River Rocks & Mosquitoes
When you add a new feature such as white pebble rock, landscaping can be an exciting step toward creating the yard of your dreams, but it’s important to make sure the feature doesn’t have any negative characteristics, like potentially attracting mosquitoes, before you do. When it comes to river rock and mosquitoes, you’ll be happy to know that not only does it not attract them, but it may also keep the insects at bay.
Mosquitoes require moisture to breed and reproduce, and decorative rocks don’t hold moisture. They may even prevent standing water from building up on the ground, something else that attracts these pesky insects. When you add river rock to certain areas of your yard, it can improve drainage.
Other Ways River Rocks Prevent Mosquitoes
In addition to preventing moisture from building up in your yard, river rock may keep weeds, something else that attracts mosquitoes, at bay. Certain other types of ground cover, such as mulch, decomposes over time, which can also attract bugs. Decorative rocks never decompose. Finally, mosquitoes are unlikely to go down into the crevices between decorative rocks, so it’s not an appealing surface for them to visit.
Other Ways to Prevent Mosquitoes with Your Landscaping
In addition to adding river rock to your landscape, there are other ways to keep mosquitoes away from your yard. Keeping grass and weeds trimmed is important, as is removing any areas where water may pool and sit for long periods. This can range from areas where your ground drains poorly to flower pots and other containers. If you can’t keep your grass trimmed, you may want to consider replacing it with a landscaping alternative, such as polished black river rock.
Adding certain plants to your yard may also keep mosquitoes away. Herbs like garlic, rosemary, lemongrass, and various types of mint may help. Citronella is another great option. Some flowering plants, such as marigolds, geraniums, and lavender, may help as well. Some people even claim catnip can keep insects away.
Why It’s Important to Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Yard
Whether you’re having a big backyard barbecue or just enjoying a warm summer evening on your patio, mosquitoes can quickly ruin your good time. They swarm around looking for skin to bite, and the results are usually itchy and obnoxious.
But mosquitoes are more than just pests. They can also carry diseases. West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne virus in the United States, but others, such as dengue, Zika, and malaria, have been detected within the country. Mosquitoes can also harm your furry family members. If you have dogs and cats, a mosquito bite can lead to heartworms.
No matter what type of stones you choose, using them to keep pests away from your yard will maintain your landscape’s character and beauty. For expert advice on designing and maintaining your landscape with decorative rocks and pebbles, reach out to the experts at RS&P Rocks Stones & Pebbles, a premier landscape rock and supply superstore. We specialize in drought-tolerant landscaping materials, including a variety of Mexican beach pebble and river rock. To learn how we can help you create the landscape of your dreams, call us today.
