Many thanks to our sponsor, Mosquito Shield of Fairfield County, for sharing their insight for this article. Our sponsors support the Ridgefield community by helping us promote arts and culture, local events, things to do, and shop local initiatives in Ridgefield. Visit website
Spring is here and we can finally head outdoors and enjoy the sunshine and mild weather so greatly anticipated after a long Connecticut winter. Outdoor entertaining, casual barbecues, and the laughter of our kids playing in the yard are a welcome ritual this time of year!
But with all the fun and attraction of outdoor living also comes dangers that lurk in our own backyards. Especially here in Connecticut, we must be vigilant of tick-borne diseases as well as mosquitoes that carry disease. Just as we take care of every aspect of our family health, we must also take precautions to keep our backyards safe.
Thankfully, there are steps we can take to keep our properties free of dreaded ticks and mosquitoes.
1. Remove leaf litter
Remove leaf litter that has accumulated in your yard which is a breeding ground for ticks and mosquitoes.
2. Clear brush
Clear tall grasses and brush around homes and at the edge of lawns.
3. Create wood chip barrier
Place a 3-ft wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between your lawns and wooded areas to restrict tick migration into lawn areas.
4. Mow frequently
Mow the lawn frequently to reduce insect breeding environments.
5. Well sited play areas
Keep playground equipment, decks, and patios away from yard edges and trees.
Mow your lawn frequently
Keep playground equipment from yard edges and trees
6. Install deer fence
If possible, construct fences to discourage unwelcome animals carrying ticks from entering your yard.
7. Remove standing water
Mosquitoes spend 75% of their life cycle in water, so removing standing water is vital. Be sure to remove water from flowerpots, birdbaths, wheelbarrows, tarps, buckets, and depressions in your lawn.
8. Reduce shady areas
Since mosquitoes and ticks are attracted to shady areas to escape the sun, try to reduce shade in your yard by pruning hedges and cutting back trees.
9. Dethatch lawn
Dethatch your lawn to remove the humid environment that attracts mosquitoes.
10. Spray your property for ticks and mosquitoes
Even if all these steps are taken, the most effective control measure is spraying. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), spraying can prevent ticks and mosquitoes in treated areas of your yard.
Mosquito Shield of Fairfield County provides Tailored Treatment System™, a mosquito and tick control treatment that is customized to meet the specific needs of each client. They actively monitor both mosquito population and weather conditions and adjust treatments as needed, ensuring affordable and effective mosquito and tick control. They also offer safe and effective organic options that use natural ingredients such as garlic and essential oils.
Meet Monica and family
“As a mother of 4 young children who love spending time outdoors, mosquito and tick control have been on my spring to-do list for many years! We found Mosquito Shield to service our property and were blown away. The protection it provides is unparalleled. We bought into this business because we can whole-heartedly stand by our service knowing that we are giving other families exactly what we ourselves needed for so many years. You will have comfort knowing your children and pets are protected for this fun outdoor season!”
Monica DiMatteo, Owner
Mosquito Shield of Fairfield County
Learn more
Learn about their Guaranteed Protection Plan that helps eradicate mosquitoes and ticks by establishing a protective barrier on your property. Visit website
Or call to learn more: (914) 768-3346
