This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency on behalf of Orkin; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I appreciate your support of Running in a Skirt.
Don't let disease carrying mosquitoes ruin your summer! These are my favorite backyard mosquito control ideas to have a mosquito free summer.
Hi everyone!
I have to be honest with you guys. I'm a little worried about Zika virus and other mosquito carrying diseases like Chikungunya virus and West Nile virus this summer. I have a tendency to catch all the weird things on the news (yes, I caught the swine flu and others...) and I'd really like to protect myself this summer. I know I'm not the only one who is a little on edge over pesky mosquitoes and looking for backyard mosquito control and ways to have a mosquito free summer.
The problem is I love being outside in my yard.
Whether it's gardening...
... working on my roses...
... hanging out at the fire pit...
... or playing yard games...
I spend many summer weekends almost entirely outside.
You'll even find me on this couch reading a book many afternoons. This is my favorite time of year.
So it's no surprise that if there are mosquitoes in the yard, they are going to get me! I decided to track down some ways to really tackle those mosquitoes this year as a Zika virus precaution.
3 Ways to Have a Mosquito Free Summer
Limit Mosquito Breeding Grounds
Adult mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water. If you eliminate standing or slow moving water from your yard, you can prevent those yucky eggs from taking over. Walk your yard after a good rain to see where your water collects and address those areas. Also consider removing standing water from gutters, buckets, toys and other containers. Finally, change water weekly in bird baths, fountains, potted plants and any containers that hold standing water
I know this pot that holds one of my hoses is a problem area for me, so I check it every couple of days. It's also best to drill holes in anything that collects water where it doesn't need to be.
If you do have a pool, keep the water treated and circulating.
Citronella Candles & Torches
The hubs and I installed some fun citronella Tiki torches to help with the problem. You can also find candles at any store. They can create a temporary mosquito free zone in the immediate area.
Mosquito Control from Orkin
The best and most effective thing I've done for backyard mosquito control this summer is set up an appointment for Orkin. These mosquito related diseases are no joke this year and I didn't want to leave anything to chance. I told you about the Swine Flu (or as I affectionately call the Pig Flu) right?
Orkin offers a simple service to treat our yard.
My extremely professional Orkin Man, Duane, treated my yard in about 15 minutes. He focused on the underside of leaves, shrubs and grassy areas near the house which is where adult mosquitoes apparently like to party.
My yard has been amazingly bug free since then. The treatment lasts about a month and he even told me that if I did see mosquito return before then he'd come back out to address the problem. I haven't had to do that though! It's been so nice.
Prices are very affordable and vary depending on the size of your yard.
Duane, our Orkin Man, was highly-trained, which made me feel confident that he was taking precautions when treating our yard. When applied correctly by a professional, the solution is highly effective in eliminating the tiny nightmares but isn’t harmful to you or your family. He even told me it's the same effective ingredient used to treat ticks on dogs. But that doesn’t mean you should try to treat your own yard. Leave it to the experts at Orkin to help protect you and your family.
With the possibility of those bugs carrying Zika this year, I just didn't want to risk it. I've been so happy with the results!
And so has the Hubs... who just happens to be mosquito candy normally. He's just soooooo sweeeettttt....
So whether it's just the Hubs and I, or a gathering of friends... I'm so happy to have a mosquito free summer.
Because your backyard really should be your own personal paradise!
Remember when outdoors, always protect yourself from mosquito bites with an EPA-registered mosquito repellent contaning DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or IR3535. Also consider wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants! Additionally eliminate mosquito entry points into your home by closing gaps around windows and in walls, repairing and using window screens and using AC inside.
If mosquitoes are ruining your summer fun, contact licensed pest processionals at Orkin You'll be glad you did.
Thanks for stopping by today! Come back tomorrow for the Best of the Blogs linkup.
I’m linking this post with Marvelous Monday, Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday and Annmarie for Wild Workout Wednesday.
Your turn!
Are you worried about Zika and other mosquito carrying diseases?
