Take the Bite out of Backyard Barbecues

by Thomas Kraeutler

Backyard barbecues are a summer highlight. But one unwelcome guest, the northern house mosquito, can keep you swatting more than a good game of backyard badminton.

Mosquitoes need water to breed in. According to mosquito experts, above normal rainfall in the last 5 years has caused the mosquito population to skyrocket. While most mosquitoes breed in large wet areas like swamps, you may be surprised to learn that just as many mosquitoes can form in your own back yard. All the female mosquito needs, is a little bit of standing water on which to lay her eggs. Homeowners with a little know-how can do a lot to reduce mosquito populations and help keep these uninvited guests from ruining the summer fun.

Clean Gutters

Gutters clogged with leaf debris will allow stagnant water to form perfect "landing zones" for mosquito eggs. Clean gutters at least 4 times a year or install leaf guards to keep gutters dry.

Prevent Puddles

Fill in low areas in your yard where water collects. Use clean fill dirt to build the area up. Then cover with top soil and use grass seed, sod or mulch. Water puddles that last for even a few days can allow mosquitoes to hatch.

Collect Containers

Do a survey of your yard for anything that holds water. Look for empty flower pots, buckets, jars, wheelbarrows and old tires. Drill holes in the bottom of trash cans and recycling buckets to allow them to drain. Check children's toys like wading pools, sand box tops and other surfaces that can collect water. Flush bird baths with clean water at least once per week to prevent stagnation.

What about all the other common household remedies for mosquito problems, like bug lights, citronella candles and insect repellent? They may give some relief, but as Martin Chomsky, director of the Monmouth County Mosquito Control Commission, said, "The best solution to the mosquito problem is to drain all areas of standing water - everything else is temporary."

Taking the time to "dry out" your back yard can reduce area mosquito populations and help make sure the only thing you'll be slapping this summer is a few steaks on the grill.

Tom Kraeutler is a hands-on home improvement broadcast journalist and the kind of guy homeowners want to call at midnight when their basement floods. He earned his home improvement stripes as a professional home inspector, amassing over 20 years experience learning how houses are put together, and how they fall apart! Tom appears regularly on CNN, MSNBC, The History Channel, HGTV and the DIY Network. He's a columnist for House Beautiful and do! Magazine and his work has been featured in Smart Money, Reader's Digest and in hundreds of daily newspapers across the nation.