Wildlife, Rodent, & Pest Control Services

Mosquitoes might just be the most despised pest species on the entire planet, and their infamous reputation is well-deserved. Mosquitoes are vectors for a variety of dangerous diseases including malaria, West Nile virus and Zika virus. Even when they’re not carrying these diseases, mosquito bites can cause unbearable itchiness. On a summer evening, it’s difficult to step out onto your porch without being covered with itchy bites in a matter of minutes!

Like most parts of the US, the Knoxville area is plagued by mosquitoes. Fortunately, there are some things that homeowners can do to make mosquitoes buzz off. Read on to learn some of the most effective DIY mosquito control techniques.

DIY Mosquito Control Tactics

• Treat Standing Water – If mosquitoes are swarming around your yard, there’s likely a nearby pool of water where they’re spawning. Any source of standing water, from a mud puddle to a swimming pool, can foster mosquito larvae. To combat mosquito breeding, you should treat any standing water on your property, including ponds, fountains, hot tubs and swimming pools, with larvicide briquettes that will exterminate larvae before they can develop into biting adults.
• Keep Fans On – Mosquitoes are slow-flying insects, and even a gentle breeze is enough to push them around. When mosquito season is at its worst, you should keep your fans running, whether you’ve got ceiling fans or portable fans, both inside and out. The cooling rush of wind not only provides much-needed relief from a hot Knoxville summer, it also makes it much more difficult for mosquitoes to land on your skin and take a bite.
• Use Bug Spray – While nothing is fully effective at keeping mosquitoes away, the right insect repellent can greatly reduce your risk of being a mosquito buffet. Many store-bought bug sprays can be used any time you plan to spend a lot of time outside in Knoxville, warding off mosquitoes as you cook on the grill, mow the grass or relax on your porch. Note that if you’re spending many hours outside, you may need to reapply bug spray at some point.
• Use Natural Deterrents – If you’re not keen on spraying yourself or your yard with chemicals, you’re in luck; several natural oils are effective at repelling mosquitoes. Among the scents which are most repulsive to mosquitoes are citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, catmint and thyme. Try spraying or rubbing any of these oils on your skin or burning a candle with these scents to keep mosquitoes away from your home in Knoxville.
• Install Mesh Screens – While mosquitoes tend to be the most annoying when you step outside your home in Knoxville, every time you open a door or window, there’s a chance they’ll come buzzing in. Unfortunately, on hot summer evenings, opening a few doors or windows to create a pleasant draft is one of the best ways to cool down your house. The solution: install mesh screens in any windows or doors that are commonly opened to prevent mosquito entry.
• Remove Hiding Spots – Mosquitoes are crepuscular pests, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk. During hot summer days, mosquitoes tend to hide in tall grass or in bushes. So don’t leave them anywhere to hide on your property in Knoxville; keep your grass nicely mowed and trim back overgrown bushes. Also, if there are uneven spots in your yard where rainwater tends to pool, try filling them in with soil and grass seed to prevent mosquito spawning.

The Most Effective Mosquito Control in Greater Knoxville

All of these DIY methods can help to deter mosquitoes from swarming in your yard but none are fully effective. If you want to get rid of mosquitoes for good, you’ll need to employ a professional pest control company to treat your property. Contact Critter Wranglers today for the best mosquito control services in the Knoxville area!