‘Tis the season for landscaping updates.

There is nothing like a beautiful spring weekend, spade in-hand, and new plants ready to go in.  Updating our yards is one of the most fulfilling tasks in the springtime.  Did you know that it is possible for landscaping to attract mosquitoes?  Follow these rules of springtime yard and landscaping updates to keep your property as mosquito-less as possible this year.

Nix the potential for standing water.

Of course, a large lawn and garden project can go on for days or weeks.  The key is to keep your property free of things that might gather water, inadvertently acting as a mosquito egg incubator.

1. Do not leave opened trash cans out in the open.
2. Do not leave plastic mulch or soil bags lying out.
3. Do not over-mulch, or over-water your lawn or garden plantings.
4. Do not install water features without agitators that keep water moving.

Don’t install plants that attract mosquitoes.

You probably know that some plants will deter mosquitoes.  Mosquito deterrent plants include citronella, lavender, mint, catnip, and basil.  Avoid these plants, which might entice mosquitoes close to your home.

1. Water lilies
2. Hyacinths
3. Papyrus

What about mulch?  Does mulch repel or attract mosquitoes?

Mulch is one of the most common landscaping materials.  It comes in many wood varieties, textures, and colors.  And while cedar mulch can be a mosquito repellent, it loses its repellent properties when it dries.  Cedar mulch should never be relied on to keep mosquitoes away from your doorstep, as it will be minimally effective.

Additionally, even cedar mulch can actually attract mosquitoes.  Rainwater can accumulate in mulch beds, and create an attractive mosquito habitat.  It is important that you tend to mulch periodically, especially after rain, to ensure that puddles do not form.  You might even consider using a different type of finishing material, such as stone.

Professional Cambridge mosquito control will help keep your new yard safer this spring and summer.

I have written about what to do, what not to do, and what to plant or not plant.  Perhaps the most important point of fact in lawn and garden updates is that you need professional mosquito control.  Choose an experienced Cambridge mosquito control company.  Professional mosquito protection is not simply about applying a yard spray.  While the periodic mosquito spraying is one part of the solution, trained mosquito control technicians will work with you to identify potential problem areas around your property that require corrective measures.