There’s nothing better than a summer backyard party in Delta, BC—good food, cold drinks, family and friends, and a beautiful evening outdoors. Unfortunately, there’s one uninvited guest that can quickly put a damper on the celebration: mosquitoes.
A few mosquitoes can be annoying. A large mosquito population can have everyone reaching for bug spray, swatting at their arms, and heading indoors before the party is over.
The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to reduce mosquito activity around your property and make your outdoor gatherings much more enjoyable.
Why Are Mosquitoes So Bad in the Summer?
Mosquitoes thrive when conditions are warm and there is standing or slow-moving water nearby. In British Columbia, mosquito activity generally increases during the warmer months, and local conditions such as rainfall, temperature and standing water can influence mosquito populations.
Even surprisingly small amounts of water can become mosquito breeding sites. Flowerpot saucers, clogged gutters, children’s toys, buckets, tarps, birdbaths and other containers can collect enough water for mosquitoes to lay eggs.
That means your own backyard may be providing mosquitoes with everything they need.
1. Get Rid of Standing Water Before Your Party
One of the most effective things homeowners can do is eliminate potential mosquito breeding areas.
Walk around your property a few days before your event and look for:
- Buckets, containers and children’s toys holding water
- Flowerpots and saucers
- Water collecting on tarps or pool covers
- Clogged gutters and drains
- Old tires
- Wheelbarrows and watering cans
- Birdbaths
- Unused pools or inflatable pools
- Leaky outdoor faucets or hoses
- Low spots where water regularly collects
The City of Delta specifically recommends draining standing water and taking steps such as cleaning gutters, turning water-holding equipment upside down and changing birdbath water regularly.
Don’t assume a small puddle doesn’t matter. Mosquitoes can use surprisingly small amounts of stagnant water as breeding habitat.
2. Pay Special Attention to Your Patio and Party Area
Before guests arrive, inspect the area where people will actually be spending time.
Empty outdoor containers, check underneath patio furniture, remove accumulated water and make sure there isn’t water sitting in plant pots or decorative items.
If you have a swimming pool or hot tub, keep the water properly maintained and circulating. Also check pool covers for accumulated rainwater.
The goal isn’t simply to make the backyard look great for your guests—it’s to remove as many opportunities for mosquitoes to reproduce as possible.
3. Remember That Mosquitoes Don’t Always Wait Until Dark
Many people associate mosquitoes with dusk and nighttime. While mosquitoes are often especially active around dusk and dawn, some species can bite during the daytime as well. The City of Delta notes that day-biting mosquitoes are also common in the area.
So if you’re planning a daytime barbecue, birthday party, wedding, graduation celebration or family gathering, mosquito prevention is still important.
4. Protect Your Guests
Even after removing breeding sites, some mosquitoes may still be present.
Guests can reduce bites by wearing loose, light-coloured clothing that covers their arms and legs when practical. Health Canada and the BC Centre for Disease Control also recommend using federally approved insect repellents, such as products containing DEET or Icaridin, according to the label directions.
For outdoor parties, it can be helpful to keep approved insect repellent available for guests who want to use it.
5. Don’t Forget Screens and Outdoor Enclosures
If your party involves an outdoor tent, screened gazebo or covered patio, make sure screens are intact and fit properly.
The BC Centre for Disease Control recommends using screens on open windows, doors and tents to help keep mosquitoes out.
A properly screened area can provide guests with a comfortable retreat if mosquito activity increases during the evening.
6. What If Your Backyard Already Has a Mosquito Problem?
If you’re finding large numbers of mosquitoes every time you step outside, there may be more going on than a few puddles after a rainstorm.
Mosquitoes can breed in areas that aren’t immediately obvious, including drainage areas, gutters, containers and other sources of standing water. In warm conditions, mosquitoes can progress from egg to adult in less than 10 days.
That’s where professional pest control advice can help.
A pest control professional can inspect your property, identify potential mosquito breeding and resting areas, and recommend an appropriate approach based on the property and the source of the problem.
Get Your Backyard Ready for Summer
You shouldn’t have to choose between enjoying your backyard and constantly swatting mosquitoes.
By removing standing water, maintaining your property, protecting guests with appropriate repellents and addressing persistent mosquito problems early, you can make your outdoor space much more comfortable for summer entertaining.
If mosquitoes are taking over your Delta, BC property, Go Green Pest Control can help you assess the problem and determine the right pest management approach.
Go Green Pest Control Delta, BC Call: 778-886-4111
Don’t let mosquitoes be the reason your guests leave early. Take action before the next backyard party and reclaim your summer outdoors.
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