A Landscaper's Guide to Mosquito Control

Creating beautiful outdoor spaces also means ensuring they are safe and comfortable for your clients. Mosquitoes can be a major nuisance and a potential health hazard, diminishing the enjoyment of a well-designed landscape.

Here’s how you can prevent and treat mosquito issues on your projects.

Mosquito Prevention Strategies

Prevention is the most effective approach to mosquito control. Here are four simple steps you can take:

• Eliminate Standing Water

  Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Regularly clean and empty any sources on the property, such as birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, and clogged gutters, to disrupt their life cycle.

• Incorporate Repellent Plants

  Certain plants, such as citronella, marigolds, and lemongrass, have natural mosquito-repellent properties. Incorporating these into your landscape designs can help keep mosquitoes at bay naturally.

• Use Mosquito Netting

  For projects with gazebos or other outdoor structures, consider installing mosquito netting. This provides a physical barrier that keeps mosquitoes out of key entertaining areas.

• Employ Proper Irrigation

  Overwatering can create puddles and saturated soil, which attract mosquitoes. Use proper irrigation techniques, such as drip systems or smart controllers, to avoid creating standing water.

Treating Existing Mosquito Problems

If you encounter an active mosquito infestation, here are a few treatment options:

• Use Repellent Sprays

  A variety of commercial repellent sprays can effectively keep mosquitoes away. Follow the product instructions carefully and apply the spray in well-ventilated areas, focusing on where mosquitoes rest, like under bushes.

• Set Mosquito Traps

  Modern mosquito traps use a combination of heat, light, and carbon dioxide to attract and capture mosquitoes. These can be an effective tool for reducing the local mosquito population over time.

• Consult a Pest Control Professional

  For severe infestations, it's often best to call a professional pest control company. They have the expertise and resources to treat the problem effectively and help prevent its return.