Galen Parker

Mega Icon Team Lead
The Davis Group

Jared Davis

Team Leader/REALTOR®️
The Davis Group

Must-See Midlothian

Midlothian, VA Community

Backyard cookouts. Morning coffee on the deck. Playtime with the kids. Fetch with the dog. Summer in Central Virginia is meant to be enjoyed outside—but mosquitoes and ticks often have other plans.

At Pest Now of Central VA, we believe your outdoor space should be a place of comfort, not constant swatting and itching. Here’s how to reclaim your backyard this summer and enjoy it bug-free.

Why Your Backyard Attracts Mosquitoes and Ticks

Central Virginia’s warm, humid climate makes it a hotspot for outdoor pests—especially in July and August. The mix of moisture, shade, and human/pet activity creates the perfect storm for mosquitoes to breed and ticks to lurk.

The main attractants:

  • Standing water in birdbaths, toys, or gutters (mosquito breeding grounds)
  • Overgrown grass or wooded edges (tick habitat)
  • Warm-blooded hosts like pets and people

6 Ways to Enjoy Your Backyard Without the Bugs

1. Dump Standing Water Weekly

Mosquitoes only need a bottle cap of water to lay eggs. Walk your yard once a week and empty:

  • Buckets and toys
  • Plant saucers and birdbaths
  • Clogged gutters and rain barrels

2. Mow, Trim, and Clean Up Yard Edges

Ticks love shady, overgrown areas. Keep grass short, trim hedges, and clear brush piles. Consider adding a mulch or gravel barrier between lawn and woods.

3. Use Fans and Shade Strategically

Set up oscillating fans on patios and decks—mosquitoes are weak fliers. Create breezy areas with umbrellas or pergolas to enjoy shade without the bugs.

4. Protect Pets and Kids

  • Use vet-approved flea/tick meds on pets
  • Check pets and children after outdoor play
  • Place outdoor playsets away from wooded zones

5. Light Smart: Avoid Bug-Attracting Bulbs

Replace white outdoor bulbs with yellow “bug lights” or install string lights designed to repel insects.

6. Schedule a Professional Yard Treatment

No candle or DIY spray will do what a full-yard treatment can. Pest Now offers:

  • Barrier sprays to eliminate mosquitoes and ticks
  • Targeted treatments in high-risk zones
  • Seasonal service plans for long-term relief

The Pest Now Difference

We know what works because we’re local. Our team is trained to tackle the specific pest pressures of Central Virginia, from Richmond to Charlottesville and everywhere in between.

We treat:

  • Lawns and landscaping
  • Under decks and patios
  • Wood lines and tall grass
  • Pet and play areas

All treatments are safe for kids, pets, and pollinators when dry—and designed to fit seamlessly into your summer routine.

Make Your Yard the Best Part of Summer

Don’t let bugs send you running indoors. With a few smart steps—and help from the pros—you can enjoy every sunset, cookout, and lazy afternoon in a mosquito-free, tick-free backyard.

Call us or visit pestnowcva.com to schedule your free inspection or set up a summer yard treatment plan. Because your backyard should be for memories—not mosquitoes.

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