During the summer months in subtropical and temperate regions and rainy seasons in tropical areas, mosquitoes are, at best, a nuisance because of their bites. These can cause itchy, red, and inflamed patches on our skin. At worst, though, the bites can transmit some of the world’s deadliest diseases.
Protecting customers and staff from mosquitoes
For companies with open areas, such as restaurants, schools, recreational opportunities, and business complexes, mosquito control is critical. Mosquito control and management are needed to keep mosquito numbers down or eradicated, preventing bites to consumers and workers. A bad mosquito experience can adversely impact consumer loyalty and brand perception, resulting in a loss of credibility and revenue.
The most effective method to control mosquitoes is to implement a comprehensive, integrated mosquito management (IMM) program with professional help, but there are some measures you can take yourself to control mosquito numbers. Here are some basic steps for protecting your business.
Remove stagnant water sources
Where possible, make sure natural or man-made water traps are removed, filled in, or have good drainage. The below are some of the best places for mosquitoes to reproduce and survive.
- Objects that can collect water such as discarded food and drink containers, old tires, and buckets should be removed.
- Poor drainage areas, such as ditches, swampy areas, vehicle tracks in soft soil, depressions in the ground, all need maintenance or filling in to prevent water build-up.
- Flower Pot holders, birdbaths, and other objects that hold water for long periods need the water changing every week.
- Over-watered lawns can lead to stagnant water building up and remaining long enough for mosquitoes to breed.
- Gutters and downspouts can collect debris and become blocked, creating sites for mosquitoes. These should be inspected and cleaned regularly.
- Leaks in pipework or air conditioning drainage and structural areas of buildings that trap water, especially in shaded areas, need maintenance to prevent the water from building up.
Manage adult mosquito resting sites
Adult mosquitos rest in low vegetation in shaded areas throughout the day, such as under decks and around building foundations. Cut back low-level overgrowth of trees and shrubs, remove tall weeds and thick grass, keep lawns trimmed.
An environmentally safe adulticide can be sprayed onto leaves in areas of shady vegetation and on surfaces of buildings that will kill adult mosquitoes for several weeks.
Prevent mosquitoes from getting inside your buildings
When not in usage, keep doors and windows closed and, where possible, implement proper fencing for windows, doors, and other openings. Mosquitoes can migrate or crawl into holes and build flaws, so seal them up. Search for and patch any holes or gaps in the panels.
Get help from mosquito-control experts
In different situations, effective mosquito control can range from basic to highly complicated. The implementation of effective integrated mosquito management (IMM) solution would be supported by a technical evaluation. This entails conducting a technical survey to locate mosquito breeding grounds and the most effective strategies for protecting infrastructure and exterminating established species (both larvae and adults). Continuous monitoring software is also included in the IMM strategy to track potential action.