walk around your yard and check for places where water might collect. That could be anything from flower pots to kiddie pools. Whether you live in the city or the country, these simple steps can make a big difference in preventing a mosquito problem as the weather warms up.
Urban Yard Guidelines
Start by looking around your yard for anything that can hold water. Mosquitoes love to lay their eggs in even the smallest puddles. Toss out old buckets or flower pots you are not using anymore, or turn them upside down so they stay dry. Check tree stumps or low spots in trees where water may collect, and fill them with sand or mulch. If your kids have a tire swing, drill a few small holes in the bottom to let water drain. The same goes for wheelbarrows, kiddie pools, and even your recycling bins—keep them flipped over or well drained to keep mosquitoes from turning them into a breeding ground.
Be sure to check your yard for uneven areas where water might collect, like dips in your lawn or low spots in your garden soil. Filling these in can help prevent mosquitoes from using them as a place to lay eggs. Also, take a look at your drains, ditches, and culverts—clear out any debris like grass clippings or trash so water can flow freely. Well maintained ponds and pools are usually safe, but if a pool is not cleaned or chlorinated regularly, it can quickly become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and even cause problems for the whole neighborhood. The same goes for water gardens. Keep them moving with a pump or stock them with fish to keep mosquitoes away.
Rural Farm Guidelines
If you live on a farm or care for livestock, there are a few key places to keep an eye on for standing water where mosquitoes might breed. If you have horses, it is especially important to take precautions. Horses infected with West Nile virus face a high risk of serious illness or even death. In addition to keeping your horses vaccinated against common mosquito related diseases like Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis, Western Equine Encephalomyelitis, Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis, and West Nile virus, make sure your property is well maintained to reduce the risk of mosquitoes taking over.
Make sure to check your horses’ watering troughs for stagnant water and clean them out regularly, removing any weeds or debris. Take a walk through the stable area and clear away damp vegetation and any spots where water may have pooled—filling them with dirt or sand is an easy fix. Installing fans can also help circulate the air, since mosquitoes are drawn to still, humid areas and barnyard odors like manure and garbage. Don’t forget to check that your pasture drains properly after rain, and try to keep horses inside during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
If you own chicken or cattle, prevent weight loss and decreased milk production by keeping an eye on a few key factors. Inspect your fields every so often for areas that could be refilled or re-leveled. If possible, try to keep animals heavier than chickens and ducks off the pasture after a rainfall, since hoof prints create potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes if filled with water. Also, keep your fields rotated and avoid using excess fertilizer.
The Bottom Line
Mosquito control in Chicagoland starts with you! Not only does it help prevent mosquito-borne diseases, but a mosquito-free yard also makes your outdoor space more inviting for family gatherings, like those warm-weather BBQs. After all, no one wants a mosquito buzzing around while they’re enjoying their hot dog! So, as spring approaches, take on the role of a “water detective” and clear away any potential mosquito breeding grounds. By making sure your yard is dry and free of standing water, you’ll create a safer, more enjoyable space for everyone—your family, friends, and neighbors will surely appreciate it.
Bio: Troy Myers enjoys hiking, reading, and playing upright bass in a local band. During the week, he writes for the web team at Mosquito Magnet.
