The value of a retreat-like backyard was never more apparent than in 2020. Over the last year-plus, much of the world has been forced to stay home as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic. It’s no surprise people have looked for a respite from the harsh realities of living during a deadly pandemic and many turned their attention to their own backyards to provide such an escape.
This year, as restrictions slowly lift, the Centers for Disease Control continues to stress that gatherings and activities held outdoors are safer than indoor gatherings. As a result, many of us may once again enjoy the comforts of outdoor living and entertaining.
A revamped outdoor space can provide the perfect retreat for homeowners who want to get away from it all. But one winged, unwelcome guest can quickly transform an oasis into an uninviting space.
“Many forms of mulch and new landscaping are often ideal places for pests to live and breed,” said Jason Julio of Last Bite Mosquito Control in Red Bank. “You may experience increased mosquito and tick activity when you are doing work in your yard.”
Mosquitoes make their presence felt in many areas each summer. These pesky, often hungry insects can carry disease, and their bites can be painful and itchy. Homeowners can try these three techniques to keep mosquitoes out of their backyards.
Remove standing water. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, who don’t even need a lot of water to successfully breed. A daily walk around the property may uncover kids’ toys, empty flowerpots or other small receptacles that can collect water. Even clogged gutters can lead to the accumulation of a small amount of water, and that can be enough for mosquitoes to breed. Standing water can come from leaking pipes, dripping window air conditioners or loosely connected garden hoses.
Remove these potential breeding grounds when you find them, and do so each day, as mosquitoes mature from eggs to nymphs in roughly four days. And remember to replace fresh water for pet bowls, bird baths and plant saucers.
Mow regularly. Mowing the lawn so the grass never gets too high is another way to make a backyard less hospitable to mosquitoes. The pest experts at Terminix note that mosquitoes seek tall grass to protect them from the elements, including wind and hot summer sun. Mowing enough so grass never gets too high in summer can make backyards less inviting to mosquitoes.
Plant with mosquitoes in mind. The home remodeling experts at HGTV note that plants can be part of homeowners’ strategy to repel mosquitoes. Various plants have mosquito-repellant qualities. For example, bee balm releases a fragrance as it grows that mosquitoes don’t like. Homeowners can speak with a local lawn and garden professional for recommendations about plants that can thrive in the region and repel mosquitoes at the same time.
“Mosquito and tick control is especially important because of the health risks associated with these insects, including Zika, the West Nile virus and Lyme disease,” said Julio, who runs Last Bite Mosquito Control with this partner and twin brother, Jeremy.
“During this past year, filled with stress and chaos, New Jersey residents continue to gather and relax in our outdoor spaces. While cases (of COVID-19) continue to decline and our vaccination program is underway, our backyards continue to offer a welcome escape,” he said, but you don’t trade one disease for another. For more information visit lastbitemosquito.com.
This article was originally published in the March 18-24, 2021 edition of The Two River Times.
