According to the CDC, the most cases of Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) have been reported in Florida, Massachusetts, New York, and North Carolina. So, we have that to be proud of. We know – there are a bunch of reasons to be proud of being a certified New Englander. It’s a joke. A wicked good joke, too.
Don’t get caught up in the joke, though. Look at the facts. Out of 50 states, Massachusetts is in the top 4! It stands to reason that we should be looking for ways to deter mosquitoes from using our backyards as their own. Until there are fully functional mosquito traps, here are a few ways you can help prevent mosquitoes around your home and yard.
Tip 1: Eliminate pooled water
Standing water is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Consider adding a fountain element to bird baths and outdoor water features to keep the water circulating. They don’t need much water, though. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as 14 days in a small amount of standing water! Be sure to check anything from potted plants to kids’ toys for water that has collected from rainstorms or from watering the lawn and dump it out.
Tip 2: Make yourself less appealing
Having a beer can make you more appealing, and so does emitting more carbon dioxide or having more bacteria on your skin, which can lead to increased body odor. The brew makes sense, but the body odor? Oh, mosquitoes – get it together! While people with type O blood can’t change that (a mosquito’s favorite blood type according to one study), they can wear some mosquito repellent. A scent that mosquitoes dislike such as Avon’s Skin So Soft Bath Oil (containing IR 3535) is a popular home remedy.
Tip 3: Schedule preventative maintenance
The best way to deal with mosquitoes is having a trusted pest control company do a comprehensive inspection of your property and from there create a detailed program tailored to your backyard’s individual needs. But not all pest control companies are created equal. Here in New England, Waltham Pest Services offers mosquito services that starts with an inspection and adds in habitat modification 
and the use of adulticide/larvicide to help ensure your family stays safe — and unbitten — all season long.
While you can’t possibly prevent all pests from invading your yard, you can help reduce the number of trespassing pests. Especially those that could carry EEEV and other diseases. Preventative pest maintenance is really the best control method but being smart about not attracting mosquitoes is just as essential. And frankly, it’s never too early to think about setting up mosquito treatments. Happy backyard partying!
