Mosquitoes are surprisingly diverse, which unfortunately means you’ll probably encounter them any place you go. As a business owner, you want to ensure your shop isn’t one of them. Calling commercial pest control services in Kitchener is an excellent way to ensure customers and employees don’t have to deal with swarms of these annoying creatures. Still, you should also take steps to avoid attracting them in the first place.

Anyone bitten by a mosquito knows how irritating it can be, as the site swells and itches. Scratching only worsens the situation, as it can open the skin and cause infection. However, this isn’t the worst outcome.

Since mosquitoes drink blood, they’re disease carriers. In fact, they’re known spreaders of West Nile virus, yellow fever and malaria. To protect your community from these illnesses, it’s essential to eliminate factors that invite mosquitoes in the first place.

Get Rid of Standing Water

The number one attraction for mosquitoes is water because it plays a crucial role in the breeding cycle. This insect species lays its eggs along the water’s edge, so larvae have access when they hatch. However, mosquitoes only do so with standing water.

Standing water doesn’t threaten larvae, while even gently running water is enough to wash them away. As a result, streams, moving fountains and cycling water features are usually safe from infestation. However, the following are perfect for mosquito breeding:

• Ponds
• Puddles
• Birdbaths

If you have a stagnant water feature, your best course is to replace it with a running alternative. If this isn’t possible, you can prevent larvae from growing with special bacteria. 

Clean Your Gutters

Standing water isn’t limited to the ground — clogged gutters are another potential breeding ground for these insects. Over time, leaves, sticks and other debris clog gutters, preventing water from successfully draining. You’re then left with standing water within the gutter system or on your roof.

To avoid this issue, clean your gutters every winter and keep an eye on them during the fall. You can clear them by hand using a ladder, bucket and scraper, or you can use a power washer from the safety of the ground. As a bonus, clean gutters make a great impression on customers.

Maintain Your Lawn

Many stores have a lawn or are located next to green areas. Overgrown grass creates the perfect environment for mosquitoes to hide during the hottest parts of the day. (Incidentally, clogged gutters make another excellent mosquito sanctuary.) You can keep these pests at bay by trimming grass often. Pay special attention to landscaping near ponds and other standing water, as keeping these areas short can prevent breeding.

If you have the option, you can also install anti-mosquito plants. Strong-smelling greenery can interfere with mosquitoes’ ability to find prey. Just make sure you choose plants that don’t provide nectar that can attract these insects. The following are proven to deter mosquitoes:

• Scented geraniums
• Basil
• Sage
• Lavender
• Marigold
• Lemon balm
• Rosemary
• Citronella
• Peppermint
• Lemongrass

If you can’t incorporate them into the landscape, several of these plants flourish in pots, which you can place near the entrance to your shop.

Mosquitoes have proven dangerous time and again — in fact, scientists consider them the world’s deadliest organism. If you’re dealing with a mosquito problem, you should call the experts immediately.

Fortunately, Truly Nolen Canada is here to help. Our team can eliminate mosquito breeding grounds to keep your place of work comfortable and safe. We can also handle other pests such as mice, cockroaches and spiders. Any time you have unwelcome pests on your property, you can give us a call. Our team of trained technicians in Kitchener will provide an effective pest control service to keep your property free of any infestation.