Mosquitoes can be annoying at best and unhealthy at worst due to the diseases they can carry and transmit to humans. That’s why learning how to prevent mosquito infestations around your Oklahoma City home or business can help you reclaim the outdoors and keep your loved ones protected from their bites. 

This article covers preventive measures you can take to keep mosquitoes away, but if you’re already facing an active infestation and are tired of swatting away these bloodsucking pests, contact Moxie Pest Control for expert mosquito removal.  

Drain Stagnant Water

Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so you can reduce mosquito activity by eliminating their breeding grounds. Empty water that collects in garden pots, trash can lids, children’s toys, tarps, grill covers, and other items that hold water after rain. Remove clogged debris in gutters so water can flow freely instead of becoming stagnant mosquito-breeding areas.

Introduce Mosquito Predators in Ponds

Ponds in or around your yard can also serve as mosquito breeding grounds. Since it’s not always feasible (or desirable) to drain all the water in a decorative water feature, consider introducing a natural mosquito predator into the pond such as koi or mosquito fish (Gambusia). The fish will eat the mosquito larvae growing in the pond and therefore lower the adult mosquito population. For water features that can’t house mosquito-eating fish, try installing a foundation or bubbler that will keep the water moving and prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs.

Seal Gaps

Mosquitoes can invade your home through gaps or openings around your house. Remember that these insects don’t need ample space to enter your house because of their tiny size. Patching up cracks and crevices in your walls can keep mosquitoes outdoors. Installing or repairing broken window screens, weather stripping, and door sweeps in your house are great places to start. 

Clear Vegetation

Overgrown bushes in your yard or tall weeds in your garden can harbor mosquitoes without your knowledge. These insects tend to reside among vegetation during the day, keeping them out of sight. One way to prevent a mosquito infestation is by performing regular landscape maintenance like trimming and cutting overgrown branches, grasses, and shrubs. 

Update Outdoor Lighting

The color and warmth outdoor lights produce attract various insects throughout the night, including mosquitoes. Mercury vapor lamps and white incandescent bulbs are the most attractive to these pests. 

If you have these types of lights outside your home or business, it’s easy to update the bulbs. Try sodium vapor lamps and halogen bulbs as alternatives that will attract fewer mosquitoes.

Use Oscillating Fans

Mosquitoes are weak fliers, so placing oscillating fans strategically at open windows and doors of the house can keep these biting insects out by simply blowing them away. The fan doesn’t have to be big or run at the highest speed to be effective. A simple breeze can make the difference between enjoying the outdoors and spending your day swatting away unwanted mosquitoes.

Burn Scented Candles 

Burning candles or lanterns that contain mosquito-repelling essential oils is another preventive measure for mosquitoes. Scented candles with essential oils like citronella, lavender, peppermint, clove, lemongrass, rosemary, and eucalyptus can help.