It’s August, and summer is in full swing. Many of us are spending time outdoors, hitting the trails and lakes. If you are a homeowner, you have probably fired up the grill and invited a few close family and friends over for a good old-fashioned barbecue. In our eagerness to enjoy the outdoors, however, we probably forgot about what drives us back indoors with the swat of a hand, mosquitoes. Kentucky is riddled with these pesky buggers, and some even carry harmful diseases. Stay safe this summer and keep yourself protected from mosquitoes with these helpful tips.
Attract Natural Predators
Looking for the right long-term solution for your mosquito problem? Why not go all-natural and invite mosquito’s natural enemies into your yard. Mosquitoes are a source of food for many predatory animals such as bats, birds, and even fish. These natural predators can help drive down the mosquito population in your yard. Try putting up a few bat houses, purple martin houses, and if you have a pond, consider adding in fish to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.
Dump Out Mosquito Breeding Areas
One of the key facts to know about mosquitoes is that females require standing water to lay their eggs. Anything that can hold just a teaspoon of water can become a breeding area for mosquitoes. It takes less than two weeks for an egg to turn into an adult, so it will pay off to walk around your yard and dump any water collections you see.
This includes: 
- Tires
- Toys
- Flowerpots
- Gutters
- Puddles
- Patio furniture
- Tarps
This practice is one of the most effective ways of keeping the mosquito population down.
Use Larvicide When Needed
It might not be possible for you to eliminate all water. What about birdbaths and animal waterers? Your animals shouldn’t have to suffer because of the mosquitoes. For cases like this, mosquito larvicide tablets come in handy. These tablets are safe for animals but can prevent mosquito eggs from hatching for several months.
Dress for Mosquitoes
When choosing your outdoor attire, keep in mind that dark clothes tend to retain more heat than light garments. This can cause you to sweat more, which can be sensed by hungry mosquitoes. When spending time outdoors, choose light-colored, clothes with long sleeves and long pants.
Keep Away From Strong Scents
When venturing outdoors in Kentucky, try to avoid strong scents. We all like to smell good when we are out with our friends and family but doing so could blow up in your face as soon as the sun goes down. Mosquitoes have an acute sense of smell and are attracted to the same scents we like that can be found in our deodorant, shampoo, lotions, and perfume. It’s better to have unscented beauty products on hand when you know that you will be spending time outdoors.
Call the Mosquito Control Experts at Turf Pro Outdoor Solutions
If you are ready to take back control of your yard, call the pros at Turf Pro Outdoor Solutions. With our comprehensive mosquito control program, we can make sure your yard remains mosquito-free all year long.
Whether you are a resident or business in the Louisville area, you can give us a ring at 502-991-7600, or reach out to us on our contact page. Look us up on Facebook for the latest news and updates and check out our monthly blog for more lawn care tips and tricks.
