How To DIY Your Mosquito Repellant
Nothing ruins a backyard space like a mosquito infestation. They're small, but their bite packs a punch and can leave you scratching for days, even if you sprayed an entire can of bug spray all over you and your family members. Fortunately, most pest control companies are able to spray different substances to get rid of these annoying pests, but what can you do to control their presence in the meantime?
Get Rid of Hot Spots
Mosquitos love water, so the very first you should do when looking at how to DIY your own pest removal is eliminate any kind of standing water that may be present in your backyard. Sometimes these are unseen areas, such as a low spot in your yard that has an inch or two of water at all times, or it could be something like an open trash can that collects rain water. Either way, eliminating the mosquito breeding grounds is a necessary first step to getting rid of mosquitos.
Plant Repellent Plants
Depending on how much space you have, you may also be able to install certain plants that provide natural deterrents for mosquitos. Plants like Citronella and Rosemary provide a nice barrier, but it's hard to determine their true effectiveness. Still, it's a low cost option that many people swear by, and it also gives the added bonus of making your yard look a little better in the process. Alternatively, you can use candles that are designed specifically for repelling mosquitos, but if there's anything more than a strong breeze in your backyard, you may find that that they're not very effective.
Try Over-the-Counter Chemicals
Chances are your local hardware store has a number of pest control products claiming to repel everything from spiders to mosquitos, so if you're really in a bind, you can grab a can and spray it in your backyard space. It's important to remember, though, that the effectiveness may wear off quicker than you would like. You also need to be mindful of using it in the right manner, as improper application can hurt you or the environment.
Use Outdoor Traps
Bug zappers may not be the most attractive yard decoration you can buy, but they can be extremely effective pest control devices if placed in the right spot. If you don't want to install something so large, though, you can always set out traps like attract-and-kill sprays that mix sugar water with a poison to kill pests. You can also buy traps that mix carbon dioxide with a human scent that attracts bugs and then kills them on contact. All of these and more are available at big box stores and can be used in concert with a professional pest removal program.
For more information on pest control, contact a local company such as Alliance Pest Management, Inc.