Summer is here and bloodthirsty mosquitoes are setting their sights on backyards across America. Stop wasting time and money on bug zappers, bat houses, and tiki torches. Experts at Universal Pest Solutions, an insect control technology company, offers these proven tips to make the most out of time spent outdoors this summer.
An Ounce (literally) of Prevention
“Mosquitoes can breed in as little as two tablespoons of water and require shady areas for resting,” says Jim Mills, president, Universal Pest Solutions. “Getting rid of and controlling the areas where mosquitoes rest and breed is the best first line of defense for reducing the populations in your yard.”
Here’s how:
- Regularly empty water from birdbaths, toys, buckets, and ceramic pots
- Clean out other potential breeding areas such as rain gutters and catch basins
- Cut and clear away tall grass and weeds
- Add larvicides such as mosquito dunks (or BTIs) to standing bodies of water
Fight the Bite – At Home and On-the-go
Americans spend approximately $36 billion on lawn and garden products each year (National Garden Association). But, what good is a beautiful backyard if you can’t enjoy it without being eaten alive! Take control of adult mosquitoes.
Here’s how:
- Wear white whenever possible. Studies indicate black is the most attractive color to mosquitoes, followed by red.
- Use a proven insect control technology such as the ALLCLEAR Cordless Mosquito Mister. With a 100% all-natural solution made from the lemon-grass plant, this portable misting technology kills and repels mosquitoes and other nuisance insects in areas of up to 4,000 square feet for hours and hours of insect protection. Visit www.allclearmister.com.
- Keep windows and doors tightly closed, and repair holes in screens to keep the insects outside.
- Plant marigolds in the yard. They can work as a natural bug repellent since bugs and flying insects do not like fragrance the flowers give off.
- When in an unprotected area such as on a hike, in the woods, or at a ball game, the CDC recommends repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
ALLCLEAR products are available hardware stores nationwide and online at www.frontgate.com, homedepot.com and other retailers. For more information visit www.allclearmister.com. Universal Pest Solutions, LP, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, identifies and develops products that effectively control and eliminate mosquitoes and other nuisance insects.
