Mosquitoes can be the biggest inconvenience, especially when you are trying to run a business. Imagine having to swat at the air every few seconds or watching your customers fidget as they try to get away from these insects. And if anyone falls ill after getting bit by mosquitoes on your premises, you could be looking down lengthy legal proceedings. If this sounds like a nightmare you would rather avoid, here are five things you can do to keep mosquitoes away from your business.
Eliminate Stagnant Water
The pest control experts at Anti-Pest will tell you that mosquitoes love stagnant water. Mosquitoes breed, lay eggs, and spend the first three stages of their lifecycle on the water. Because running water can dislodge and wash away unhatched eggs, they prefer stagnant water. Any still pools around your business increase your risk of getting a mosquito problem. Consequently, the first thing you need to do is drain all stagnant pools. If you have a pond or pool you would like to keep, add a water feature to keep the water flowing. Clean the edges of the pond regularly, too.
Cut and Tidy Your Lawn
Mosquitoes also like to rest in tall grass and shrubbery, especially during the day. You may notice several fly up when you pass through a tall patch of grass or run your hand across a bush. To prevent this situation, you should never allow your lawn to grow unchecked. Mow your lawn regularly and clear all debris from around your business. Trim dense overgrowth that could provide a breeding and nesting area for mosquitoes, especially during the cold season.
Clear Shaded Areas and Bushes
Like tall grass, shaded areas provide a breeding and hiding area for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes enjoy dark, damp places, where they often multiply before moving into your business. As much as possible, eliminate shrubbery or trim overgrown plants to increase light penetration. It is also paramount that you dry out any damp areas located beneath these shrubs.
Introduce Repellant Plants
You do not have to get rid of all your landscaping, especially if you love plants and grass. However, you can make a conscious effort to plant trees, plants, flowers, and shrubs that naturally repel mosquitoes. Many of these plants look and smell great, except for mosquitoes, which cannot stand them. Perfect examples include scented geraniums, sage, marigold, rosemary, peppermint, lemon grass, citronella, lemon balm, lavender, and basil.
Clean and Cover Your Gutters
Lastly, mosquitoes have to pass somewhere to get into your commercial property. While you may be good at keeping your doors and window screens closed, many business owners forget to cover the gutters. Gutters provide an excellent nesting and breeding location when mosquitoes cannot access long grass or stagnant water. This is especially true when the gutters are closed. You can avoid this by regularly unclogging, cleaning, and covering your gutters.
Get Professional Pest Control Services
Between lowering staff morale, affecting productivity, spreading diseases, and deterring customers, mosquitoes can significantly impede your business operations. And while these tips can help you reduce or eliminate mosquitoes from your commercial property for a while, the most effective and permanent solution is to hire expert help. Contact the trained professionals at Anti-Pest today to find out what solutions are available to you and your business.
