April showers might bring May flowers, but what about those pesky mosquitoes that come with seasonal precipitation? The last thing anyone wants when trying to enjoy a sunny, Spring afternoon is the presence of these irritating insects. Not to mention, mosquitoes carry a whole host of harmful diseases. 

So, what can be done to keep mosquitoes away from the home during the spring months? Let’s explore a few mosquito control tips. 

• Light a Candle

One harmless option for keeping mosquitoes away from the home involves candles. Certain plant oils exist that are known to naturally repel mosquitoes such as:

• Lavender
• Lemon eucalyptus
• Cinnamon
• Citronella
• Thyme
• Neem
• Tea treat

These oils all possess varying properties helpful for repelling different mosquito species. To repel mosquitoes during the spring months outdoors and in, try lighting an essential oil candle made with any of the above scents that can be aggravating to mosquitoes. 

• Use Repellents

Yard work can feel burdensome when contending with buzzing mosquitoes. Even sitting outside on a nice spring evening can be ruined when mosquitoes start to become active. Certain mosquito repellents work effectively to keep mosquitoes away from you.

Many repellents exist on the market today, many of which are perfectly safe to use on your skin. Sprays do tend to wear off, so be sure to apply regularly to keep mosquitoes at bay.

• Keep Gutters Clean

Mosquitoes love things like rotting leaves and standing water. For them, nothing is better for breeding than a clogged gutter system as dying leaves provide mosquitoes with the perfect environment for their development. 

After a winter’s worth of buildup, mosquitoes will flock to the standing water in any gutter system. To keep gutters from being a mosquito haven, gutters should be professionally cleaned. This will remove and prevent the buildup of debris and standing water. Doing so in the spring will help eliminate further problems as the months grow hotter going into summer.

• Remove Standing Water

It’s not only gutters that tend to collect rainwater or melted snow. There are plenty of locations throughout the yard collecting water that can lead to stagnation. Mosquitoes flock to places with standing water as that is where they lay their eggs. 

Remember to empty water from places such as birdbaths, gardening pots, buckets, wheelbarrows, and stray toys. 

• Coffee, Anyone?

For locations around the home where it might be difficult to remove standing water, sprinkling coffee grounds might help! For regular coffee drinkers, simply sprinkle used grounds on any areas that collect water to prevent mosquitoes from growing.

Here’s the Buzz on Mosquito Control

Mosquito control doesn’t have to be a challenging task. The best way to keep mosquitoes from the home is to use preventative measures before the mosquito population gets out of hand. 

Part of homeownership is taking charge of the landscape surrounding the home. By doing so, homeowners have a greater chance of preventing these bothersome insects from getting inside.

Be proactive with these tips above come spring for a mosquito-free home!