A tire swing is a quintessential summer accessory. Its budget-friendly materials and easy construction have made it a cornerstone of summer for generations. Making memories is easy and fun with this classic backyard addition.
While your kids may enjoy the tire swing, unfortunately so do mosquitoes. The interior of the tire, between the sidewalls, is a perfect spot for water to accumulate. It’s also an ideal habitat for mosquitoes to hatch their larvae. A mosquito breeding ground growing in your childrens’ favorite backyard plaything is not ideal. But there are a few things you and your kids can do to keep mosquitoes out of your tire swing before the hatching season starts.
Dehydrate Your Tire Swing
Mosquitoes love areas where water can collect and sit stagnant for long periods of time. To keep mosquito larvae out of your tire swing and away from your backyard activities, address areas where water can accumulate before it becomes a problem. The best way to do this is to drill a few small holes in the bottom of the tire so water can drain out.
Drill 4-5 holes in the bottom of your tire swing, about 1-2 inches apart. This will ensure there is enough drainage to get rid of any water that might otherwise collect in the bottom of the tire. If you want to get the kids involved, let them help you with the measurements for the holes.
Don’t Be Left in the Dark
Believe it or not, one of the reasons mosquitoes are so attracted to a tire swing is the dark color. Mosquitoes lovedark colors, since they are the most likely to trap heat and are the most visible to them. The black color of your tire swing is like rolling out a welcome mat for mosquitoes that says, “this is a great place to lay your eggs and ruin backyard activities.”
So in this case you don’t have to be a good neighbor. Pull in the ‘welcome’ sign and paint your tire swing a lighter color. White is a great choice. You can even turn it into a fun crafting activity by letting the kids choose from a selection of light colors. Tell them why it’s important to change the color of the tire swing and let them have it with some non-toxic paint.
Related Topic: What Colors Attract Mosquitoes?
A Natural Alternative
While warmer weather usually means more mosquitoes, it also means backyard gardens begin to grow and flourish. Plants and flowers typically attract a variety of animals and insects, some of which can help control the mosquito population.
Herbs such as lemongrass, mint, and rosemary give off an aroma that can also help reduce the number of mosquitoes in your garden. Garlic, usually reserved for keeping vampires away, can be effective at chasing off the other dreaded bloodsuckers: mosquitoes. Growing these plants can not only help with pest control, it can also be a fun summer hobby that provides a healthy alternative to store-bought produce.
Related Topic: Do Mosquito Repellant Plants Really Work?
If you want to treat your entire backyard with a natural mosquito barrier, call the professionals at Mosquito Joe. Their concentrated natural barrier spray uses essential oils, such as lemongrass, peppermint or rosemary, and garlic to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas from your property by targeting shrubs, plants, flowers, vegetable gardens, and around ponds where mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas like to rest and feed. It’s an effective natural mosquito repellant that allows you and your family to enjoy a bug-free backyard.
Getting Back to Fun
Keeping mosquitoes out of your tire swing is relatively easy compared to keeping mosquitoes from spoiling your backyard fun. For that, consider getting regular mosquito barrier treatments. Call the professionals at Mosquito Joe and have them apply a barrier spray to your entire yard and within 30 minutes you can start enjoying your outdoor activities again. Treatments last for up to 3 weeks and can target potential problem areas. Request a free quote today and let Mosquito Joe make outside fun again!
