How Outdoor Businesses can Reduce Mosquitoes

If you run or manage an outdoor business, then fighting mosquitoes can be a challenge. But with a little patience and consistent work, you can help your patrons enjoy themselves without fighting off bites

Here are a Few Things you can do to Minimize the Effects of Mosquitoes at your Business:

• Rid the area around your business of standing water: This eliminates mosquitoes’ breeding ground. Standing water can include puddles, clogged gutters, and poorly drained areas in lawns or parking lots.
• Keep the grass low: This is essential since it is well known that mosquitoes love tall grass. Tall grass retains moisture and protects mosquitoes from predators.
• Use natural mosquito sprays: Natural sprays include ingredients like lemon, garlic, basil and lavender. These scents block mosquitoes’ ability to detect human CO2.
• Place candles or tiki torches around your patio or deck: Citronella is a good standby for keeping mosquitoes away from your guests.
• Use 18 mesh screens: If you have a screened patio or deck (a particularly good idea of your business is waterfront), an 18 mesh screen will keep mosquitoes out. But be sure to check it regularly for holes.
• Use fluorescent lighting: If you have outdoor lights that come on at night, consider replacing these with fluorescent lights. Mosquitoes are drawn to incandescent lights, but not fluorescent.
• Pick up mosquito repelling plants: Construct a barrier to grow the same scents used in the natural sprays – you can plant catnip, citronella, lemon basil and lemon grass to help repel those pesky mosquitoes.
• Invite birds: Some variety of birds feed on mosquitoes. Nighthawks, cuckoos, owls, starlings and purple martins are some of the most common winged mosquito predators.
• Hire a professional mosquito control service: This is a surefire way to get rid of mosquitoes. Most plans offer monthly or quarterly treatments to keep your mosquito barrier active. Need some tips?
• Have your staff use DEET-based repellents: If your business requires your staff to work outdoors for long periods of time, encourage them to apply a DEET-based repellents every 4-6 hours. Clothing and other apparel should be treated with a permithrin-based product, a natural repellant for both mosquitoes and ticks.

When purchasing products, remember to check closely to make sure they are EPA approved. And when using mosquito coils, make sure you use them in windless conditions. By doing this, you will be protecting your customers and staff from pieces of coil that could be laced with chemicals. It has been reported that the coils can cause respiratory problems for some people. Read the label on any and all commercial insecticides that you use.

Let’s face it. Mosquitoes are a tough pest to get rid of. And as temperatures rise and outdoor activities increase, mosquitoes are often along for the ride. But by following the tips above, you can keep your business mosquito-free.

For Businesses With Persistent Water Problems, Here are a Few Additional Tips to Remove Excess Water From Your Business Property:

• Get rid of or empty any containers or objects that can hold standing water, particularly discarded styrofoam or plastic cups
• Cover any barrels or open buckets that can collect rainwater
• Remove excess water from under flower pots
• Correct any drainage problems on your property that may allow rainwater to pool
• Cover swimming pools not in use
• Remove leaves from rain gutters to alleviate clogging
• Drain bird baths at least twice a week
• Remove any water that pools in tarpaulins or automobile covers
• Fill in any tree holes
• Remove debris around your outdoor business, pooled in ditches or culverts