Mosquito Tips and Tricks

It is that time of the year again in East TN, Our state bird - the mosquito* has started raising their nasty heads again. Once the weather is above 50° Nature does what it does and wakes up for the springtime, Mosquitoes become active - sucking your blood, and beginning their harassment on you, your family, and your pests. Under 50° they will attempt to maintain their hibernation resting under bark, in piles of leaf litter and even in attics/crawlspaces. Buzzwell has some tips to help slow their spread into your yard, at least until you can have us come to the rescue.

Mosquitoes are weak fliers, they prefer to take a hoping path resting every 20 to 30 feet on the underside of leaves, in dense vegetation and shady areas protecting them from wind and the heat. Keep grass short, bushes trimmed, and establish clear zones >40 foot outside by where you like to sit or hang out. Part of the week flier aspect is keep trees trimmed as well any branches under 12 to 15 foot of mature trees should be pruned and maintained to restrict harborage.

Mosquitoes love marshy areas due to standing water. A thimble full of standing water is enough for them to establish a breeding population. In marshy areas the eggs are laid, hatch, and rapidly move through the life stages into adulthood, all within 48 hours. If the marshy area dries, the eggs can remain viable up to 8 months for some species. Pay special attention to bird baths, and flush the water regularly unless it is being agitated. Mosquitoes are also not super strong swimmers so recirculating or moving water in ponds / water features decreases the likelihood of a population being established. Keep an eye for other items that can retain water such as tote lids, watering cans, tires, and even dirty gutters.

Mosquitoes prefer to be most active outside of the heat of the day. They are most active at dawn, dusk, overcast days, and areas near high shade. DEET, and Permethrin are both great options for repelling mosquitoes, Tiki Torches and Citronella candles are less effective but will also repel them, wind permitting (the latter are much less effective in high wind environments). Mosquito/Bug zappers work but if too close to people they will draw more then they kill before they bite. I recommend hanging them close to 40 foot away from outside hangouts.

Reducing Mosquito harborages by paying attention to the above noted issues assist in reducing their presence. No matter the company or the promise all mosquito service are a reduction service and in no way are a guarantee against mosquito borne illnesses. With an increase of mosquito borne illnesses in the past several years every little bit helps. Call us at Easy Buzz It for your mosquito reduction and treatment needs!

*The state bird is in fact not a insect, but it is the Mocking Bird.