Prepare for Next Year Mosquitoes

Plan mosquito treatment before the season starts.

Mosquito control is a health issue as well as a comfort one, because mosquitoes can spread viruses such as West Nile and Zika. The CDC’s West Nile virus overview says the virus is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito and that no licensed vaccine or medicine prevents or treats it in people, so preventing bites matters most; Saela’s guide to fighting mosquito-borne disease covers the main illnesses.

Saela’s mosquito control service follows its integrated pest management cycle: identify the pest, monitor activity, treat target areas and evaluate the results, then adjust. In a February 2024 Google review, Richard Haile praised Saela’s “great service and professional recommendations.”

Treat the places where adult mosquitoes rest.

Adult mosquitoes spend the day resting in dark, humid places, so treatment works best when it targets those spots instead of open lawn. The CDC’s home mosquito control steps name resting areas such as under patio furniture, the carport or the garage. Saela’s mist treatments are aimed at resting sites such as shaded foliage and areas beneath porches, and visit frequency and price depend on the property, so compare plan options before the season starts.

Remove standing water before eggs can hatch.

Standing water is where new mosquitoes start, and in summer the whole cycle from egg to adult can take a week or less, according to University of California pest management guidance. UC also notes that eggs laid on the sides of saucers, jars, cans or soil surfaces may not hatch until flooding occurs, months or even years later, so scrub containers rather than just emptying them. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover or throw out anything that holds water, change birdbath water at least weekly, and tightly cover rain barrels. For ponds, UC suggests stocking fish or using Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis and removing excess vegetation.

Clean drains and gutters.

Clogged gutters hold water that is easy to miss from the ground. UC guidance says to clean all gutters and downspouts, because leaves, twigs, seeds and other organic matter that block water flow can create standing water. Check them after the leaves fall and again in early spring; Saela’s article on what mosquitoes do when summer ends explains why fall cleanup pays off the next year.

Keep the yard trimmed.

Because mosquitoes rest in dark, humid spots, mowing regularly and thinning dense shrubs near patios, doors and play areas leaves them fewer places to wait for a meal. Don’t count on plants sold as repellents: University of Florida IFAS experts explain that plants such as citronella, mint and lavender contain oils that can deter mosquitoes, but simply growing them doesn’t protect a yard. They recommend removing standing water, using personal repellent and adding mosquito-eating fish to permanent water features instead.

Repair screens and close easy entry points.

Keep mosquitoes outside by repairing torn window and door screens, closing doors, including garage doors, instead of propping them open, and using air conditioning when possible, as the CDC recommends. Check every screen before spring, since a small tear is enough to let mosquitoes inside.