Mosquitoes lay their eggs in surprisingly small volumes of stagnant water located in residential areas. During the monsoons and warmer times of the year, such places can easily result in the reproduction of hundreds of mosquitoes if left untreated. Although there are mosquito repellents and sprays available, elimination of breeding grounds is one of the best ways to keep them at bay. Below are seven hidden breeding spots that you might have overlooked.
Flower pot saucers
Water-collecting trays under flower pots may serve as perfect mosquito breeding places. They may fill up with rainwater or watering that does not drain for several days. Such stagnant water provides the ideal place for mosquitoes to lay eggs. As those saucers are placed below the plant, homeowners may easily forget to empty them from time to time. Draining the water and washing the trays will prevent mosquito larvae from developing as well as ensure good health for your plants.
Clogged roof gutters
Roof gutters that get clogged by leaves, twigs, and other debris trap rainwater, creating perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes. As those gutters are hard to notice, they often go unnoticed until the mosquito population becomes noticeable. Regular cleaning of the roof gutters and proper draining of rainwater will help eliminate such hidden breeding spots.
Buckets, containers and unused utensils
Unused containers and utensils, such as buckets, tubs, watering cans, old tyres, and any other items that are left outdoors, often collect rainwater. Those items do not seem dangerous at all, but still, they may easily turn into mosquito breeding places within just a few days. Storing all those containers upside down, covering water-storage items or emptying collected water right after the rainfall will minimize chances of breeding mosquitoes.
Bird baths and decorative water features
Adding charm to the garden, bird baths and ornamental fountains also attract mosquitoes if there is standing water in them. The water should be changed regularly or kept moving constantly to make sure that those places are not attractive for mosquito breeding anymore. Owners of ponds should think about using mosquito-eating fish in them to control mosquito larvae development.
Air conditioner drip trays
Air conditioners generate condensation, which usually accumulates in special drip trays or containers. This water is likely to become one more hidden breeding place if it stands there stagnantly. Periodic check-ups of the drainage system of your air conditioning and cleaning of drip trays are the things to do to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Drains and blocked outdoor pipes
Drains and blocked outdoor pipes usually trap stagnant water for several days and create damp and sheltered places for mosquitoes. Regular cleaning of the drains and outdoor pipes will help remove stagnant water and prevent mosquito breeding.
