Getting Rid of Mosquitoes in Lakeway, Texas

In the Texas heat and humidity, you can almost guarantee your Lakeway house will be swarmed with mosquitoes during the summer. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Follow along for more information on these pests and more importantly, how to get rid of mosquitoes.

Types of Mosquitoes in Texas

There are two types of mosquitoes commonly found in Lakeway, Texas: Asian Tiger Mosquitoes and Aedes Aegypti Mosquitoes. There’s not much of a visual difference between these types, but our bodies react differently to each of their bites. If you notice a mosquito bite that’s more uncomfortable than usual, it might be from a different mosquito species that you don’t have as much of a tolerance for!

Mosquito Hawks

Have you ever noticed those long-legged, tan, flying insects around your Lakeway home? While you might’ve thought they were large mosquitoes, they are actually called crane flies! Crane flies, also known as “mosquito hawks,” do not bite, and don’t really have anything else in common with mosquitoes either, which has been a common misconception for years. The most damage these insects do is annoying Texas locals by flying into their homes. 

What Are Mosquitoes Attracted To?

The first step to getting rid of mosquitoes is learning why they showed up in the first place! There are a variety of things, both in your yard and on your body, that can attract these unwanted bugs:

Why Mosquitoes Are In Your Yard

• Standing water. Mosquitoes need water in order to lay their eggs, which is why standing water in your backyard is a prime breeding (and biting) location.
• Yard debris. When they aren’t hunting for blood, mosquitoes are looking for shelter! Leaving piles of raked leaves, piles of twigs, and grass clippings are all ways to attract mosquitoes to your Lakeway yard. 
• Clogged gutters. If leaves and other natural debris are clogging up your gutters, mosquitoes use them as the perfect breeding ground! Make sure to keep these clean & clear, especially if you live in a wooded area where more things fall into them.

Why Mosquitoes Are Attracted To You

• Your blood type. Scientists have found that people with Type O blood typically attract more mosquito bites than others! 
• Your smell. Sweat, perfume, and natural odors all send signals to mosquitoes that food is nearby. If you find yourself prone to mosquito bites, avoid wearing strong perfumes outside, and wear moisture-wicking clothes that don’t cause a build-up of sweat!
• You’re wearing dark clothes. When you’re wearing dark clothes, you tend to stick out against grass, water, and other outdoor objects! People wearing lighter and brighter colors will generally attract fewer mosquitoes.

Getting Rid of Mosquitoes at Home

There are many ways you can attempt to get rid of mosquitoes on your own before calling an exterminator. Some of the best mosquito traps don’t require a trip to the store. Here are a few different types of traps you can make right at home here in Lakeway:

• Fan and mesh. Take a plug-in fan and position it so that the air is blowing away from where you’re sitting, cut a piece of metal mesh and fasten it against the face of the fan, then wait for it to catch the mosquitoes! 
• Plastic bottle trap. For indoor mosquitoes, cut the top off of an empty plastic soda bottle, put a sugar source in the bottom, and place the top that you cut off upside down into the bottle. Mosquitoes smell the sugar, fly in, and can’t fly out. 
• Dryer sheets. Mosquitoes hate the smell of fabric softener! Place dryer sheets anywhere you don’t want them to land– including on you! Keeping a few sheets in your pocket might help keep mosquitoes away.

Store-Bought Mosquito Solutions

While getting rid of mosquitoes can be done at home, oftentimes you may need a store-bought solution depending on the extent of your infestation. Some methods of store-bought mosquito control include bug zappers, mosquito coils, and citronella grass.

Bug Zappers

There is a lot of controversy around whether or not bug zappers do the trick against mosquitoes. In short, you need to get one specifically made for the job, and not all bug zappers will work! Mosquitoes prefer blue LED lights, so these will be the most effective against getting rid of them. You can order one online or pick one up at your local store.

Mosquito Coils

Mosquito coils are incense sticks arranged in a spiral that burn mosquito-repelling scents and will burn for about 8 hours, thanks to the shape of the spiral. While these are usually effective in getting rid of mosquitoes, it should be noted that the smoke they emit has raised health concerns in recent years. While they claim to be safe to use around humans and animals, it’s best to use these in open, outdoor spaces and with caution. 

Citronella Grass

One of the most common methods of repelling mosquitoes is planting citronella grass in your backyard. Mosquitoes hate the smell, but it’s important to plant actual citronella grass and not just citronella-scented grass. This is because they are actually avoiding the oils from the grass and not just the smell, so anything else won’t be as effective.

When to Call Professional Pest Control

Store-bought and DIY mosquito control options can only go so far. They might work short-term, but they don’t actually solve the problem. If you’re ready to relax and stop worrying about mosquitoes for good, contact Justice Pest Services! Our Texas exterminators will leave you and your Lakeway home happy and mosquito-free.  Learn more about our mosquito control services and our mosquito control in Lakeway.