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HOW TO PREPARE FOR A MOSQUITO FREE SUMMER

 

Looking forward to outdoor entertaining over the festive season? Watch out for pesky mosquitoes! It’s not just their itchy and irritating bites that will spoil the fun – they can also spread some pretty nasty diseases.

Avoid getting bitten with an unexpected mosquito outbreak this summer. Our latest Hivemind article is here to keep you mosquito free.

What questions will this article answer?

Why are mosquitoes more common in summer?

As the weather heats up, it supports the mosquito life cycle by providing them with ideal conditions to flourish.

Female mosquitoes are known to lay eggs more frequently in warm weather, with up to 100 per batch. Once these hatch, their larvae will grow, ideally in an environment that is between 7-16 degrees Celsius, surrounded by a source of water.

The process of larval development can speed up in warmth and humidity, so if these ideal conditions coincide, this can have a significant impact of the mosquito population. For prolonged periods of heat, this means that mosquitoes are more likely to keep reproducing.

As adult mosquito metabolism increases with hot weather, you’ll be more likely to notice them flying around scavenging for food. This is usually in the form of blood from a host for female mosquitoes, and plant nectar for males.

Signs of a mosquito outbreak

While it’s not unusual to notice more mosquitoes in warm weather, here’s some ways that you can tell if you have a full-blown infestation:

You frequently hear buzzing sounds

Due to the rapid beating of their wings during flight, mosquitoes give off a persistent, characteristic high pitched buzzing noise.

You notice more mosquitoes in shady areas

As moisture levels tend to evaporate in the presence of the sun, mosquitoes are generally drawn to darker places, which are a definite favourite for female mosquitoes to hide and digest their food.

You notice more mosquitoes in areas with higher levels of moisture

From ponds, bird baths, pet bowls to flowerpots and moist garden beds, female mosquitoes are clever at finding places with the perfect conditions to lay their eggs.

Mosquito bites

If you’re getting bitten by pesky mosquitoes more than usual, this means that there are female mosquitoes in the area. They may be laying their eggs around your home.

Mosquitoes in your kitchen

If you leave food uncovered in your kitchen, especially if it is high in sugar content, such as fruit and lollies, male mosquitoes will find this irresistible. However, you may also find that females will join them if their preferred food source (blood) is unavailable.

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Problems caused by mosquitoes

While they may be small, these tiny terrors can cause huge problems for you and your family.

As they move from host to host feeding on blood, mosquitoes are well known for their ability for spreading serious diseases, such as Barmah Forest virus infection, Chikungunya virus, Dengue fever, Elephantiasis, Japanese encephalitis, Malaria, Murray Valley encephalitis, Ross River virus infection, Yellow fever and Zika virus.

Mosquito bites are notorious for being itchy and red and cause varying degrees of swelling. In some people, they may also trigger allergic reactions and in severe cases, bites can cause anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.

Sometimes, you’ll hear them before you see them as their persistent buzzing noises can be distracting and disruptive.

How to protect your home from mosquitoes

Although it can be very difficult to manage mosquitoes altogether without professional help, there are still some steps that you can take to make your home less inviting to mosquitoes. Here’s some of our top recommendations:

Install screens over windows and doors
Having a mesh or wire screen as a physical barrier is always helpful, but it’s best to avoid leaving doors and windows open if possible.

Remove breeding sites
Fill ditches and holes in the ground to prevent water from accumulating as this becomes a potential breeding habitat. Inspect your yard and ensure that there is adequate drainage for pooling water. Consider filling pot plant saucers with sand to absorb excess water.

Regular property maintenance
Make sure that the plumbing and water drainage system at your property is working efficiently, with no leaking pipes and blockages.
Keep your yard clean and tidy, taking care to trim trees and vegetation to limit overgrowth and hiding spots for mosquitoes. Dispose of fallen fruit and vegetables.

Prevent mosquitoes from following you into your home
If possible, limit outdoor activity during peak active times, or use mosquito nets to keep them out of your space.

