There are few things I dislike more than mosquito…except maybe No-See-Ums. Both absolutely love to eat me alive! If you also detest these pests, you’ll enjoy this post, provided by Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning with lots of tips to keep your home mosquito free!

Mosquitoes: they are right up there on your list of all-time annoyances. Sure, they may be better than a long visit from the in-laws, but not by much. The big difference is that you can’t necessarily avoid a visit from your mother-in-law, but you can do something to rid your home and backyard of mosquitoes. Here are some of the most effective ways:

Light ‘Em Up
Who knew that a seemingly innocent and decorative patio lantern could actually be the Typhoid Mary of the mosquito world? It lasts for 12 hours and refills are available. Imagine you are a self-respecting mosquito, just minding your own business and looking for a good meal. You suddenly detect a warm glow ahead and are inexplicably attracted. What would be the harm in checking it out? Next thing you know, you are meeting your mosquito maker!

Oldies But Goodies
While technology and fancy gadgets are nice, sometimes the tricks Grandpa used are the best, and often the least expensive. Here are two examples:

• Mosquito netting. It is cheap and effective. Better still, there are so many different options to choose from, you can find a style that actually enhances your yard’s aesthetic appeal.
• Citronella candles. Frankly, you will either love their scent or loath it. Burning several of these candles in strategic locations around your yard will drastically reduce the mosquito population. No, it will not kill them, but they will search out less stinky environments.

Keep Clean and Go Green
Mosquitoes love standing water, which is it’s crucial to eliminate potential breeding sites in your yard. The most effective way to rid mosquitoes is to manage the standing water where they lay their eggs, particularly in rain gutters and downspout drains.

Keeping your gutters clean and unclogged will go a long way in helping your insect problem. In fact, the standing water and debris that accumulates in your gutters often goes overlooked, and is usually where mosquitoes and other pesky insects decide to set up basecamp.

Outdoor fountains, ponds, bird baths, artificial containers, and watering cans are also a few of their favorite places. So whenever possible, do what you can to keep these areas dry. There are several gutter cleaning companies who can help service and maintain your gutters.

When They Make Themselves at Home

Your yard is bad enough, but what can you do if these annoying, disease-carrying buzzing beasts set up camp in your home?

Do all you can to keep any more from coming inside. Use weather stripping to seal the gaps under your doors. Patch any holes you find in your window screens and remove any containers of standing water.

The Nuclear Option

If the mosquito netting, citronella and lanterns just aren’t doing the trick, you need to bring out the heavy artillery. Yes, that’s right: chemicals. When correctly applied, insecticide can radically reduce and even eliminate mosquitoes from your outdoor space. Here’s what to do:

• Purchase an insecticide specifically for mosquitoes.
• Get the right equipment. For a small yard, a pump sprayer will work well; for larger spaces, use a mist blower.
• Mix the insecticide as indicated on the label.
• Apply the solution to all foliage, not just the tops of leaves but the undersides where mosquitoes hang out during the day. Don’t forget about those overhangs.
• Reapply insecticide every 30 days.

Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying; they can be hazardous to your health. Their bites are itchy at best. At worst, they can give you diseases like West Nile virus and, in many parts of the world, malaria. Don’t let mosquitoes turn your perfectly beautiful spring, summer and fall into a nightmare. Take these tips to heart and stop spending your days swatting and scratching.

Do you have any tips or tricks to mosquito-proof your home? Want more home improvement advice? Connect with us on Twitter at @NedStevens!

Photo credits: mosquito and Eaves trough full of water via photopin (license)