Preparing Your Yard for Mosquito Season in Atlanta

Mosquito season in Atlanta typically begins in early spring and peaks during the summer months. Proactive yard preparation can minimize mosquito breeding and ultimately prevent the bites that ruin a good backyard barbecue!

1. Conduct a Yard Inspection

Identify and eliminate potential breeding sites:

• Empty containers that collect water.

• Repair leaky outdoor faucets.

• Ensure gutters are clean and draining properly.

The University of Georgia advises regular inspections to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

2. Modify Landscaping

Trim overgrown vegetation and remove debris to reduce mosquito resting areas. Consider landscaping with plants that have mosquito-repelling properties. Purdue University suggests that proper landscaping can significantly reduce mosquito habitats.

Direct and delayed hatching eggs can develop from an area like this. Eliminating breeding sites like this, where populations of mosquitoes originate, is the best long-term control practice for mosquito control.

3. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Implement a routine to check for standing water and overgrown areas, especially after rain. Consistency is key in preventing mosquito proliferation. Make it a regular habit to do the following to keep your yard from being an ideal breeding ground for mosquito larvae:

• Check tarps on boats or other equipment/items that may collect water in pockets or indentations.
• Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.
• Pick up broken, unused or discarded toys that hold water.
• Pick up all beverage containers and cups.
• Replace water in birdbaths once a week.
• Replace water in pet and other animal feeding dishes or troughs at least once a week.
• Fill tree holes (hardwood trees) that hold water with spray, insulating foam sealant.
• Position garbage cans and lids so they don’t hold water.
• Change water in planters, including hanging plants, at least once a week.
• Maintain gutters so water drains properly.
• Monitor all types of drainage pipes/systems for standing water.
• Fix dripping outdoor faucets that create pools of water.

4. Get Family and Neighbors Involved

Ensure all family members are aware of mosquito prevention practices, such as keeping doors and windows closed or screened. Because some mosquitoes can fly long distances, many communities in Georgia have organized mosquito control programs to provide area-wide control. If you and your neighbors remove, cover or empty containers that contain standing water, you can collectively reduce your problem, so team up this summer!

5. Consider Professional Services

Engaging with local pest control experts can provide targeted treatments and advice specific to Atlanta’s mosquito challenges. Nearly all university cooperative extensions support the use of professional services for comprehensive mosquito management. In general, chemical control can be directed at larval mosquitoes or at adult mosquitoes. Larviciding is the most efficient and effective, and is the crux of any mosquito treatment program. Learn more about mosquito treatment in your area!

Preventing Mosquitoes All Season

Early and consistent yard preparation is essential in mitigating mosquito issues during Atlanta’s mosquito season. Combining personal efforts with professional services offers the best protection.