a mosquito on the rim of a pot outside

DIY Mosquito Repellent: Is It Worth It?

It’s lovely living in Florida this time of year when everything is warming up and coming into bloom. Many homeowners are choosing to spend more and more time outside, soaking in the sunshine and gathering with friends and loved ones. But when the temperature rises, we aren’t the only ones coming out of hibernation. And while a barbeque or pool party is fun in theory, it’s something that can be easily ruined by swarms of mosquitoes.  What can we do about these blood-hungry pests? You may have heard of homemade mosquito repellents that you can execute on your own - but do they all work as advertised? Can you really fix a mosquito infestation without an exterminator? Let’s talk about it below.

Does Home Mosquito Repellent Work? 

There is no shortage of DIY mosquito solutions posted online. They make a lot of big claims that, when put to the test, don’t come off nearly as well as advertised. Maybe you’ve seen the mosquito repellent bracelets that brand themselves as being able to keep away the bloodsucking pests, purely through the strength of the natural oils infused in the material. And it might be true. Some studies have shown that these bracelets can repel mosquitoes…for a whopping radius of three centimeters Bug zappers are also used by some to kill passing pests, including mosquitoes. But if you have an active infestation on your property with bugs breeding somewhere on your grounds, killing a few passing insects won’t do much to solve the problem. In fact, the light of the bug zapper could result in more pests being drawn straight to you and your household.  These are just two of many supposed “solutions” that fall short of success. With that in mind, is there anything you can do to help keep mosquitoes off your property? 

DIY Mosquito Control to Try 

If you have an active mosquito infestation, you need a professional mosquito exterminator. But there are steps you can take to limit the risk of these pests being drawn to your property.  For instance, you likely know that mosquitoes breed in bodies of still water. And since these bodies of water could be as small as a thimble, it’s impossible to completely eliminate all excess moisture from your yard. What you can do is clean your birdbaths, empty out pails and buckets, and make sure your yard is not overwatered. Doing this will limit the more accessible opportunities for mosquitoes to set up shop.  You can also incorporate box fans on your porch or patio, or anywhere else you plan on spending time outdoors. With a constant flow of air, mosquitoes won’t be tempted to land and feed. Of course, doing this won’t stop them from breeding in other parts of your property. To address an infestation at its root, you need the help of an expert.

Arrow Environmental Services  for “Mosquito Extermination Near Me”

Mosquitoes are quick to breed, and even just a few insects can balloon into a major problem. You don’t want to play host to a pest that spreads itchy bumps and potential diseases. While blogs and articles online make a lot of lofty promises, more often than not their “life hacks” result in wasted time and money with no results.  Invest your energy in tangible results by teaming up with Arrow Environmental Services. Our technicians are backed by years of experience in combating mosquito infestations. In terms of mosquito extermination in Florida, we’re the industry leaders with solutions you can count on. Ready to learn more and enjoy an itch-free summer? Contact us today to get started.