Keeping Mosquitoes At Bay During An Outdoor Event
If you plan on hosting an outdoor event in the near future, you undoubtedly want the conditions as favorable as possible for those who will be attending. When having an event outdoors, there is always the possibility of insects being present. Mosquitoes are one of the biggest culprits that cause unneeded distress to outdoor participants. Here are steps you can take to keep the mosquito population under control so your event successfully keeps these nuisances at a minimum.
Remove Water So Mosquitoes Do Not Breed
Mosquitoes are drawn to areas where moisture is present, especially places where there are standing pools of water. Removing water from your property will stop mosquitoes from reproducing in the area because this is where they lay eggs. Drain kiddie pools that are not being used and cover fountains or birdbaths when you are not using them. Check water often for the presence of mosquito larvae and dump it out from its containment system if they are noticed. Do not forget to check your gutters for standing water before the event date arrives.
Add A Few Items To Help Control The Population
Birds will eat mosquitoes and other insects. If you add attractions for birds to your property, they will stick around and naturally control the number of mosquitoes present. Add a few birdhouses and fill bird feeders daily to encourage birds to stay on your property. Bats also eat mosquitoes. Provide them with a bat box so they have a location for resting in between hunting excursions. On the day of your event, light citronella candles or torches to encourage mosquitoes still remaining on your property to stay away from areas where guests frequent.
Avoid Using Bright Illumination
If the event is to be held during the nighttime hours, refrain from using too much lighting as attracts all types of insects to these areas. If you do have lighting outdoors, position fixtures in places away from where guests are seated and use citronella light sources in party areas. This way mosquitoes and other insects will be drawn toward the lighting, away from your guests.
Hire A Pest Control Service To Tend To Your Landscape
Before your event date arrives, call on a pest control service to take care of your grounds. They will use pest control agents to minimize mosquitoes and other insects. Be sure to inquire about products used if you have concerns about people or pets utilizing the areas where they will be dispersed. Many pest control services have "green" products they can use to effectively control insect numbers without causing harm to foliage. Contact a mosquito control service for more information.