Tomika says
You have some great information here. Thank you. I live in Florida and spend all summer scratching. I had some plants that are supposed to help, but eventually had to move on to propane traps. They are also effective. I am looking for all the help I can get to make it so my kids can enjoy the outdoors next summer.
Ryan says
Great tips for getting rid of mosquitoes! In our city we have a huge mosquito problem during the summer so will have to use some of these tips! Thanks for sharing!
Brian says
I planted some citronella plants near the door ways of my home to keep mosquitos from getting in the house. It's worked so far! Now if only they didn't exist at all. Thanks for sharing!
Ray Kevin says
A great garden, I also have a project to do a wooden coffee table, I'll put it in the garden and drank tea every morning.
Rachel @ RachelMcMichael.com says
I did not realize that they could treat for mosquitos! Very interesting! Thanks for sharing!
Sarah @ 2paws Designs says
I had no idea Orkin did mosquito treatment and loving your patio area with the built-in garden. Pinned for later.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Sarah! It's a great service!
Mary Beth Jackson says
It is a great idea! You can never be to careful. Your backyard by the way looks great! I love summer outdoor living, enjoy!
jamie says
I definitely need to find someone to treat our yard!
JulieWunder says
Just call Orkin!!! 🙂
glenneth says
i love your backyard! i would want to spend all my time there as well. i need to get some citronella candles. we dont have a huge mosquito problem, but it only takes one.
JulieWunder says
So true! You can't be too careful in my opinion.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
I hate mosquitoes, they are among the worst! One bite can make you so uncomfortable, I'd love to prevent having them.
JulieWunder says
Me too! Totally worth calling Orkin.
LIz Mays says
If I had the kind of yard size you have, I'd go for this service I'm sure. I can't STAND bugs and mosquitoes make me stay indoors.
JulieWunder says
Me too Liz! They are dangerous little pesks.
Christina Bauer says
I love your patio area! The red accents are so perfect.
JulieWunder says
Thank you Christina! I love it too. 🙂
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free says
Mosquito control - I had no idea there was such a thing! We are in a high rise, but I'll definitely share this with my friend. They have a beautiful property much like yours and those bugs are starting to bite!
JulieWunder says
Yes! They are soooo yucky. Worth getting Orkin.
Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run says
Great tips here! I can't stand mosquitos!!!!
JulieWunder says
Me either, Kayla! So yucky!
Saidah Washington says
We treat our property for pest indoor and out every three months.
JulieWunder says
It is worth it!!!!
Amber Nelson says
Oh the mosquitoes are so horrible here at our house. I even hate being outside because of them.
JulieWunder says
Just call Orkin! They took care of it!
Sally Riddle says
Love you and your yard, Julie! Being a bug magnet is so annoying, especially if you love being outside, sitting still reading, being a sitting target,!! Just wanted to add, don't wear scented lotions and scented hair products in summer, wear light clothes, and exchange your perfume for bug spray! Keep some in your car too, and apply frequently. My fave is Burt's Bees herbal insect repellent, totally natural, and the little non-aerosol cans don't take up too much room. I have gotten used to the lemony smell, it just goes with this time of year!Thanks for doing these tips, we can't be too cautious!!
JulieWunder says
Great additions to the post! You can never be too careful.
Adriana Lopez says
wow what a beautiful outdoors space, many great ideas here I need to start working on my backyard and get rid of those mosquitos too =)
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much! I love it. Just call Orkin 🙂
abbey says
great tips!! i find the bugs so aggrevating this time of year!!
JulieWunder says
Me too Abbey!
Brandy says
Wow, I appreciate ideas on how to keep those buggers away! They always eat me up!
JulieWunder says
Hi Brandy! They eat me up too! So yucky-- I'm so glad I got Orkin this summer.
Jeanine says
Mosquitos can be so bad in our area and we love spending time in our backyard so this post is for sure something I needed!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Jeanine!!!
Neely says
This is great. We planted a ton of stuff outside of our house to ward them off. I hate summer bugs!
