With the warm weather months in full swing, the pesky mosquito is an irritating insect that invades most outdoor areas. While the buzz may have died down regarding the threat of contracting the Zika virus, the potential for harm is still there. Most people find that they’ve been bitten by mosquitoes well before they ever have a chance to spot the pest. The next step is trying to figure out if it’s a Zika-carrying mosquito, which could result in infection and illness. The main goal is to protect your family and rid your backyard of as many mosquitoes as possible. Here are a few tips on how to do that. 

Call For Reinforcements

Initially, you’ll want to call in pest control OKC for assistance. With the help of a trained professional, you’ll have a much easier time combating the mosquitoes, and other pesky pests that are roaming around your property. The professional exterminator will not only be able to treat your yard with a pesticide to kill off or repel pests, but also talk with you about other things that you can do in order to combat the mosquito population in your yard.

It’s important to remember that while the Zika virus is not as widespread in the U.S. as it is in other parts of the world, it’s vital to take the necessary precautions. Mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus have been found all over the country, even in places such as Oklahoma City. While not all mosquitoes carry Zika, you’ll want to act as though they do. This includes, wearing long clothing in the evenings and also spraying exposed skin, with exception to your face, with an EPA recommended spray to repel mosquitoes.

Install Bat Houses

Have you thought about encouraging bats to move into your backyard? They may be able to help you combat your mosquito problem. Since they’re nocturnal creatures and try to avoid humans, you’ll barely know that they’re there flying around. However, the mosquito population will know because bats love to chomp on mosquitoes, as well as other insects. This makes having bats in your yard very efficient. They are the natural pest control professionals. To help encourage bats to move onto your property, consider making or buying a few bat houses.

Eliminate Extra Water Sources

In order to help make sure that mosquitos are not going to be interested in hanging around your property and laying their eggs there, try to remove all areas of standing water. Some places to consider include:

• Kiddie pools
• Kids toys
• Ditches and garden ponds
• Empty barrels or planters 
• Clogged eavestroughs

Provide proper irrigation for areas where water appears to pool after a heavy rain or flood. This may include creating a new retaining wall or underground plumbing system that will pull water away from your property. Keep in mind that puddles of water provide the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos. Therefore, you’ll want to go around your entire property and eliminate all of the standing water. Try to pitch all unnecessary items that collect rainwater. The result should minimize the population of flies, mosquitos and other biting insects on your property.

There are many steps that you need to take in order to eliminate the serious threat of contracting the Zika virus from mosquitoes in your yard. If your mosquito population is high, don’t hesitate to call in the pros! Stay proactive and enjoy your summer without finding yourself and the rest of your family covered in head-to-toe mosquito bites.