Dealing with mosquitoes after some heavy-duty rain can be a real headache, according to Dr. Sonja Swiger, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist. Their habitats are so unpredictable, it’s like they just pop up out of nowhere! But, don’t worry – if you’re dealing with container mosquitoes, things can be a little easier. If you can find where these little critters are chilling out, you can disrupt their hangout spots by getting rid of the water or using some larvicides.
Here’s a pro tip: try to empty containers filled with water as much as you can. Keep an eye out for standing water too – this can be drained or you can use dunk larvicides to handle the situation,” she suggests.
Another way to deal with mosquitoes is by using sprays or barrier treatments. But remember, they only help so much, according to Swiger. The stuff that you can buy and apply yourself usually lasts about a day or two. Professional exterminators can apply treatments that last a bit longer – usually they use products that are pyrethroid-based or organic. But even these degrade over time.
Sometimes, local groups or city governments start up mosquito control programs, especially when there’s a big outbreak or if mosquitoes are causing health problems. These programs can be helpful, but they’re not a permanent solution, says Swiger. Usually, they’ll spray at night to kill off the adult mosquitoes, and then the residue gets burned off by the sun after sunrise.
“Some cities and counties are pretty on top of their mosquito game, but it can be a huge task, and the weather can throw a wrench in the works,” she adds. “The most important thing to remember is to protect yourself when you’re outdoors for a long time, do your best to reduce breeding sites in your area, and keep an eye on any nearby areas that might become a mosquito hot spot.”
Read more here on how to prevent mosquitos from breeding in your yard.