When you think of deadly creatures on our planet, and more specifically in California, you might think of sharks in the Pacific, bears, rattlesnakes, or coyotes. But did you know that mosquitoes actually cause more deaths around the world than any of these? These parasitic insects carry a wealth of diseases that can be passed on to humans with no warning. Stockton is no exception, with thousands of homeowners suffering from mosquito infestations on their property every year.

Spring through mid-fall is the prime season for mosquitoes in Stockton, and preventing them is not just a matter of squashing them when they land on your arm or catching them between your hands mid-air. What’s making your yard unbearable runs deeper than a few mosquitoes here and there. Breeding grounds exist around your property, unknowingly furthering the vicious cycle of mosquitoes until it’s stopped. Now more than ever, homeowners should be doing what they can to stay healthy and avoid the potentially lethal illnesses that mosquitoes can spread.

What attracts mosquitoes to my yard?

Mosquitoes are most commonly active in the time around dawn and dusk, although some species primarily fly around during the day. Common mosquitoes such as the yellow fever mosquito and the illustrious Asian tiger mosquito are nearly exclusively daytime biters.

Female mosquitoes have to feed on blood to nourish their eggs. Keeping any standing water around is an excellent way to have a large number of mosquitoes in your yard. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in still water, such as kiddie pools, puddles, clogged gutters, or anywhere rain has collected. In the breeding phase, mosquitoes will need aquatic bodies for the eggs. So, if you have a water body close to your property, it is probably one of the prospective places where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.

Even if you don’t have standing water in your yard, mosquitoes can detect CO2 from human breath from hundreds of feet away. If your neighbor has mosquitoes living and breeding on their property, there’s a good chance that you’ll encounter them as well.

How can I keep mosquitoes away from my lawn?

To prevent mosquitoes from breeding on your property, you need to get rid of anything that will attract them.

Eliminate any standing water or puddles. This could be rain water collected in flower pots, old tires, debris, birdbaths, dog bowls, or buckets left outside.
Put screens over downspouts to prevent mosquitoes laying eggs in them.
Remove piles of dead brush and lawn debris.
Use spray-on repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET.
Install fans over decks and gazebos when possible. Mosquitoes are weak flyers.
Wear long sleeves and pants when possible.

Does DEET work?

DEET is the active ingredient that’s in most store-bought personal use repellents. When used correctly, DEET can help make your time spent outdoors much more bearable. However, DEET-based products are the most effective for skin spray, not bracelets or other wearables. It’s important to note that DEET does not kill mosquitoes. It’s a repellent that masks your scent so you can move around your yard undetected by mosquitoes. Bracelets and other wearables do not provide coverage beyond your wrist, exposing the rest of your body to bites.

Always consult with your doctor before choosing any mosquito repellent.

Do bug zappers keep mosquitoes away?

These insect repellents are still not as effective as mosquito control for your entire lawn. Yes, mosquitoes that are attracted to zappers will die on contact. However, bug zappers are another method that does not truly take care of the problem. They might kill a handful of mosquitoes, maybe even dozens. When you have hundreds swarming around your yard, they won’t do the trick. Without getting to the breeding source, you’ll just be killing mosquitoes as you see them rather that knocking down the population from the start. Other products such as those that contain citronella are a great option for temporary relief. Lighting candles and using other citronella repellents are just that: repellents. They do not kill mosquitoes, but rather deter them from the area temporarily.

How can AAI Pest Control prevent mosquitoes from living on my property?

If you want the most effective mosquito prevention, you need professional mosquito control services. At AAI Pest Control, we have consistent mosquito protection for homeowners and businesses in Stockton with guaranteed results. Treating your property for mosquitoes eliminates their breeding cycle. You don’t have to deal with mosquitoes while trying to enjoy your yard. Call us or fill out the contact form on this page to get started!