As the temperature begins to fall, you might not be thinking about mosquito prevention. But even in the winter months, mosquitoes carrying diseases such as Zika and West Nile my be making a home in your yard. Thankfully, with the proper lawn maintenance, you can avoid mosquitoes in your yard come spring.

How to Limit Mosquito Infestations in Your Yard

1. Remove Standing Water

When the temperatures dip below 50 degrees, mosquitoes begin laying their last eggs in any standing water—even in as little as half an inch. While adult mosquitoes die over winter, their eggs enter a state of dormancy until temperatures begin to rise. To limit the number of mosquitoes in your yard this summer, inspect your property now for any water-holding items that may contain mosquito eggs such as empty flower pots, birdbaths, tire swings, children's toys, or swimming pool and grill covers 

2. Clean Your Yard

Keeping your yard free of debris and clutter is an easy way to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. After fall, rain gutters are often clogged, creating plenty of standing water. To reduce your mosquito population, unclog rain gutters, clean downspouts to ensure there is no pooling, repair leaky outdoor faucets, and store water-collecting items like wheelbarrows and trash cans in a garage or shed, if possible. 

3. Trim Your Lawn 

While lawn maintenance, such as regular mowing, may not fix an existing mosquito infestation, it's an excellent way to prevent one from occurring in the future. By maintaining a lawn length of one inch or less, you reduce mosquitoes hiding places as well as the excess moisture that attracts them. Continual mowing also displaces mosquitoes, potentially reducing their ability to breed in your yard.

For help preventing mosquitoes in your yard, contact the lawn maintenance specialists at Metro Sod & Seeding in Lincoln, NE. Since 1994, the knowledgable and friendly staff at Metro Sod & Seeding have become Lincoln's most reliable resource for landscaping, lawn maintenance, and irrigation systems. Visit them online to learn more about their lawn care services, or call (402) 730-4421 to schedule an appointment today.