As a homeowner, you probably already understand the importance of maintenance. From washing your windows and mowing the lawn to shampooing the carpet and fixing a leaky faucet, these tasks are essential for your home's appeal, value, and function. While surprising for many homeowners to learn, controlling pests in and around your house is also important. Termites and cockroaches are obvious threats, but mosquitoes can also wreak havoc on your home, yard, and health. Considering they are effective transmitters of dangerous health conditions such as the Zika virus, protecting your yard and home from mosquitoes is imperative. With this guide, you can prevent mosquitoes in a natural manner.

Moisture Control 

Moisture is appealing to all types of pests and this applies to mosquitoes, as well. Stagnant water is a common area for mosquitoes to lay their eggs, so you must rid your home and yard of any standing water.

To get started, walk around your yard and check for unused containers that can hold water or small amounts of moisture.

Remove any containers, pots, planters, toys, and debris from your yard, porch, deck, and patio. Be sure to rinse out the empty pots, planters, toys, and other containers using liquid dish soap and hot water. Dry off with a towel and store in a garage or shed. Mowing your grass regularly and trimming overgrown shrubbery, trees, and flowers is also necessary to reduce the moisture content around your home.

Also, check your crawlspace to ensure it is properly protected from moisture. A vapor barrier is an inexpensive sheet of plastic that protects your foundation and home from moisture that is appealing to pests. If you already have a vapor barrier, consider sealing your crawlspace for the ultimate in pest protection. A sealed crawlspace is beneficial for your home's moisture and pest problem, but it can also reduce your risk of future structural damage.

Natural Sprays

Many homeowners choose to spray insecticides to rid their yard of harmful pests. Unfortunately, these chemical solutions can be dangerous to your landscaping, your children, your pets, and the environment. Thankfully, you can create an effective bug spray that will deter mosquitoes in a safe, natural manner.

In a spray bottle, add the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of distilled water
• 1 cup of witch hazel
• ½ tablespoon of vegetable glycerin
• 10 to 15 drops of tea tree oil

Shake the bottle to mix and spray around areas of your yard that are frequented by you and your family. The combination of witch hazel, vegetable glycerin, and tea tree oil will not only kill any existing eggs, but the unappealing odor and taste of this spray will deter mosquitoes from your space.

Plants

Installing a few mosquito-repelling plants around your yard will not only improve your landscaping, but it will also keep your space free of these harmful, annoying insects.

For color, texture, and enormous protection against mosquitos, plant marigolds in different areas of your yard. Install in flowerbeds or in pots on your deck or patio.

You may have purchased special candles for your outdoor living space, but the citronella ingredient is derived from an actual plant. Citronella is a grassy plant that is perfectly suited to flowerbeds or borders around your landscaping. It makes a great option for bordering your deck or patio, since it is attractive, easy to maintain, and an effective option for repelling mosquitoes when the leaves are crushed. Simply pluck a few leaves, crush them in your fingers, and rub them directly onto your skin.

Mosquitoes are definitely annoying, dangerous insects, but preventing these pests is possible. To reduce the risk of nuisance, irritating bites, and possible illness, consider using one or all of these natural solutions to repel mosquitoes in a safe, non-toxic manner. You can click here for info about getting rid of mosquitoes.