West Nile Virus Detected Locally: 7 Practical Steps to Help Reduce Mosquitoes

You may have also seen recent news that West Nile virus was detected in a mosquito sample in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. The good news is that there have been no reported human cases of West Nile virus in North Carolina so far this year (at the time of writing this article), according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

While there's no reason to panic, it is a good reminder that mosquito season is here, and the best time to reduce mosquito activity is before it becomes a bigger problem.

Here are seven practical steps you can take to help reduce mosquitoes this summer.

1. Eliminate Standing Water

Mosquitoes need very little water to reproduce. Even small amounts of standing water can become breeding sites.

Once a week, walk around your property and empty water from:

• Flowerpots
• Birdbaths
• Buckets
• Children's toys
• Pet water bowls
• Pool covers
• Wheelbarrows
• Clogged gutters
• Old tires or other containers

The drier your yard, the less attractive it becomes to mosquitoes.

After some rain, take another quick look around your yard. A few minutes of prevention can make a big difference.

2. Keep Your Yard Well Maintained

Mosquitoes don't spend all day flying around looking for people. During the heat of the day, they prefer to rest in cool, shaded areas.

Help reduce those hiding spots by:

• Mowing your lawn regularly
• Trimming shrubs and hedges
• Removing weeds and overgrown vegetation
• Cleaning up piles of leaves or yard debris

A well-maintained yard gives mosquitoes fewer places to rest.

3. Check Your Screens and Keep Doors Closed

One of the easiest ways to keep mosquitoes outside is by making sure they can't get inside.

Inspect window and door screens for holes or tears, and repair them as needed. When possible, keep doors (including garage doors) closed instead of leaving them propped open.

4. Protect Yourself Outdoors

If you're spending time outside, especially during the early morning or evening when mosquitoes are often most active, consider using an EPA-registered mosquito repellent.

Long sleeves and lightweight pants can also help reduce exposed skin when mosquitoes are especially active.

5. Shower and Change Clothes After Yard Work

Ever notice that mosquitoes seem to love someone who's just finished mowing the lawn or going for a run?

That's because mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide we breathe out, our body heat, and certain compounds our bodies produce when we sweat.

If you've been exercising, gardening, or working outside, taking a quick shower and changing into clean, dry clothes may help make you less attractive to mosquitoes.

It won't eliminate every mosquito, but it can help reduce your chances of becoming their next meal.

6. Remember That Mosquitoes Don't Respect Property Lines

One of the biggest misconceptions about mosquitoes is that they're only coming from your yard.

Even if you do everything right, like empty standing water, maintain your landscaping, and keep your property clean, mosquitoes can easily fly in from neighboring yards, wooded areas, ponds, drainage ditches, and other nearby breeding sites.

That's why many homeowners still experience mosquito problems despite maintaining a beautiful yard.

7. Get Professional Mosquito Control

Good mosquito prevention starts with the steps above, but professional mosquito treatments can provide another layer of protection.

Spidexx's Seasonal Mosquito Control program is designed to help reduce mosquito pressure throughout the season, so you can spend more time enjoying your yard.

Our local field specialists understand the mosquito challenges unique to our area and provide targeted treatments around your home's perimeter and other mosquito resting areas.

Here's what you can expect:

• Targeted outdoor treatments around key mosquito habitats.
• Monthly recurring service during mosquito season to help interrupt the mosquito life cycle.
• Optional self-installed mosquito towers that provide up to three months of additional protection.
• Backing from our Ultimate Protection Warranty. If mosquito activity returns between scheduled services, we'll return to address the issue at no additional charge, in accordance with your service agreement.

Enjoy Summer With Fewer Mosquitoes

You shouldn't have to spend your evenings constantly swatting mosquitoes or cutting time outdoors short.

By eliminating standing water, maintaining your yard, protecting yourself outdoors, and adding professional mosquito control when needed, you can significantly reduce mosquito activity around your home and spend more time enjoying the things that matter most.

If you're ready to enjoy your yard with fewer interruptions this season, Spidexx is here to help.

Get started in minutes by booking your Seasonal Mosquito Control online, or give us a call at (844) 922-7732 to speak with one of our local pest experts.