By Brett Martin | www.popularmechanics.com |
You probably know that mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water. What’s surprising is how little water they need—just a tablespoon. If you leave an empty soda pop bottle or even the twist-off cap outside and it fills with rainwater, it can provide a habitat for mosquitoes. Here are other places they lay eggs and what you can do about it.
1Tire Swing
An old tire hanging by a rope from a tree branch makes for a classic yard fixture, plus it’s a cheap way to entertain kids and recycles a tire in the process. The problem with tire swings is that tires hold water. This is annoying when you’re swinging and stagnant water splashes on you. It also provides a haven for mosquitoes. The easy fix: drill a hole in the bottom of the tire so the water runs out.
2 Bird Bath
Even if you’re not a regular bird watcher, a bird bath can provide a nice focal point in your backyard. To keep the fixture from becoming a mosquito motel, change the water and clean the bath weekly by scrubbing the surface with a soft bristle brush and rinsing it. This kills any mosquito eggs or larvae.
3.Kids’ Toys
