Time to Bite Back: Mosquito Prevention Made Easy

An adult sprayed bug spray onto a child's arm.

Residents of Bristol TN can all agree the city and surrounding area has so much to offer; rolling hills with lush forests, beautiful caves, and flowing rivers. Unfortunately, having all that water means an easy breeding ground for mosquitoes. 

Most of us have been bitten by a mosquito at some point in our lives and will probably be bitten again. However, when it comes to your home and yard, there’s are measures you can take to make sure your small slice of paradise is safer.

The Do’s of Mosquito Prevention:

Preventing mosquitoes from taking up residence in your yard is top of the list for many homeowners. Use these proven mosquito prevention measures below:

  • Remove Standing Water: Mosquitoes need standing water to breed. As the temperatures rise, stagnant water provides them the perfect place to breed. Utilizing proper soil drainage and emptying containers that hold water in your yard will keep them from getting settled in.
  • Use Screens and Netting: Having your porch, windows, and doors netted and screened off will keep mosquitoes and even other pests from getting to you. If mosquitoes can’t reach you, they can’t bite you!
  • Set Out Traps: Mosquito traps are a good source of hands-off mosquito extermination. These traps use a combination of heat from a UV lamp and carbon dioxide emission to draw these pests in. Often taking the shape of an unobtrusive bucket or latern, mosquitoes are drawn in and stuck forever.

The Don’ts of Mosquito Prevention:

You may be tempted to go for some other cost effective D.I.Y mosquito prevention hacks. However, the following activities will do little to keep you from getting munched on in the near future:

  • Don’t Use Citronella Candles: Citronella candles do repel mosquitoes but only in a small radius. Furthermore, it’s not advised to use them inside of the house as citronella can also harm our lungs if the gasses are trapped in an enclosed space.
  • Don’t Use Bug Zappers: Mosquitoes largely hunt with an acute sense of smell, not by light. This means that while moths and other bugs are drawn to zappers, they’re poor at mosquito extermination. 
  • Don’t Use Essential Oils: While essential oils do a good job of making you smell nice, they’ll do little to hide you from mosquitoes. It’s best to use an EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET or Piciardin instead. 

Mosquito Prevention Professionals

At the end of the day, the best thing to do is call the professionals at Leo’s Pest Control. We have over half a century of experience in pest control and prevention. Offering both residential and commercial pest control, we have you covered not only in your home but where you work. With PestFree365+ we offer protection from over 30 common household pests, including mosquitoes. With ongoing pest control, we make sure that you can live pest-free* all year long.

Contact our experts today for a free quote on our award-winning pest control today!

Pest Prevention through Spring Cleaning

A worker power washing a deck to control pests in yard.

Spring is almost here. With the weather warming up, the pests are waking up as well. Now is the time to look around your home and yard for ways you could ensure being as pest-free* as possible. Typical springtime pests in Bristol, Tennessee that would be unwelcome guests – Ants, roaches, rodents and termites. By having a thorough spring cleaning regime, homeowners can start prevent pests for the year the come.

Tips for Spring Cleaning for Pest Prevention

Clean and Inspect Kitchen

Anywhere there is food or water you are likely to attract various pests. They could hibernate in colder seasons under your sink or in your cabinets. Ants are common culprits as they are drawn to food debris.
Some preventative inspection can be done that includes:

  • Always store food in tightly sealed containers or refrigerators. Keep kitchen counters and floors clean of food debris.
  • Seal holes under or around cabinets, and walls that lead to the outside.
  • Check pipes for leaks.

Clean Pantry

Not only are ants and roaches drawn to where food is stored, but also known to this area are: Cigarette Beetle, Confused Flour Beetle, Indian Meal Moth and Sawtooth Grain Beetle. While they don’t pose a health risk, they will ruin your food. Did you stock up on flour, sugar or cake mixes for the holiday season? Check the expiration date and consider transferring dry goods to airtight, sealed containers of plastic, metal or glass. This can help keep pests at bay.

Dry goods can harbor insects from the grocery store, so always check packages for tears or holes before bringing them home.

Declutter Closets

Warmer weather means it’s time to swap out your winter clothes for lighter springtime wear. This is a great time to declutter. An overstuffed closet can be home to pests like spiders looking for a home. Decluttering is a perfect time to donate items no longer worn or clothes your children have outgrown. Once decluttered, vacuum all corners to get rid of any hiding pests.

Trim Shrubs and Cut Back Trees

Trim back trees and bushes, as they could be used as bridges to gain access to your house. Keep your lawn mowed and weeds down. Don’t let piles of yard trimmings or brush accumulate as this becomes a perfect place for pests to hide.

Declutter and Clean Attic

Mice are prone to take up residence in your attic, as they are looking for a nice warm, dry place to nest. The best way to prevent this is to seal any holes leading outside, remember mice can enter through a hole the size of a dime. Declutter by donating things you don’t use and storing items in tightly sealed plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes. This helps eliminate clutter and will keep your stored items pest-free*.

Examine Your Homes Exterior

Check for cracks or holes in your foundation or siding. How about your windows? Any opening leading into your home is an invitation for pests to enter. Ants are spring and summertime pests that typically invade your home through tiny cracks or holes around your doors or windows. Dark cluttered places are very attractive hiding places for spiders, ants, cockroaches and rodents. Minimizing any clutter discourages pests from taking up residence by taking away their hideouts. Remove anything collecting standing water. Buckets, pots and tires become breeding grounds for mosquitos.

Trash Cans

Make sure your trash can lids are tight fitting and using trash bags adds an extra layer of pest prevention and control. 

Remove Firewood Away from Your Home

Stacks of firewood can attract many insects, including termites. It acts as both shelter and a food supply. To keep pulp-eating pests out of your home’s woodwork, move your firewood away from any buildings.

Pest Control on Call

Eliminating anything that could attract insects or pests to your home is the most proactive thing you can do to prevent infestations. While you cannot prevent everything, the professionals at Leo’s Pest Control can provide the exterminating help you need. Call us today for a free quote.