Creating a Mosquito-Free Backyard Retreat for a Bug-free Staycation

You’ve earned a vacation. More importantly, you’ve earned a stress-free staycation where you don’t have to go anywhere, stand in any lines, or book anything online. And most importantly, you’ve earned a bug-free staycation in the comfort of your own backyard.

It’s hard to relax if you’re swatting bugs away every few seconds or worried about them attacking your kids and pets. They are not invited to this retreat and are not allowed in your happy place.

Let’s take a look at how to create a resort-like feel in your yard without the bugs.

Tips For a Bug-free Backyard Staycation Experience

Creating a mosquito-free backyard retreat is easier than you think.

Start by surveying your yard area for places where rainwater has accumulated. This may include:

• Empty cans

• Buckets

• Flowerpots

• Old tires

• Trash cans

If you have a plastic kiddie swimming pool, make sure to empty it when not in use. As for larger pools, don’t forget to clean and chlorinate your swimming pools, hot tubs, and even outdoor saunas.

Also, drain your swimming pool covers because standing water can accumulate there in a hurry.

You’re also going to want to:

• Give your roof gutters a good cleaning and declogging

• Ensure there are holes in the bottom of your outdoor recycling bins

• Look for septic seepage and other foul water sources above or below ground level

Staying on top of your landscaping and lawn mowing will also go a long way towards pest-free outdoor living.

Why Mosquito Control is Essential for Outdoor Relaxation

Nobody likes the buzzing, swatting, or itching that comes from a backyard full of bugs. But did you know a bite from the wrong mosquito can do more than ruin your backyard relaxation?

It could result in very serious health complications. 

Mosquito bites have been linked to:

Malaria

This is the most talked-about disease that can be passed from mosquitoes to humans, with roughly 2,000 people in the United States and about 490 people in Canada being diagnosed with malaria each year. 

West Nile Virus

The most common mosquito-borne illness in Canada and the United States. One in five people who contract West Nile virus will develop a fever and/or other mild symptoms like headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. 

Zika Virus

The Zika virus made headlines across the US and Canada between 2016 and 2017 because of its potentially dangerous impact on pregnant women. Fortunately, we’ve not seen any reported transmission of the Zika virus in North America since 2019.

Chikungunya Virus

This virus first arrived in North America around 2013. As of right now, cases are rare and mild symptoms could go completely undetected. But serious cases can cause crippling joint pain, as well as eye, heart, and neurological complications.

Dengue Virus

This is more of a threat in tropical climates, but that does include the tropical areas of North America. The symptoms may include fever, aches and pains, and rashes, or a more serious case may include shock and internal bleeding.

La Crosse Encephalitis

Cases of La Crosse encephalitis have been found in the upper Midwestern, Northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and Southeastern states of the United States.

St. Louis Encephalitis

Despite its name, St. Louis encephalitis has been a problem in Canada and Argentina, with most of the cases occurring across the United States.

How to Keep Ticks Out of Your Lawn This Summer

We would be remiss if we didn’t discuss how to enjoy your lawn without worrying about ticks. While they may not be as obvious as mosquitoes buzzing around you, ticks can certainly ruin any staycation or backyard experience.

You may assume that you have a tick-free lawn, but you will still want to use a strong insect repellent containing effective ingredients and always check the labels to make sure they’re safe for children. Also, if you’re in a more densely wooded part of the yard or working in overgrown foliage, wear long sleeves and long pants.