Mosquitoes are insects that are commonly found during the dry season. However, mosquitoes can carry diseases far more severe than just hives. Nor can you do much to prevent mosquito bites. Therefore, the best way to deal with the problem of mosquitoes is to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. This article will guide you through mosquito breeding.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Removing Puddles
Step 1. Empty, drain, or close the container that can hold water
In your garden or backyard, there may be several spots of standing water, such as trash cans, old tires, empty bottles, and other open containers. Empty and drain all containers that can hold water, then close the container to prevent water from entering.
Step 2. Change the water reservoir in the flowerpot every week
When you water the flowers, the remaining water will flow from the roots of the plant to a special container. If you keep your plants outdoors, these water containers can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Empty and clean the water container at least once a week. The more often you empty and clean the flowerpot water container, the better.
Step 3. Clean the bird bath weekly, if you have one
The bird bath is very popular with mosquitoes to breed. Overcome this by changing the water and scrubbing the bird bath at least once a week.
Step 4. Fix or prevent leaks outside the house
The drains that run through the exterior of the house can be exposed to the weather, causing minor leaks. Window-type air conditioners also often drip water, which can collect at the bottom of the house. Repair the leaks to prevent flooding.
Step 5. Take good care of the swimming pool
If you have a plastic pool designed for temporary use, make sure you drain all the water in it and keep the pool indoors when not in use. If you have a swimming pool behind your house, monitor the chlorine level of the pool regularly, and keep the pool clean.
Step 6. Keep gutters clean
If the rain gutters are filled with garbage, the water will be stuck in the gutters instead of drying out. Mosquitoes will then breed there.
Step 7. Prevent waterlogging
Stagnant water is the main breeding ground for mosquitoes. Sometimes, it is difficult to find and deal with all the puddles in the house. However, there are steps you can take to prevent inundation from occurring, as follows:
- Throw away any barrels or pots you no longer use, or turn them over to prevent puddles of water.
- Cover trash cans and recycling bins. If your trash can won't close, try punching a hole in the bottom.
- Place the wire filter in the rainwater reservoir or water tank.
- Watch your plants. Do any plants "trap" water between their leaves and stems? If so, consider punching holes in the leaves with a needle to keep water from pooling.
Method 2 of 2: Deterring and Killing Mosquitoes
Step 1. Remove or cover any existing holes in your home
Holes in your verandah or trees can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. If you can't close the hole, consider filling it with sand.
Step 2. Clean the garden every week
Although mosquitoes do not breed among weeds, they can hide in tall grass. Keep the grass in your garden as short as possible at regular intervals.
Step 3. Cut the grass and bushes that rise
Grass and bushes can be "homes" for adult mosquitoes. Therefore, by cutting them, you can reduce the adult mosquito population.
Step 4. Plant flowers or plants that repel mosquitoes, especially near standing water
You can place the plant directly in your garden, or in a pot. Mosquitoes do not like the smell of certain plants, and will stay away from those plants. Consider planting the following plants in your garden:
- Spices, such as basil, lavender, rosemary, and peppermint.
- Flowers, such as geraniums, marigolds, and pennyroyals.
- Plants such as catnip, citronella, lemon balm, and garlic.
Step 5. Buy fish for your pond garden
If you have a pond garden, consider buying mosquito-eating fish, such as minnow or mosquito fish. These fish are strong, easy to care for, and love mosquito larvae. If your pond is large enough, buy koi or goldfish.
- You can use different types of larvicides to get rid of mosquito larvae in ponds. But before using it, make sure the larvicide you choose is safe for fish and other animals.
- Make sure your pond garden is deep enough. The recommended pond garden depth is 60 cm or more. Deep ponds are healthier for fish, and mosquitoes don't like them either. Mosquitoes prefer shallow standing water to breed.
Step 6. Add a fountain or aerator to your garden pond
Besides being good for the health of the pool, fountains can also move the surface of the water. Mosquitoes like calm water surfaces, and will not approach moving water. You can also add a fountain to the bird bath if you have one.
Step 7. Use larvicides to kill mosquito larvae
Larvicides are available in granular form, and must be sprinkled monthly. Generally, larvicides will not kill other insects that prey on mosquitoes, such as dragonflies. The following are some types of larvicides that are commonly used:
- Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI), such as Mosquito Dunks, Mosquito Bits, and Microbe-Lift. BTI is a mosquito toxin, and mosquitoes will die after ingesting it.
- Methoprene is a mosquito growth control larvicide. With this larvicide, mosquito larvae will not grow into adult mosquitoes. The larvicide will kill mosquitoes within a few days, but it can also kill other insects.
- Mineral oil-based larvicides will suffocate mosquito larvae when sprayed into the water.
Step 8. "Invite" mosquito predators into your garden
Bats, dragonflies and birds of prey love insects and their larvae. You can invite birds or bats by setting up their nests. If you have a pond garden, consider keeping frogs.
