Ann Arbor’s lush landscape and proximity to the Huron River create the perfect environment for outdoor activities—and unfortunately, for mosquitoes as well. These persistent pests can quickly transform your backyard oasis into an uncomfortable space that family and friends avoid. The good news is that with the right approach, you can significantly reduce mosquito populations on your property and reclaim your outdoor living areas.

DIY Mosquito Control: A Step-by-Step Approach

Step 1: Eliminate Standing Water

Since mosquitoes require water to breed, removing standing water is your first defense:

• Weekly property inspection: Walk your property after rainfall to identify water collection points
• Container emptying: Turn over or remove items that collect water (buckets, toys, tarps)
• Gutter cleaning: Ensure free-flowing drainage to prevent water accumulation
• Tire removal: Properly dispose of unused tires or drill drainage holes
• Bird bath maintenance: Change water at least twice weekly
• Ornamental pond management: Add mosquito-eating fish like gambusia or koi, or use mosquito dunks containing Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis)
• Rain barrel protection: Cover with fine mesh screening

Step 2: Landscape Modifications

Adjust your landscaping to create an environment less hospitable to adult mosquitoes:

• Vegetation management: Trim tall grass and shrubs where adult mosquitoes rest during daytime
• Strategic plantings: Incorporate mosquito-repelling plants like lavender, citronella, catnip, and marigolds
• Improve drainage: Fill in low areas where water collects after rainfall
• Water feature movement: Ensure decorative water features include pumps or fountains, as mosquitoes avoid moving water

Step 3: Create Barriers and Deterrents

Protect your immediate outdoor living spaces with these approaches:

• Fans: Strategic placement of oscillating fans disrupts mosquito flight patterns
• Screened areas: Consider a screened porch or gazebo for mosquito-free outdoor enjoyment
• Lighting choices: Replace outdoor bulbs with yellow “bug lights” that attract fewer mosquitoes
• Timed outdoor activities: Limit exposure during peak mosquito activity periods (dawn and dusk)

Step 4: Personal Protection

When spending time outdoors, protect yourself with:

• EPA-registered repellents: Products containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535
• Protective clothing: Light-colored, loose-fitting long sleeves and pants
• Proper application: Follow label instructions for repellent use, especially for children

When to Call Honorable Pest Control

While the steps above can reduce mosquito populations, properties with severe infestations or challenging environmental factors often require professional intervention. Consider contacting Honorable Pest Control when:

• DIY methods have not provided sufficient relief
• Your property has unavoidable water features (ponds, wetlands, drainage ditches)
• You’re planning outdoor events where mosquito control is essential
• You’re concerned about mosquito-borne diseases in your area
• You want season-long protection without constant maintenance

Professional Mosquito Control Solutions

Honorable Pest Control offers comprehensive mosquito management for Ann Arbor properties:

Property Assessment and Treatment Planning

Our mosquito control begins with a thorough property evaluation to identify:

• Active breeding sites
• Potential problem areas after rainfall
• Adult mosquito harborage locations
• Contributing factors from neighboring properties

Multi-Pronged Treatment Approach

Based on our assessment, we implement a customized plan that may include:

• Larvicide applications: Treating standing water that cannot be eliminated with biorational products that target mosquito larvae while sparing beneficial insects
• Barrier treatments: Applying targeted residual products to vegetation and resting areas where adult mosquitoes harbor during daytime
• Automatic misting systems: For properties with severe, ongoing mosquito problems, installing regulated dispensing systems that release small amounts of control products at programmable intervals
• Environmental modifications: Recommending specific property changes to reduce mosquito breeding and resting sites

Ongoing Protection Programs

For season-long relief, our mosquito management programs provide:

• Scheduled treatments timed to mosquito activity patterns
• Ongoing monitoring to identify new problem areas
• Adjustments based on rainfall and mosquito population changes
• Education on maintaining a mosquito-resistant property between visits

The Honorable Pest Control Difference

Our approach to mosquito control is distinguished by our commitment to:

• Targeted applications: Minimizing environmental impact through precise treatment
• Integrated management: Combining multiple strategies rather than relying solely on chemical controls
• Local expertise: Understanding Ann Arbor’s unique mosquito challenges and seasonal patterns
• Customized solutions: Recognizing that each property requires a tailored approach

Don’t let mosquitoes drive you indoors during Ann Arbor’s beautiful summer months. Contact Honorable Pest Control today for a comprehensive mosquito management plan that will help you enjoy your outdoor spaces throughout the season.