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Mosquito Lawn Control

Close-up of a mosquito

As a homeowner, you understand the value of a pristine lawn. A well-maintained lawn enhances a home's aesthetics, adds function, and influences its value. In other words, a proper lawn serves homeowners in a variety of essential ways. But did you know that modern lawn care can help reduce the number of mosquitoes that hang out in your yard? When your lawn contains fewer mosquitoes, it means fewer mosquitoes on your deck and in your home. There are ways homeowners can manage their lawns to repel mosquitoes. Making your property less hospitable to mosquitoes is easier than you think; although, a few handy tools may be needed to help.

Why Are Mosquitoes Bad?

Close-up of a mosquito on a person's finger

I don't need to sell you on why you don't want mosquitoes hanging out on your lawn. Mosquitoes not only annoy us, but science links them to the spread of several illnesses. A rash of EEE Virus cases in the Northeast has many homeowners scrambling for solutions in landscaping. As a homeowner, repelling mosquitoes from the lawn is the best start to lowering the risk of bites. Let's look at a few ways to win the battle against mosquitoes lurking in our lawns.

Do Mosquitoes Like Water?

Water laying underneath a swing set

Without question, standing water attracts mosquitoes more than any other factor in lawn care. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing waters. So not only do those puddles and old sandboxes filled with rainwater attract mosquitoes, but they encourage mosquito babies. For a homeowner, that's the worst-case scenario.

How to Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Lawn

A small backyard water feature with landscaping

When you combine attracting new mosquitoes with mosquito breeding grounds, that new deck will be infiltrated by pests all summer long. You need to remove as many cases of standing water as possible. Look for old buckets, sandboxes, portions of your lawn that are sunken in, children's toys, areas where water compiles, etc. Audit your property for still water. When you formulate a new lawn care plan, make sure you consider any ideas that might allow water to compile. Avoid tactics that amount to slopes with no run-off strategy. Avoid sculptures that allow water to fill up. Removing and avoiding standing water on your property is the number one mosquito repellent for your yard that you'll find.

Mosquito Repellent Mulch

Red cedar mulch in landscaping

When it comes to mulch repelling annoying insects, cedar mulch wins the day. Cedar mulch, while a tad bit more costly than other mulch types, gives off a smell that mosquitoes despise. For this reason, a homeowner should strategically place cedar mulch in areas of their property that people hang out. When it comes to landscaping, make use of cedar mulch as much as possible. Since cedar mulch costs a bit more than other mulch, it's essential to choose wisely where to place it in your landscaping. If you use cedar mulch correctly, your summer party guests will thank you. Here are several recommended cedar mulches to consider.

What Plants Repel Mosquitoes?

Lemongrass

Whether you are caring for your lawn yourself or using a service, consider adding plants and grasses that repel mosquitoes. Lemongrass, technically known as Cymbopogon, is a popular choice. Many bug sprays that repel mosquitoes use it as an ingredient. Lemongrass looks like tall, vibrant blades of grass and can enhance your lawn's appearance. More importantly, mosquitoes despise its scent. Marigolds and geraniums add vibrant colors to your lawn while also repelling mosquitoes and other annoying summertime pests. If you don't want to plant geraniums, use cedar mulch, or plant lemongrass, you might consider Bonide's Mosquito Beater, which contains the oils of all three.

Do Insecticides Kill Mosquitoes?

Woman spraying her plant with an insecticide

If your family isn't opposed to more aggressive mosquito repellent undertakings, consider using a popular insecticide. You find both natural and otherwise in any of our stores around the nation.

Lawn care influences mosquito density on your property. By taking simple precautions and implementing strategic lawn care methods, you can vastly reduce the number of mosquitoes that infest your outdoor areas.

Mosquito Repellent Landscaping FAQ’s

Does Mulch Attract Mosquitoes

Mulch itself does not attract mosquitoes. However, if the mulch is wet, it can attract mosquitoes because it holds moisture that's ideal for laying eggs.

Do Moth Balls Repel Mosquitoes?

Moth balls are not effective at repelling mosquitoes. They are designed to repel moths and other insects in enclosed spaces but do not have the same effect on mosquitoes in open areas.

Does Fire Attract Mosquitoes?

Fire does not attract mosquitoes. Since mosquitoes hate smoke and high temperatures, fires can be a good way to repel mosquitoes.

Does Cedar Repel Mosquitoes?

Yes, cedar has natural oils that repel mosquitoes. Cedar mulch and cedar oil are commonly used to keep mosquitoes and other pests away from lawns and gardens.

How Long Does Cedar Mulch Repel Bugs?

Cedar mulch can repel bugs for several months, typically up to six months. The effectiveness can vary based on weather conditions and the amount of mulch used. Refreshing the mulch periodically can help maintain its repellent properties.


Article Author

Cory Hedgepeth

Cory Hedgepeth currently works as a copywriter for Pittsburgh-based DirectOM.com. His work has been shared and published by USA Today and TheBigLead. He is married and has a two-year-old daughter.

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