Its Almost Mosquito Season Again – Here’s How to Prepare

Mosquitoes are an omnipresent problem in Florida but their numbers do decrease significantly in the winter months. But the break from these flying menaces comes to an end soon as the weather warms and the days get longer. It will soon be breeding season for mosquitoes and this means that the female mosquito will be thirsty for human blood.

So, what can you do to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home? Can you do anything at all? The answer is yes. In this article we will go over some of the steps you can take to reduce exposure to mosquitoes this year.

1 – Don’t Allow Water to Collect in Anything Around Your Home – Mosquitoes need shallow still water to lay their eggs. Once they identify a spot that has a shallow and still water source they will stay within that area. Essentially, they will set up shop there and look for any warm-blooded animal to bite. Humans are the perfect host in their eyes because we have exposed skin and not a lot of hair or fur for protection.

2 – Install Plants Known for Their Mosquito Repelling Qualities Around Your Home – These plants include lemongrass, lemon balm, sage, eucalyptus, thyme and allium. Plants have evolved over millions of years to repel certain insects using chemicals of all sorts. Although these plants didn’t develop these defenses specifically against mosquitoes, there is an overlap in that they repel insects of all species.

3 – Citronella Torches & Candles – There is good evidence that citronella actively confuses mosquitos sense of smell and makes it harder for them to find you. It’s almost like a smokescreen for them. You can pick up torches and candles on the cheap at Lowe’s or Home Depot.

4 – Body Sprays – There are safe, all-natural mosquito repellants commercially available on the market. If you or your kids are going to be outside for any length of time, it is well worth a spray or two to keep mosquitoes away.

5 – Look Into Mosquitofish – This specific breed of fish feasts on the eggs of mosquitoes. If you have a pond behind your home, look into the legalities of stocking it with mosquitofish. You can get a serious reduction in mosquito numbers by having this fish in a body of water near your home. Talk to your HOA (if you have one) about this project. Oftentimes they will pay for it.