JulieWunder says
Me too! So yucky!
Lori Bosworth says
I think many people are concerned about the Zika virus this year! Those are great tips, especially the advice to eliminate pooled water in the yard.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Lori! It's a scary disease!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Your yard. Gorgeous! I don't have any outdoor space in my NYC apartment, so I can't wait to have a yard like this! I will definitely mosquito proof it when I do 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thank you Nicole! I love it. One day you'll have the problem too!
Debbie says
I wish I had weather that would allow for hanging out in the back yard. I'm so jealous that you can sit outside and read a book! Great tips for controlling mosquito problems.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Debbie! Gatta love the South!
Liz @ The Clean Eating Couple says
I need an Orkin guy at my house, stat! We have so many bugs.... gross!
JulieWunder says
They totally helped me! Call them!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Back when I lived in a yard in the south, we definitely called the Orkin Man! he was great! And you know that Zeka is a real concern fo rme--both as someone trying to get preggars as well as with an autoimmune!
JulieWunder says
Yes! Such a scary disease with too many unknowns right now. I don't want it!
Tricia Vaughn says
You have a lovely back yard! We were just talking about this at work last week, my boss hired a pest control company to come out and spray for mosquitoes. I did not know there was such a thing but he says it truly does work! Now if I could get the campgrounds to do this we'd be great! 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much! Yes! It totally works. Worth it!!!
GiGi Eats says
THANKFULLY there aren't many if any mosquitos in Los Angeles... So I don't have to worry about these suckers - HA - literal SUCKERS!
JulieWunder says
That's great 🙂 Glad you don't have to worry about it.
Laura says
Great post idea and definitely full of useful information Julie. Thanks for sharing - now I'll put some of them to the test!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Laura! I hope they work for you.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says
I really didn't even know getting a spray for mosquitos in your yard was an option.
JulieWunder says
Yes! And it works!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
My nephew is selling some mosquito zappers--he's an entrepreneur and I guess he's doing quite well with these things. A nice alternative to chemicals.
Your yard is spectacular!
JulieWunder says
Cool! I'll have to check it out. Wish I didn't need the chemicals, but getting sick is not an option for me right now and it totally works!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Not too worried about Zika for now but I do get bitten a lot. Love to sit outside for dinner too but yes the citronella is a must for sure.
JulieWunder says
They are such a pain!
Lori @ TheHealthMinded.com says
I hate that we have to think about this during the wonderful summer months of spending as much time outside as possible! But, alas, we do. All great points to keep those diseases far away!
JulieWunder says
I know! I wish I didn't have to do it, but it's better than getting bit and getting those terrible diseases.
Paula Fox says
Very good point!! We are also trying natural repellent around our large deck, which included "Lemon Grass" & lots of "Lavender" which can also be used in cooking!!! And the aroma is awesome!! We are also keeping our eyes out for the standing water! Thanks for your beautiful yard tour!
JulieWunder says
What a great idea. Sounds like it smells amazing.
lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
Luckily I do not have this problem, but only bc I live in a condo and do not have a yard. Hopefully one of these yrs I will be a homeowner with a yard.
JulieWunder says
It is a good problem to have. Orkin totally works though when you are ready.
Annmarie says
No joke- I have a legitimate fear of mosquitos to the point where I won't go outside past dusk. I live in a heavily wooded area with a still pond behind the property of my house (we don't own it) so their blood sucking tribe is fierce here. Orkin sound like a great solution- going to check them out!
JulieWunder says
You should totally get the service! Especially with your little girls. We have a woods and water around our house too and it took care of it.
Blane Sherer says
Thanks for the tips and for the yard tour ( smile ).
JulieWunder says
Thanks Blane!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
Lots of great tips here! Luckily, we don't have much of a mosquito problem here at the moment, but we do have a serious slug problem and they are eating all our salads 🙁
JulieWunder says
Oh nooooo! Slugs! Yuck! We have a mole tearing up our yard... much the The Hubs dismay.