Tips for Effective Mosquito Control in St. Louis, MO 

Summer is here in St. Louis, which means mosquito season is here. Mosquitoes are a common issue for homeowners throughout the US, regardless of where you live. Not only are mosquitoes a nuisance by invading outdoor cookouts and causing itchy irritation, but they’re also a valid health concern for carrying dangerous diseases like the West Nile virus. Enjoying time outdoors can become difficult for many of us as we find ourselves constantly dealing with swatting and spraying away these bloodthirsty fliers. But there are a few tips to effectively control mosquitoes around your home, simply compiled by the City of St. Louis as the “4 D’s”: Drain, Dress, DEET, Dawn/Dusk. We’ll elaborate on these and add a few of our own helpful mosquito control hacks to survive the summer in Missouri.  

Remove Areas of Standing Water  

A major key in controlling mosquito populations around your St. Louis home is to remove areas where they can multiply. Stagnant or standing water is a dream environment for mosquito breeding grounds. Removing items around your home that collect water can help with this! This includes regularly cleaning birdbaths, emptying flowerpots, and keeping drains and gutters clear of debris.  

Wearing Protective Clothing Outdoors  

An easy option to help limit your exposure to mosquitoes is to wear clothing with efficient covering, such as long sleeve shirts and pants. While this isn’t an end-all solution to mosquito protection, it can help when spending time outdoors during peak mosquito times. It’s important to note that mosquitoes can still bite through clothing, so it’s recommended to also apply mosquito repellent for added prevention.  

Using Mosquito Repellent Products 

The most common suggestion for mosquito control is using repellents. For the most effective control, apply EPA-approved mosquito repellents containing active ingredients like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Citronella products, an essential oil derived from a grass variety, can also be used in outdoor spaces but only provide moderate effectiveness to that immediate area.  

Scheduling Your Outdoor Activities 

Knowing how to avoid mosquitoes starts with knowing when they’re active. The peak time for mosquito activity is during dawn and dusk so it can be helpful to limit your outdoor activities during these times of the day. With that tidbit, it could be beneficial to make sure you wrap up your outdoor cookout or evening walk before the sun starts to set.  

Lawn Maintenance for Mosquito Control 

Keeping your lawn properly maintained and cut to the recommended height can help with mosquito control. Mosquitoes are weak fliers and will commonly take shelter in areas of taller grass or dense foliage. A healthy mowing schedule is an easy way to ensure your lawn doesn’t become a mosquito’s safe haven. Plus, it’s great for your lawn’s health! 

Additional Not-So-Fun Facts About Mosquitoes  

There are a few things to know about mosquitoes that can explain why they’re so difficult to control. In fact, complete eradication around your Missouri home just isn’t possible. Mosquitoes can travel up to 3 miles, meaning they can likely find their way to your home eventually. Additionally, there are more than 3,000 mosquito species throughout the world. However, only female mosquitoes bite causing the infamous irritating itch we all know. Female mosquitoes use the protein from blood to produce eggs and can lay around 100 eggs at a time. Clearly, mosquito populations are persistent and that’s why hiring a professional for mosquito control treatment can be crucial.  

Professional Mosquito Control in St. Louis 

For homeowners in need of help with mosquito control in St. Louis, they can turn to Loyalty Lawn Care. Loyalty Lawn Care was established in 1998 and is based in St. Charles, MO. In our years of experience, we’ve provided residents with high-quality lawn care services including weed control and fertilization, mosquito control, lawn aeration and seeding, and more. As a locally operated lawn care company, we understand what Missouri lawns need to thrive, and how frustrating mosquitoes can be in this climate. As the summer heat rises, rest assured that Loyalty Lawn Care is here to help! Contact us today for a free quote.