Mosquitoes are among the most annoying of garden pests. They deliver vicious bites without the slightest provocation, and destroy the peace and quiet of your backyard with their annoying buzz. Mosquitoes are also dangerous pests. They transmit numerous infectious diseases like West Nile Virus, Malaria, Yellow Fever, and Elephantiasis. Moreover, mosquito bites can cause allergic reactions ranging from red, itchy, localized swelling, to anaphylactic shock which can be life-threatening.

Clearly mosquitoes are uninvited guests and any self-respecting homeowner will want to rid their yard of these troublesome insects. Here are 5 helpful tips to combat mosquitoes in your yard.

1)      Citronella oil

Burning citronella oil is a proven method for keeping mosquitoes at bay. Popular citronella products include outdoor citronella candles and citronella garden torches which can be mounted around the perimeter of the yard. These can be purchased online or from your local home improvement center.

2)      Pesticides

Permethrin , Scourge, Malathion, and Anvil are common synthetic pesticides used for mosquito control. Natural pesticides such as Pyrethrin and Bacillus thuringensis (BTI) also do a good job of destroying mosquitoes. Bacillus thuringensis (BTI), commonly known as “mosquito dunks”, is a natural soil bacterium that can be placed around your yard. Mosquitoes feed on the BTI which kills them within days. You can also consider installing an automated misting system which sprays your yard with pesticide at intervals throughout the day.

3)      Water control

Treat or drain all sources of standing water in your yard. Flower pots, plant saucers, dog bowls, and blow-up pools should be overturned if possible or regularly emptied of any stagnant water. Even objects like kids’ toys or old tires can collect water. Refill birth baths and water fountains frequently to keep the water fresh, and keep gutters clean so that water does not accumulate in them. Other moisture-retaining culprits are loose tarpaulin, uneven lawns, and organic debris such as leaves and sticks.

4)      Mosquito predators

Certain animals, like toads, guppies, and gold fish prey on mosquitoes. If you have a garden pond, having these animals in or near your pond can help control the mosquito population in your yard.