When you’re heading outdoors, wear insect repellent that contains diethyltoluamide (DEET) or picaridin. You can also use natural alternatives such as eucalyptus or lemon oil, citronella, tea tree oil, but these will need be applied more frequently.
Wear protective clothing and a hat to limit any potential mosquito contact. Bright coloured clothing is known to be less appealing to mosquitoes than darker shades.
You can also consider purchasing electronic repellent devices that are available from hardware stores.

Avoid leaving potential food sources outside
Where possible, keep food items covered and consider using a water dispenser for pets instead of leaving an open water bowl.

Turn on the fan
The moving air current disrupts mosquitoes in flight and disperses carbon dioxide, which attracts them to human hosts.

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Professional mosquito treatment

The most effective way to control a mosquito outbreak is through chemical control. We use Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) approved products that are designed to target adult mosquitoes as well as their larvae.

After an assessment of the outbreak and the layout of your property, your Allstate pest control technician will often use a combination of the following treatment methods:

Larvicides
For ponds and standing or stagnant water areas which are common breeding sites for larvae, we apply highly targeted larvicides to prevente all mosquito larvae. You can be confident that these chemicals have minimal impact on other aquatic organisms.

Adulticides
When there are a large amount of active adult mosquitoes, we’ll need to use a different approach that covers a greater area, that may need to be applied multiple times. This can include:

  • Fogging
    During active times (mainly dawn or dusk), we’ll apply an airborne spray that contains either a natural or synthetic pyrethroid chemical to the entire affected area. These chemicals disrupt the mosquito nervous system and cause paralysis. Fogging is usually effective for 2-3 days.
  • Residual barrier treatments
    We use this for smaller, more targeted areas, aiming to stop adult mosquitoes from entering your home by lingering on surfaces where they may land. We commonly apply this treatment to fences, eaves, walls, vegetation or foliage and it is known to last for up to 6-8 weeks.

For fast and effective mosquito prevention, choose Allstate

With sunny days ahead and holiday season approaching, the last thing you need is to worry about pesky mosquitoes spoiling your plans. That’s why at Allstate, we’re here to help you get your home ready for insect-free outdoor and indoor entertaining all party season.

Family owned and operated since 1986, Allstate offers targeted, modern and innovative pest control services to homes and businesses across all suburbs of Adelaide. We only use mosquito treatments which are non-toxic to pets, children and the environment.

Our highly trained technicians are available 24/7 for any urgent enquiries to all new and existing residential, commercial and industrial clients.

Our services are covered by competitive warranties and a 100% satisfaction guarantee and we also offer payment plans. Safeguard your home and enjoy a relaxing summer with Allstate’s long-lasting mosquito protection.

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Why Pet-Friendly Pest Control Matters

Pets don’t think twice about sniffing around the skirting boards, licking a spill, or rolling on the carpet. If that surface has been sprayed with the wrong product, the end result may leave even your vet helpless.

Accidental poisoning in pets is a common household emergency. Dogs and cats are especially sensitive to insecticides. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, drooling, or worse.

And it’s not just about pets. If you’ve got toddlers crawling around, they’re exposed to the same risks. That’s why pest control that’s safe for pets and kids is the best choice.

Common Pet-Friendly Pest Control Methods That Work and Don’t

Online DIY forums are full of advice on pet-friendly pest control methods that work and help you keep the pest control service away. But let’s see how they test.

Natural Solutions

Many people try natural remedies first. Essential oils, diatomaceous earth, and even planting herbs like basil and rosemary around the yard. These options are eco-friendly pest control methods.

Some also swear by planting herbs around the fence line. Yes, they smell nice and look nice.
But mozzies and cockroaches don’t really care.

One bloke in Adelaide tried peppermint oil sprays. His dog sneezed nonstop. He later discovered that peppermint can be harmful to dogs.

Sure, they can help with mild pest problems, but they’re not reliable.

Science backs it, too. A 2005 study in Phytotherapy Research tested 38 oils. None protected against mosquito bites for more than 2 hours. Citronella oils, which lots of people rely on, need re-application every 20–60 minutes to stay effective.

