Managing Mosquitoes at your Next Cookout

managing mosquitoes

managing mosquitoesNashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN

If you’re planning to host a cookout this summer, you’ve most likely got a guest list of family and friends–and that list does not include mosquitoes. No one wants their backyard barbecue ruined by buzzing bugs and itchy welts on their skin. Although mosquitoes are determined to put a damper on the party, your Nashville pest control professionals want to suggest some reliable methods to keep them away from your backyard fun.

Make your cookout less attractive to them

Prevention is always the best method to getting rid of anything–especially bugs. The bugs are interested in standing water and bright lights. Move any birdbaths and dry off patio furniture, as even the smallest area of standing water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. You can also replace your outdoor light bulbs with yellow bug lights. These bulbs shift the color temperature of the light so that it is nearly invisible to insects, which does not prevent them, but doesn’t attract them, either.

Use citronella

Citronella is a natural mosquito repellent and one of the most common ingredients in store-bought repellents. The plant emits a strong smell that mosquitoes hate. Citronella grows easily in the ground or in pots. If plants aren’t your speed, there are also plenty of citronella candles on the market. They aren’t quite as effective as the plants themselves, but it is still an effective method.

Blow them away

Using a fan in your outdoor space can go a long way in keeping mosquitoes at bay. They can’t fly in winds that the fans create, so if you use a few, you can create a “no fly” zone during your upcoming event.

Get an insect zapper

If it seems like the pesky bugs are waging war on your yard space, one device that can help is an electronic bug zapper. These gadgets draw in and kill mosquitoes, biting flies and other bugs with a UV light. They won’t rid your yard of insects completely, but they are an effective, chemical-free option.

Plant catnip plants in your garden

The plant that cats zone out for has other uses. The essential oil that gives the plant its unique smell has been proven to be ten times more effective as a mosquito repellent than DEET. If you add some catnip to your garden, you’ll fend off mosquitoes and may have a few extra kitty guests at the same time. As for cats, we recommend you plant catnip away from other plants and herbs to avoid them being crushed by feline visitors, or put your catnip in hanging pots.

Mosquito Control in Nashville and Murfreesboro in Tennessee

The best way to help reduce the presence of your mosquitoes in your yard is to call a professional exterminator. The experts at Ameri Care provide pre-emptive treatments for your mosquito problem. That’s why we are Middle Tennessee’s leader in pest control with more than 30 years of experience. Our team is trained to help you determine a treatment plan to help exterminate and prevent the mosquitoes in your yard. Give us a call at (615) 893-7111 or visit us online to request a free consultation with one of our pest control technicians.