Four Steps to Mosquito Control this Summer

​Mosquitoes are among the most annoying insects to have around and we have to deal with them every summer. In this blog, I'll be talking about the four steps you need to take to deal with mosquitoes this summer.

Tips to protect your family from mosquitoes.

​Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but a health hazard. They can transmit Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus and Japanese Encephalitis virus among others. There are also a number of other mosquito-borne diseases that are serious and may be fatal like Murray Valley encephalitis, Kunjin virus and dengue fever. The best way to protect your family from mosquitoes is to avoid being bitten. Here are some tips for you to do just that:
- use mosquito repellents containing either DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (PMD), that have been approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
- cover your skin with light, loose, and long clothing to prevent mosquitoes from being able to bite
- use mosquito-proof mesh on doors and windows so mosquitoes can’t come inside
- mosquito coils or incense sticks and electric zappers can help protect from mosquitoes when outside.

​ There are a few things you can do to avoid mosquitoes and other pests this summer.  One of the best ways to prevent mosquitoes is to keep the area around your home free of standing water. This includes things like buckets, flower pots, and discarded tires. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water and the larvae can survive in these areas. Eliminate these areas and you'll be on your way to mosquito-free backyard!

Other things you can do to prevent mosquitoes setting up home in your yard are: 

• Cover rainwater tanks, septic tank openings, wells or other large water containers with mosquito-proof mesh
• maintain roof gutters and remove leaves and debris so that pools of water do not form

• keep edges of dams clear of vegetation
• empty and refill bird baths, stock troughs and pets’ drinking water containers at least once a week
• maintain and disinfect swimming pools
• empty wading pools at the end of each day
• ornamental ponds, unused swimming pools or other water bodies should be either emptied or stocked with small Australian native fish to eat any mosquito larvae ('wrigglers').

Tips to repel mosquitoes.

​Plant mosquito-repelling plants such as garlic, lemongrass, lemon thyme, lavender, petunias, tansy, venus flytraps (or pitcher plants), and citronella. Avoid plants that are known to attract mosquitoes such as bamboo, taro, papyrus, water lilies, water hyacinths, and water lettuce.

Tips to get rid of mosquitoes.

Believe it or not, you can actually get rid of mosquitoes in your home and garden. 
MD Pest Control offers a specialised Mosquito treatment package that includes a General Pest Spray, inside & outside your home, a specialised mosquito-targeted product that is commonly used to destroy mosquito nests, topical foliage spray (won't harm your plants/kids/pets), and a larvae tablet treatment of ponds, tanks, or dams. MD Pest Control can also supply specialised mosquito attracting trap that uses CO2 to lure the mosquitoes and traps them away from your friends and family.
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With summer right around the corner, MD Pest Control wants to remind you of the Four Steps to Mosquito Control. Spring and summer are prime seasons for mosquitoes to be active. The MD Pest Control team knows that mosquito bites aren’t just annoying – they can be dangerous to your health! That’s why they are here to help you get rid of mosquitoes in a safe and effective way. Please call us to help keep your family and friends safe from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases this year with our specialised mosquito treatment package.