How to Prepare for Mosquito Season in SE MI

When Does Mosquito Season Start in Southeast Michigan? Mosquito season typically starts in late April or early May in Grand Rapids and the SE Michigan areas and can last through October. However, the exact timing of when mosquitoes start to appear varies depending. In order to prepare for the season, it is important to reduce standing water around your home, as this is where mosquitoes often lay their eggs. Consider draining any bird baths, filling in low spots in your yard, and emptying any buckets or other containers that could collect rainwater. Additionally, it is important to place screens over windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from entering the home. Mosquito repellents, such as those containing DEET, can also be used to help keep mosquitoes away. Do U.S. Mosquitoes Carry Diseases? Mosquito season in Grand Rapids and Southeast Michigan typically begins in May and can last through October. The most common mosquito-borne diseases in Southeast Michigan are West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and La Crosse encephalitis. To prepare for mosquito season, homeowners should consider eliminating breeding grounds, such as standing water, which can attract mosquitoes. Mosquito repellents and protective clothing are also recommended. Yes, mosquitoes in the United States can carry diseases. The most common mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S. include West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and La Crosse encephalitis. Other mosquito-borne diseases that have been reported in the U.S. include Zika virus, chikungunya virus, and malaria. How Can You Prepare For Mosquito Season? 1. Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes breed and lay eggs in standing water, so reducing sources of standing water around your home is a great way to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your area. Make sure to empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that collect water, such as buckets, flowerpots, old tires, bird baths, and wading pools. 2. Install or repair window and door screens: Make sure all your windows and doors have intact screens that fit properly. Screens will help keep mosquitoes from entering your home. 3. Wear protective clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants when outside. Light colors are best, as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors. You can also use insect repellent to help keep mosquitoes away. 4. Consider using a professional pest control service: If you’re having a particularly bad mosquito problem, it may be worth it to hire a professional pest control service to come in and treat your home and yard. What Else Can You Do To Protect Yourself and Your Home From Infestations? 1. Keep your lawn and outdoor areas free of standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so eliminating any standing water around your Grand Rapids, MI, home can help prevent infestations. 2. Install window screens. Make sure that all windows and doors are properly screened to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. 3. Use insect repellents. Repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus can help keep mosquitoes at bay. 4. Wear protective clothing. Long sleeves and pants can help protect your skin from mosquito bites. 5. Make sure your gutters are clean. Clogged gutters can create pools of standing water, which can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. 6. Use mosquito traps. Traps that use UV light, water, and carbon dioxide can attract and trap mosquitoes. 7. Turn on your outdoor fans. Mosquitoes are weak flyers, so having a fan or two in your outdoor areas can help keep them away. 8. Clean your bird baths and pet bowls. Make sure to empty and refill your bird baths and pet bowls regularly to prevent mosquito larvae from forming. Effective Mosquito Removal Services in SE Michigan:  Knowing when mosquitos become active in Grand Rapids is extremely important for anyone looking to avoid bites throughout their summertime activities! At Wolverine Pest Control, our skilled professionals offer safe and effective mosquito control in Grand Rapids, Lansing, Jackson, Ann Arbor, Marshall, Howell, Charlotte, MI, and surrounding communities. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you!

Hate Bugs? Add These 10 Bug-Repelling Plants to Your Garden

While some plants can attract pests you don’t want on your property, many can be part of your pest prevention strategy! These helpful plants have known repellent attributes that make your yard less attractive to mosquitoes, flies, ants, and more. Garlic Use it for food — and pest control! Garlic’s pungent scent deters insects such as mosquitoes, aphids, beetles, mites, and more. Sage Sage’s strong scent helps repel flies, mosquitoes, moths, fleas, and even mice. It has a pleasant, earthy aroma that goes well with many dishes. You can even use it to make homemade smudge sticks. Peppermint. This sharp-smelling herb is a natural deterrent for rodents and many insects. Plus, you can use the leaves for countless recipes, refreshing summer cocktails, and even a cozy cup of caffeine-free tea. Rosemary Rosemary’s strong aroma helps repel mosquitoes, cabbage moths, and carrot flies. It’s also a great addition to any dish — add it to soups, salads, stews, chicken dishes, and focaccia bread. Catnip This herb’s potent fragrance can repel mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, and ants. Just note it attracts cats, so you may want to avoid planting it if you don’t want neighborhood kitties visiting your property. Lemongrass Its citrusy scent helps repel mosquitos and other flying insects. As a bonus, lemongrass is a common ingredient in Asian dishes: use it in homemade soups and curries! Lavender Lavender’s scent is soothing, and its oils can help repel pests such as mosquitoes and flies. ‘Provence’ and ‘Grosso’ lavender are most effective because they have higher camphor properties than other lavender varieties. Marigolds The distinctive smell of marigolds helps keep away garden pests like aphids, squash bugs, tomato worms, and the infamous Japanese beetle. Planting a border of these around your garden can keep unwanted visitors away. Chrysanthemums Many of these brightly colored flowers contain a compound called pyrethrin (a natural pesticide), which can help ward off ticks, Japanese beetles, and ants. “Mums” are a fall garden staple. Scented eraniums These pretty plants come in a few different varieties and have fragrances like rose lemon, and even nutmeg. They can help repel flying insects like moths, aphids, and mosquitoes. Plant a few around your yard for an added layer of pest control with color!  Basil This fragrant herb helps repel mosquitoes, flea beetles, houseflies, and cabbage webworms. Plus, it can be used in so many recipes (like pesto!) that you’ll never get bored of it. Eaton & Grand Rapids Pest Control Services Now that you know the best bug-repelling plants for your garden, it’s time to take your pest prevention efforts up a notch. At Wolverine Pest Control, we offer a full range of pest control services to keep your home and yard safe from pests all year round. Contact us today to learn more about our services and get one step closer to a home without pest problems!