Keep Mosquitoes at Bay This Season

Gorgeous fall weather brings family and friends out for barbecues and wine tastings, along with some unwanted “guests.”

No one wants to invest time and money throwing an outdoor party only to end up being attacked by mosquitoes. To find out how we can avoid this scenario we turned to Brian Kelly, owner of East End Tick & Mosquito Control.

What are some things we can do, other than using repellent, to avoid getting bitten?

There are several things you can do protect your property, aside from, or in addition to, regular sprays, like using personal protection products that contain DEET, as they are very effective against mosquito bites. Cutting back on watering your lawn will help too.

What makes one mosquito spray different from another?

There are a few products on the market that work very well for a short time period. We switch products throughout the season to get the best results.

How often should one spray on the East End?

Sprays for mosquitos are very short lived and provide relief for a few days. We recommend having your property sprayed before a party, wedding or special event, but nothing will keep them away
all season.

Many of our clients are sprayed weekly for weekend relief but most have their property sprayed only for special events.

Any tips for hosting outdoor parties?

Spray the day before or morning of the party

and follow the tips below for mosquito prevention

leading up to your soirée:

1. Drill holes in the bottom, not the sides, of garbage and recycling containers located outdoors.

2. Keep gutters clean and unclogged.

3. Keep swimming pools cleaned and chlorinated, even when not in use.

4. Walk around your property after a rain and look for areas in the landscape that are not draining well.

5. Ornamental ponds should be aerated to keep water moving and to discourage mosquitoes from laying eggs.

6. Dump things that hold water, such as birdbaths, non-chlorinated wading pools, garbage can lids, pottery, and flowerpot saucers, twice per week if it has rained. Don’t leave water in pet bowls for more than two days.

7. Keep the property clean of items that can hold water, including discarded aluminum cans and tires.

8. Dispose of used tires, tin cans and plastic containers.

9. Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds.

10. Call in the professionals.

What other bugs should we be looking out for and what precautions do you suggest?

Our sister company Twin Forks Pest Control has had many calls about yellow jackets and hornet nests.

Are there any areas that are particularly dense with mosquitos and other bugs that we should avoid?

Mosquitos are most active at dusk and dawn so it is advised that you use repellants with DEET if you are outside during those hours. Unfortunately there are no bug-free zones out here in the Hamptons, but don’t let that keep you from enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Just use repellents and know your surrounding and always check yourself for ticks whenever you come in from the outdoors.

East End Tick & Mosquito Control, 631-287-9700, tickcontrol.com