Commonly Asked Questions About Mosquito Control

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It is important to do your research while looking for the best mosquito control for your yard. When it comes to the best mosquito control practices, there are many misconceptions out there, so it is crucial to know what is best for protecting you and your family.

Here are some of the most often asked mosquito control questions:

Are Citronella Candles Effective?

Citronella candles are among the most popular DIY mosquito control remedies. Many people use these candles to surround their outside patios and porches in order to keep mosquitoes at bay while spending time outside. They, however, are not as effective as you may imagine. Citronella is only approximately 50% effective, which is much less than the effectiveness of other natural products such as lemon eucalyptus oil (OLE).

What Is The Most Effective Insect Repellent To Use?

While there are several insect repellents on the market, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends choosing EPA-registered products containing certain active components for optimum protection. According to the CDC, the following active components in insect repellents give the best mosquito protection:

• – DEET
• – Picaridin
• – Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE)
• – IR3535
• – Para-Menthane-3, 8-Diol (PMD)
• – 2-Undecanone

Why Do Some People Get Bitten By Mosquitoes More Than Others?

When a mosquito is looking for a blood meal, a number of factors come into play. Mosquitoes are drawn to carbon dioxide, which we naturally expel, as well as lactic acid (sweat) and octenol. All of these attractants are found in human breath and perspiration. As a result, if you sweat more, you are more likely to get bitten by a mosquito. Quick Tip: Try to stay cool, and you can even keep fans around which will not only help to keep you cool, can also deter mosquitoes as they are very weak fliers and the wind from the fan makes it hard for them to fly.

What Brings Mosquitoes to My Yard?

There are several reasons why your yard may be attracting a big number of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes, for example, require water to lay their eggs. So, if you have any areas with standing water in your yard, even if it is a tiny quantity of water, be sure to get rid of it. One of the most effective strategies to keep mosquitoes away from your home is to eliminate standing water. Quick Fact: Mosquitoes can breed in as small of an amount of water found in a small bottle cap.

Here are few examples of where standing water tends to build up:

• – Tire Swings
• – Kiddie Pools
• – Trash Can Lids
• – Wheelbarrows
• – Birdbaths
• – Flower Pots
• – Tarps/Grill Covers
• – Dead Tree Stumps
• – Deep Tire Tracks

What Can I Do to Reduce Mosquitoes in My Yard?

• – Remove any standing water at least once a week to eliminate or limit mosquito breeding areas. 
• – Use screen windows, doors, and other openings with fine mesh, sealing around all edges, along with keeping doors and windows closed.
• – Remove any unnecessary plants or debris from your yard that may be creating standing water sources. Quick Fact: Mosquitoes are less likely to thrive in a well maintained yard.
• – Plant insect deterrent plants like lemon grass, lavender, marigolds, catnip, peppermint, citronella, sage, and basil.

You may begin living mosquito-free now that you understand what attracts mosquitoes and what works (or does not work) to keep them away. Call Green Army today for your professional mosquito control needs! We can help you from misting sprays, to event spraying, and more!

^{If you need help from a professional, our Team here at GreenArmy® is here to help!}

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