Mosquitoes are ruining our backyard fun. How can we eliminate them naturally?

Nothing is worse than swatting mosquitoes when you’re trying to relax outdoors. The buzzing pests are highly annoying, and their bites cause itchy, red welts.

Even worse: Mosquitoes can transmit diseases like West Nile virus, a serious illness that has sickened thousands of Canadians since 2002.

At Pest HQ, we’ve found most people prefer to control mosquitoes naturally. Natural pest control is a way to eliminate pests without reaching for toxic bug sprays.

3 ways to eliminate mosquitoes naturally:

• Eliminate breeding sites. Mosquitoes need only a capful of water in which to lay eggs. Within 10 days, the eggs become larvae and then biting adult mosquitoes, which go on to lay even more eggs.

• To stop this cycle and reduce mosquito populations, get rid of standing water on your property. Every few days, empty water from buckets, potted plant saucers, tarps, wheel barrels, tires, children’s toys, kiddie pools and other vessels.

• Refresh water daily in bird baths. Unclog gutters and replace corrugated plastic downspout extenders with straight, smooth extenders. Regrade low areas of the yard where water collects.

• Repel mosquitoes with non-toxic garlic oil. For use near patios and decks, the Mosquito-less brand delivers several weeks of repellency and is a safer alternative to chemical bug sprays. Pest HQ has it is in-stock and ready for pickup or fast delivery.