RI, MA EHS Pest Control Blog

It does not take much for mosquitoes to breed. All they need is a wet environment, this can be stagnant water or an area that gets wet then dry repeatedly. Around your home you are told to look for things that pool water i.e. wheel barrels, bird feeders, tires, buckets, etc. In the eyes of a homeowner this tends to be the very obvious. What about a small bit of water? Is that enough for mosquitoes to breed in? YES! The attached video shows you exactly this, mosquitoes breeding in a citronella candle on a backyard deck. You see the larva & pupae stages or “squigglers” and this is the stages prior to an adult mosquito emerging. Even more proof at how adaptable pests are around your home!

 

Location: Westwood, MA

They can fly in excess of 2 miles in search of a blood meal. Do you have a yard that big? I doubt it! So how do you minimize attacking mosquitoes on your property? There are some things that can be done to reduce breeding activity. Remove any stagnant water sources on your property no matter how small they are. Clean gutters of debris. Rinse birdbaths with a hose 2x per month. Keep grass mowed & vegetation (trees and shrubs) trimmed so not too dark/shady on your property.

Use a product with deet as this is the only scientifically proven personal insect repellent. Citronella candles do not work per se but the smoke from them/torches/fires does help deter mosquitoes.

EHS does offer a totally organic mosquito treatment that will reduce mosquito populations. Since they fly in from outside your property boundries elimination is not possible just suppression. Look it it this way, less mosquitoes = less bites & disease threats.

George E. Williams Jr., A.C.E.
General Manager - Staff Entomologist
Environmental Health Services, Inc.