As spring starts knocking at our door, so do some seriously pesky insects: mosquitoes and ticks! Through the cold and snowy winter, the thought of these annoying insects has probably all but left your mind, but it’s time to start thinking about them again!
Preparing your yard to fend off these buggers is the best way to ensure you can enjoy backyard BBQs and patio get togethers without these uninvited guests ruining the day.
Sure, they’re annoying. But are they really that big of a deal? In short, yes, they are. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, and because baby ticks can be the size of a poppy seed, it’s possible that a bite won’t be noticed until it’s too late.
Mosquitoes can carry viral infections like malaria, Zika and West Nile, so reducing their presence is always a good idea.
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The danger and discomfort of mosquitoes and ticks
Beyond the dangers that these insects can present, they can put a serious kink in your summer plans! Sitting in the backyard with mosquitoes and ticks coming in for bites of you and your guests is a sure way to force your party indoors.
Insect bites are an unpleasant party favour for any guest, so taking measures to reduce the presence of these pests is a wise choice before outdoor-party season gets underway.
Take measures to protect your yard- and yourself!
Eliminate standing water – Mosquitoes lay eggs in still water so make sure there is none in your yard. Empty pet dishes, empty flower pots, wheelbarrows and anything else that might hold even a bit of water regularly and store them upside down if possible.
Stock your garden with plants that repel insects – Plants like citronella, thyme, mint, marigolds, geraniums, garlic and more are thought to naturally repel insects like ticks and mosquitos, and as an added bonus they also look & smell nice!
Keep your lawn cut and clean – Ticks and mosquitoes both like to breed and hang out in tall grasses and unkempt brush. Eliminating these areas can help prevent them from becoming a nuisance in your yard. Removing an old furniture and trash can also take away tick hiding spots.
Keep areas where you spend time away from treed and bush-filled areas – Since this is where ticks and mosquitoes generally hang out, staying away from these spots can reduce the chances of getting bit by them. Installing a rim of wood chips or gravel can also stop ticks from crossing into your yard since they don’t like the material.
Spray your yard with a non-toxic solution – Non-toxic sprays like those that contain garlic extract can be effective at warding off ticks and mosquitoes. Some sprays can also kill off small insects, while still being safe for pets. Contact a professional to ensure you use a non-toxic treatment.
Prevent mosquitoes & ticks from taking over your backyard or patio
As with most pests, making your yard unappealing to ticks and mosquitoes in the first place is the easiest way to ensure a summer filled with bite-less BBQ time. Ticks and mosquitoes are more than just annoying pests, so staying ahead of an infestation is the best way to deal with them.