Eco hacks might be fine for a backyard BBQ, but not for a full-blown cockroach infestation in the kitchen.

Pet-Friendly Pest Control Sprays

The better option is low-toxicity sprays used by professionals. These are proper pet-friendly pest control sprays, not off-the-shelf supermarket products. They’re regulated, tested, and applied with care.

We don’t soak your whole house. We treat cracks, skirting boards, and entry points. That way, pests are dealt with, and pets aren’t exposed to wet chemicals.

Want to know how these treatments work? Check our General Pest Treatment Guide for a full breakdown, or call a pest control professional and ask your questions.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Then there’s IPM, Integrated Pest Management. It’s not just about treatment; it’s about prevention.

Here’s how it works:

  • An IPM professional comes to inspect and monitor pest activity.
  • Seals off entry points around the house.
  • Removes food and water sources.
  • Uses bait stations or rodent traps that are tamper-proof.
  • Applies treatment only where and when it’s needed.

The result is highly effective pest control with minimal chemicals and long-term safety for pets and families.

Preparing Your Home for Safe Pest Control

Even with pet-safe products, you’ll want to prep your house before a visit. Think of it as helping us to do a better job.

Here’s what to do:

  • Pick up all pet bowls, toys, and bedding.
  • Cover aquariums or bird cages.
  • Keep dogs and cats outside until treated areas are dry.
  • Open windows or doors to air out rooms after sprays.

If we’re doing rodent work, we’ll place bait stations or rodent traps where pets can’t reach them. You can see more in our steps for preparing for rodent treatment.

Long-Term Pest Prevention That’s Pet Safe

Safe pest control isn’t a one-off. Pests can come back if the conditions are right. Long-term prevention is key.

Here’s what you can do around the house:

  • Seal gaps under doors with draft stoppers.
  • Fit mesh screens on windows to keep insects out.
  • Store food in airtight containers.
  • Keep bins sealed and away from the house.
  • Clear clutter in sheds and yards where rodents love to hide.

And here’s what we do as part of our home pest maintenance services:

  • Regular low-toxicity treatments.
  • Monitoring of high-risk areas.
  • Pet-safe traps and bait stations.
  • Tailored advice for your property.

Real Homeowners Choosing Pet Safe Options

A lot of Aussies are testing out “pet-friendly” pest control ideas on their own. Some work for a little while. Some don’t. And some can cause more trouble than expected.

Take one Adelaide dog owner. They sprayed peppermint oil around the skirting boards, thinking it would keep spiders out. Within minutes, their dog was sneezing and rubbing against the carpet. A vet later explained that peppermint can be toxic for dogs if it’s inhaled or licked. What seemed like a harmless natural fix turned out to be a risk.

pet friendly pest control feedback

Another family with two cats tried essential oils for mozzies after reading about it online. The smell was strong, but the mozzies were back the same night.

Then there was a Reddit thread where one user said they wouldn’t risk their pets’ health “to save $100 a year” on a pest control service. They said, “They’re professionals. The cost to buy the stuff and figure out proper amounts is hardly worth the effort.” They pointed out how easy it is to get the wrong mix or dosage when you’re guessing with DIY solutions.

pet friendly pest control review

These stories are reminders and warnings that not every “natural” or DIY idea is as safe or effective as it seems. If you’re trying something at home, always check whether it’s safe for pets first. And know that some methods may not last long enough to fix a real infestation.

Keep Pests Out and Your Pets Safe.

Pet-friendly pest control is about doing things smarter and not harsher. You don’t have to choose between protecting your home and keeping your pets safe. With low-toxicity sprays, IPM, and long-term prevention advice from your pest control professional, you can enjoy a pest-free home without risking your furry mates.

DIY fixes might look appealing, but they’re often unsafe or ineffective. Professional support from a licensed pest control company is the safer option for your family, pets, and property.

At Allstate Pest Control, we’ve built our reputation as South Australia’s most trusted pest control company by protecting what matters. Call 08 8371 1277 today or book a pet-friendly pest control service online in Adelaide. Keep pests out, and keep your pets safe.