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Reducing the mosquito population around your property not only makes your outdoor experience much more pleasant, but also decreases the risk of infectious diseases spread by these insects. Here are some recommendations to help combat these pests naturally, safely, and effectively.

1. Reduce as much standing water as possible around your yard. If there are areas with poor drainage that results in ponding, have Gerbert & Sons remediate the issue and increase your usable outdoor space. Empty any outdoor items that collect even small amounts of water as soon as possible, since mosquito eggs can mature in as little as 4 days.
2. Mosquitos prefer to linger in cooler areas of dense vegetation during the heat of the day before coming out at night to feed. Contact our experts to remove excess vegetation and tall grasses, and cut back brush to help decrease their presence on your property.
3. Studies have indicated that fire is an effective mosquito deterrent as they do not like smoke, so be sure to light the fire pit when gathering outside for a summer evening. Adding eucalyptus, fresh rosemary or sage to the fire increases its effectiveness for warding off these pests.
4. Because mosquitos are weak fliers, the steady breeze of an outdoor fan can create a very strong line of defense. A fan disperses the CO2 we exhale as we breathe, along with other scents, which mosquitos use as a guide to locate their human targets. One study found that for people sitting nearby, a fan reduced mosquito landings by more than 50%. This is one reason fans are so prevalent in tropical areas around the world.
5. Put nature to work in your yard with habitats that attract birds, bats, and other mosquito eaters to help reduce their populations. Plants such as catnip, lavender, and basil have been shown to give off an odor mosquitos and other pests find offensive, while citronella and lemongrass mask human scents, making us harder to locate and bite.
6. Additional steps on a personal level include wearing light colored clothing when outdoors in the evening, and long sleeved shirts and pants if possible. Applying scent-free lotions and reducing the use of perfumes and colognes will also help reduce the bothersome intrusion of mosquitos and other flying pests as we enjoy the warm nights of summer.

Contact Gerbert & Sons at (203) 324-3817 to help you address mosquitos on your property.