In Arkansas, mosquitos are no strangers to us — especially in the warmer months of the year. The good news is — there ARE ways to prevent them from taking over your home or yard. Mike Hall, our Pest Control Manager here at Clark Exterminating, has the answers to many of your common questions about the irritating pests.
When is mosquito season in Arkansas? When does it reach its peak?
Mosquito season can begin as early as March and may last through early November. You’ll start to see them buzzing around when the outside temperatures consistently stay above 50 degrees F and will last until temperatures consistently drop below 50 degrees F. Peak season for mosquitoes in central Arkansas is normally July through September.
Where do mosquitoes most often breed? Where can I find them in my yard and/or home?
Mosquitos will breed in any amount of standing or stagnant water. Mosquito larvae have even been found in items like wheel barrels, bird baths, catch trays for potted plants, french drains that do not drain well, etc. Something as small as a plastic bottle cap can hold enough water for mosquitoes to breed. All they need is a little water without any movement. You can help reduce mosquito populations by eliminating these types of breeding sites from their property.
What can homeowners do to reduce the number of mosquitoes in their homes and/or yards?
Eliminate water sources and have a professional mosquito maintenance program in place.
How do I keep mosquitoes away from my door, and prevent them from getting into my house?
Make sure all of your window and door screens are well fitted with no gaps, and that there are no holes and/or rips in the screening. Mosquitos are poor fliers, so you can place a box fan to blow across entryways to keep them from coming inside. Fans are also a great help for outdoor gatherings and cooking. Plus, it will also help with flies.
How do I keep mosquitoes out of my bird bath, fountain or pond?
There are many over the counter solutions that can be purchased and can be very effective if maintained. Water falls, fountains and circulating pumps can also be very effective in reducing mosquito breeding sites, as well as making the area a little more relaxing.
How effective are things like citronella candles and spray-on repellent?
Like the plants, some say they work great — others say not so great. Ever heard the phrase “location, location, location”… It definitely applies here! With a citronella candle, the smoke it produces is what helps keeps the insects away. If it’s set up high and you are sitting down, it might not be as effective. As far as spray-on repellents, they have been around for years – and work. One thing we’ve seen with some DEET products is that it can have adverse effects on some synthetic items.
Are there any mosquito-repelling plants I should put in my yard?
Yes, plants like alliums, basil, lavender, marigolds, mint, mums, rosemary and the most famous citronella geranium can help repel mosquitoes. You should consult your local nursery specialist to see what would work best for you and your environment.
What’s a natural way to keep mosquitoes from biting my family?
The only natural way to help prevent mosquitoes from biting you and your family members is to have an In2Care mosquito program operating around your home. It is completely organic and works to eliminate the mosquito itself.
How do you treat mosquitoes?
We offer several solutions for mosquito control. Each treatment method and product application is designed to meet differing environmental needs. There are very few environments that we can not accommodate. Methods range from surface treatments and fogging to breeding traps. Products range from essential oils, long lasting micro-encapsulates to biological control that will only work on the targeted mosquito. Some environments like playgrounds, properties with water concerns and docks can be very sensitive. Areas with high human, pet, and wildlife traffic, or areas where beneficial insects are needed from bees, ladybugs and butterflies wouldn’t be good candidates for some products or methods.
How long does it take for the treatment to work?
We recommend starting the In2Care breeding trap program in early spring, around March or April, when mosquitoes are just becoming more active. It takes about 2 weeks for it to take full effect, and stations are maintained monthly through September or October.
How does the pricing process work?
Because pricing is based on the number of stations needed to cover a yard, a professional pest control representative must come out to price each property individually. But, inspections and estimates are free!
If you have a mosquito problem, contact us! We’re happy to help and answer questions…don’t spend the summer inside or covered in itchy mosquito bites and calamine lotion!
Remember at Clark Exterminating “The Bug Stops Here!”
Little Rock: 501-228-0322
North Little Rock: 501-758-0322
Conway: 501-329-0396
Benton: 501-776-1388
Bryant: 501-847-1388
Jacksonville/Cabot: 501-843-1322
Hot Springs: 501-623-2335
