A backyard pool lets you and your family cool off on summer days. However, being in the pool can also put you at risk of getting mosquito bites. If these tiny insects make it hard for your family to enjoy your pool, it’s time to search for Denver exterminator to help you address the problem. Read on to learn some tips to reclaim your outdoor space from mosquitoes:
Why Pools Draw Mosquitoes
Female mosquitoes lay eggs in or near standing water. They will look for puddles due to poor yard drainage, clogged gutters, rain barrels, planters, and damp tree stumps. Also, swimming pools are a standing water source that can draw these blood-sucking insects to your property. While the chemicals used for treating swimming pool water make the pool less enticing to mosquitoes, this water source may still attract them.
Mosquitoes may not lay eggs in well-chlorinated and properly disinfected swimming pools. But the chemical levels must be carefully monitored as they drop too low. Otherwise, mosquitoes can find opportunities to lay eggs in the water.
If you spot a lot of mosquitoes around your swimming pool or get bites, mosquitoes may have built nests nearby. These pests look for cool places such as trees and bushes to nest. Also, larvae may have been hatched in standing water close to the pool. Keep in mind that mosquitoes do not need plenty of water to lay their eggs. In fact, standing in water pool toys and decorative structures may be enough.
Keeping Mosquitoes Out of the Pool
Below are prevention guidelines to help reduce your risk of mosquitoes breeding in or around your swimming pool:
- Maintain your pool regularly. It’s important to test your pool’s chemicals every day to maintain the ideal levels. This can discourage blood-sucking pests from laying eggs. To ensure the best results, follow the instructions on the pool care products.
- Ensure the pool filter is constantly running. For effective pool mosquito control, invest in efficient recirculating pool filtration systems. Female mosquitoes like standing water, so you must keep the pool water moving to prevent these pests from claiming your pool. Every time you are in the pool, leave the filter system on.
- Use a pool cover. A pool cover can reduce the risk of enticing mosquitoes when no one is using the pool. Examine the cover regularly, so you can replace it if necessary.
- Take the pool toys out of the water when not in use. Pool toys can collect water, so they can become an attractant for mosquitoes. After use, these toys should be dried off and kept in tight-sealing storage bins to reduce the risk of mosquitoes in the pool.
- Maintain the landscaping. Landscape maintenance is important in reducing the number of ideal nesting sites for mosquitoes. So, trim the plants and bushes regularly and mow the lawn frequently.
The tips above can help minimize the risk of mosquito infestations occurring around your pool. However, if you are dealing with an active infestation, contact a pest control company for help. Licensed technicians will identify mosquito breeding and nesting sites as well as use advanced technology to eliminate these pests.