Help Fight the Bite!

Summer in North Texas means outdoor fun, but it also brings mosquitoes and the diseases they can carry, including West Nile virus and Zika virus. The good news? Most mosquito problems can be prevented with consistent effort and the right strategies. Here are five proven tips to help you fight the bite!

Understanding the Enemy

Key Facts About Mosquitoes:

• Only female mosquitoes bite (they need blood protein for egg development)
• Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a bottle cap of standing water
• A single female can lay up to 300 eggs every few days
• Development from egg to adult takes just 7-10 days in warm weather
• Most mosquitoes are active from dusk to dawn

Tip #1: Check Flower Pots and Bird Baths

The Problem: These common outdoor items often hold just enough water for mosquito breeding.

The Solution:

• Flower pot saucers: Empty weekly or remove entirely during peak mosquito season
• Bird baths: Change water every 3-4 days, or add a fountain feature to keep water moving
• Decorative containers: Drill drainage holes or store upside down when not in use
• Plant containers: Use sand instead of water in decorative arrangements

Pro Tip: Mosquitoes prefer stagnant water, so anything that keeps water moving will help prevent breeding.

Tip #2: Secure Trash Can Lids and Check Grills

The Problem: Loose lids collect rainwater, and grill covers can create perfect mosquito nurseries.

The Solution:

• Trash cans: Ensure lids fit tightly and tip cans to empty any accumulated water
• Recycling bins: Drill small drainage holes in the bottom
• Grill covers: Remove covers after rain and allow grills to dry completely
• Outdoor furniture covers: Store properly or ensure water can drain off

Hidden Sources: Don't forget to check tarps, outdoor cushions, and anything else that might collect water.

Tip #3: Keep Gutters Clean and Debris-Free

The Problem: Clogged gutters create long-lasting breeding sites that can produce thousands of mosquitoes.

The Solution:

• Regular cleaning: Clear debris monthly during mosquito season
• Proper drainage: Ensure water flows freely through downspouts
• Gutter guards: Consider installing guards to reduce maintenance
• Standing water: Check for areas where water pools and doesn't drain

Bonus Benefit: Clean gutters also prevent water damage to your home and reduce other pest problems.

Tip #4: Treat Pools and Ponds, Change Kiddie Pool Water

The Problem: Any permanent water feature can become a mosquito breeding ground without proper maintenance.

The Solution:

For Swimming Pools:

• Maintain proper chlorine levels (1-3 ppm)
• Run filtration systems daily
• Cover pools when not in use for extended periods
• Check and clean skimmers regularly

For Decorative Ponds:

• Add mosquito dunks (bacterial larvicide) monthly
• Introduce mosquito-eating fish like gambusia
• Install fountain or waterfall features for water movement
• Remove excess vegetation that provides mosquito habitat

For Kiddie Pools:

• Empty completely after each use
• Store upside down when not in use
• Change water weekly if pool stays up
• Scrub sides to remove mosquito eggs before refilling

Tip #5: Check Toys and Buckets for Standing Water

The Problem: Children's outdoor toys and household items create countless small breeding sites.

The Solution:

Weekly Inspection Checklist:

• Outdoor toys: Wagons, buckets, toy cars with water collection areas
• Sports equipment: Check inside volleyballs, footballs, and other equipment
• Garden supplies: Watering cans, plant trays, wheelbarrows
• Pet supplies: Water bowls, toys, outdoor pet houses
• Miscellaneous: Tarps, outdoor decorations, anything that holds water

Storage Solutions:

• Store toys in covered areas when not in use
• Drill drainage holes in toys that frequently collect water
• Use tight-fitting covers on outdoor equipment
• Turn containers upside down during rainy periods

Additional Mosquito Prevention Strategies

Landscape Management:

• Trim vegetation to reduce mosquito resting areas
• Remove brush piles and excess vegetation
• Plant mosquito-repelling plants like citronella, lavender, and marigolds
• Maintain lawn to eliminate standing water in low areas

Personal Protection:

• Use EPA-approved repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Wear long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito hours
• Choose light-colored clothing (mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors)
• Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when possible

Home Modifications:

• Install or repair screens on windows and doors
• Use outdoor fans on patios and decks (mosquitoes are weak fliers)
• Consider professional misting systems for severe problems
• Eliminate outdoor lighting that attracts insects mosquitoes feed on

The Health Connection: West Nile and Zika

West Nile Virus:

• Transmitted by infected Culex mosquitoes
• Most people show no symptoms
• Severe cases can cause neurological complications
• No specific treatment or vaccine available

Zika Virus:

• Can cause birth defects if contracted during pregnancy
• Symptoms are usually mild in non-pregnant adults
• Can be sexually transmitted
• Prevention is the best protection

The Bottom Line: Effective mosquito control protects more than just your comfort—it protects your family's health.

When to Call Professionals

Contact Kolibri Pest Services if you experience:

• Persistent mosquito problems despite following prevention tips
• Large numbers of mosquitoes during daytime hours
• Mosquito breeding sites you cannot eliminate yourself
• Special events requiring immediate mosquito reduction
• Health concerns about disease transmission in your area

Our Professional Mosquito Control Services

Comprehensive Property Assessment:

• Identification of all potential breeding sites
• Evaluation of landscape factors affecting mosquito pressure
• Customized treatment recommendations

Targeted Treatment Programs:

• Larvicide applications to eliminate breeding sites
• Adult mosquito treatments for immediate relief
• Ongoing monitoring and maintenance
• Seasonal adjustments based on mosquito activity patterns

Integrated Approach:

We combine professional treatments with education and prevention to provide long-term mosquito control that protects your family while being mindful of the environment.

Your Action Plan

1. Start this weekend with a thorough property inspection
2. Implement all five tips systematically
3. Make mosquito prevention part of your weekly routine
4. Monitor results and adjust as needed
5. Call professionals if problems persist

Remember: consistency is key in mosquito control. A few minutes of prevention each week can save you hours of swatting and worrying about mosquito-borne diseases.

Ready to reclaim your yard from mosquitoes? Contact Kolibri Pest Services today at (972) 217-7151 for professional mosquito control solutions and join the Kolibri family!