Mosquito Control: Enjoy Your Yard Again
Nothing ruins a Texas evening outdoors faster than mosquitoes. Beyond the itchy bites, mosquitoes can carry serious diseases like West Nile virus, Zika, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Here’s how to reclaim your yard.
Understanding Mosquitoes
To control mosquitoes, you need to understand their lifecycle:
- Eggs - Laid in or near standing water
- Larvae - Live in water for 7-10 days
- Pupae - Transform in water for 2-3 days
- Adults - Emerge and begin biting (females only)
Key insight: Eliminate standing water, and you eliminate the breeding cycle.
Eliminate Breeding Sites
Mosquitoes need just a bottle cap’s worth of water to breed. Common breeding sites include:
Obvious Sources
- Bird baths (change water twice weekly)
- Pet water bowls (refresh daily)
- Plant saucers (empty after rain)
- Kiddie pools (empty when not in use)
- Wheelbarrows and buckets
Hidden Sources
- Clogged gutters (clean regularly)
- French drain endpoints
- Tree holes and stumps
- Tarps and pool covers (where water collects)
- Corrugated drain pipes
- Old tires
- Toys left outside
Weekly habit: Walk your property after rain and dump any standing water you find.
Yard Maintenance
A well-maintained yard is less attractive to mosquitoes:
- Trim vegetation: Mosquitoes rest in tall grass and shrubs during the day
- Clear debris: Remove leaf litter and yard waste where moisture collects
- Improve drainage: Fix low spots where water pools
- Maintain swimming pools: Proper chlorination prevents breeding
Natural Deterrents
Some plants and landscaping choices can help:
Mosquito-repelling plants:
- Citronella grass
- Lavender
- Marigolds
- Rosemary
- Basil
Note: These plants help but won’t eliminate mosquitoes on their own.
Encourage predators:
- Install bat houses (a single bat eats thousands of insects nightly)
- Create habitat for dragonflies
- Stock ponds with mosquitofish
Professional Mosquito Treatment
For significant mosquito problems, professional treatment is most effective:
Barrier Treatments
- Applied to vegetation where mosquitoes rest
- Kills mosquitoes on contact
- Provides 3-4 weeks of protection
- Best applied monthly during mosquito season
Larvicide Treatments
- Targets standing water that can’t be eliminated
- Prevents larvae from developing
- Safe for fish, pets, and wildlife
Misting Systems
- Automated systems installed around property perimeter
- Release insecticide on schedule
- Effective but require ongoing maintenance
When You’re Outside
When mosquitoes are active (dawn and dusk especially):
- Use EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Wear long sleeves and pants in light colors
- Use fans - mosquitoes are weak fliers
- Avoid peak times if possible
Health Concerns
See a doctor if you experience after mosquito bites:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Neck stiffness
- Confusion
- Muscle weakness
These could indicate mosquito-borne illness.
Take Back Your Yard
Don’t let mosquitoes keep you indoors. Contact Cedar Park Pest Control for professional mosquito treatment. Our barrier treatments dramatically reduce mosquito populations, so you can enjoy your outdoor space again.
Ask about our seasonal mosquito control packages—regular treatments throughout mosquito season keep your yard comfortable all summer long.