Mosquitoes cause more human harm than any other living
organism, according to the American Mosquito Control Association. Not
only do these buzzing insects induce itchy red bites, but some species
are also responsible for the spread of the Zika virus, which has caused
concern in South America, the Caribbean and now throughout the United
States. According to the World Health Organization, as many as 4 million
people worldwide could be infected before the end of 2016.
Here are 6 ways to prevent mosquitoes from showing up both in and outside your
Keller home:
Remove sources of standing water
Mosquitoes
only lay their eggs in standing water, so be mindful of any place where
water could pool near your home. Children's toys, buckets, shovels,
plastic covers and old containers can contain standing water and are
some of mosquitoes' favorite places. Other likely spots include water
caught in garbage cans, near gutter downspouts and other poorly drained
areas. Preventing mosquitoes starts with habitat reduction.
Change water sources weekly
If
you have outdoor pet bowls, fountains, birdbaths, rain barrels or
flower pots, be sure to empty or replace the water in them at least once
per week to break the mosquito breeding cycle. Keeping these water
sources clean will prevent any mosquito larvae from having time to
develop.
Protect yourself
When outside use EPA-approved mosquito
repellants that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon-eucalyptus. If
you are traveling outside the U.S. it is especially important to wear
effective insect repellants and protective clothing. Mosquito-borne
diseases that may be rare in the U.S. are common in many foreign
countries.
Properly maintain your pool
Mosquitoes
will use any source of water to lay their eggs, even an inground
swimming pool if it's not properly cared for. This offers a large area
of water to fill with eggs. Keep up with your pool's water treatment
plan, filters and water circulation to keep the mosquitoes away.
Additionally, plastic kiddie pools also need to be checked for signs of
insect activity.
Check screens and entry points
At
about one-quarter to one-half of an inch in their adult stage,
mosquitoes are small enough to fit through almost any entrance of your
home. This means they can sneak in unannounced through the tiniest
cracks in your home or garage. Check the seals on your doors, windows
and porches, and make sure everything is properly screened off for a
mosquito-free environment.
Call for backup
If
the mosquito population in your yard is beyond your control, don't be
afraid to call for help. Pest management professionals, such as
Terminix,
are trained to know exactly where mosquitoes are hiding and the best
methods to control their population. They'll target areas around your
Keller
home to attack these pests at the source.
Don't let pesky
mosquitoes keep you from enjoying the summer months. Follow these steps
to decrease mosquitoes and increase your peace of mind.
Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have
designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information
you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the
best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving
your dreams in home ownership 
